Re: [ARSCLIST] cassette crackle

[Tom Fine <tflists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 05:54 PM 2008-09-18, Michael Biel wrote:
...

> I have seen some people suggest using a four channel quad head to play back full track tapes and 
> select one AND ONLY ONE of the tracks to use.

I have had good results using the TWO center tracks, but one must align azimuth very carefully to 
the tape being played. A scope can be helpful but I prefer putting one track out of phase and tuning 
for maximum null. And make sure to re-check azimuth if there is leader or another known incidence of 
recording being hit at a different time or location from the section of tape you just played. If the 
azimuth is right, summing those tracks to mono makes for better s/n and less too-much-bass.

I should note this does not work if the full-track tape is not being brought over the heads 
precisely. In other words, if the tape is stretched and warped badly, stick with the single 
best-sounding of the 4 tracks.

-- Tom Fine