Lots of comments about turning machine off when designating are untrue. The best position for the heads to be in are in the play position when various solenoids are activated and the mechanism is in the play position. The only possible side effect to doing this powered is amplifier overload. But as we all know this will just result in a clipped input level and no damage will result.
@@SoddingaboutSi I'd hate to rely on head saturation to protect me. But I do see your point, and you're probably right. I just prefer to make sure it's all turned off before I begin. It's how I was trained to do it many years (1975-ish?) ago. I might tinker around a bit with some cassette and RTR heads and a 'scope to see how much I can get from my Sony head demagger. It might make an interesting video.
2:09 that Cassette tape is not far enough way my friend. ALWAYS power machines OFF before Demagnetizing. Some machines send a continuous signal to the heads.
I picked up a Dukane filmstrip viewer with cassette player at the thrift store that was not auto-advancing. After a clean/demag, it started working again. I was gonna say something about you setting you demag right next to a cassette, but you moved the cassette away before you turned on the mains. Nice job.
A much easier way to de-mag the heads is with a TDK HD-01 cassette head demagnetizer. You have to change the battery every few years but it is simple. Just pop in the cassette shaped demagnetizer, press play and a little light will go on when done. I've had my HD-01 for over 35 years and it works.
Yeah I know, but ya can't have everything! I also have a "wand" demagnetizer that I use for my Teac X-3 open reel deck and every few months also use it (as needed) for the four cassette decks I have to "back up" the HD-01. I just find the HD-01 a whole lot easier to use. My cassette decks are; Denon DRM-800A, Akai GX-f31, Yamaha KX-260 and Nakamichi BX-1. Good helpful video my friend. De-magging tape heads IS important to the good performance of any deck.
RUclips is strange for recommending this video to me after all this time, quite simple and straight forward thinking behind it and I enjoyed it. All the pansy ass comments about the unit being powered on haha, if I recall correctly most if not all worth while decks of this time never head a continuous signal with the head disengaged so no harm or foul. Another note, you cannot permanently magnetize an amorphous head and therefore it will never need to be demagnetized. Even though the head isn't prone to magnetization issues due to the material it's made out of, you may still need to demagnetize other parts of the transport mechanism occasionally. Your demagnetization device will still end up being within close proximity to the head so any prior fears of introducing issues are moot. 90% of the people being anal about tech repairs clearly are certified repair and equipment specialists that know about the inner workings of every single device that's ever been created.
Yep. Worked with a professional sound lab owner at a high shop years ago. Not sure why people think you going to damage electronics from demagnatising with power on. Most of the time the amp is off unless in play and even then the amp will just clip.
I remember doing this as a kid and very, very carefully following the instructions and the result was just awful. I couldn't play any cassettes for a week or two, all that came out was a low muffle. I was in tears, I thought my precious tape recorder had been destroyed. But it more or less seemed to come right by itself after a while. I never used one again.
Poor old Simon Spiers. I do find it amusing how trolls try to belittle him, yet no visable proof of what expertise they themselves have. If you have worked professionally in the audio industry, you'll be more than aware of degaussing. You'll also know it is not a myth. Thanks for the dem Simon, I have seen these versions online a lot (used to a more robust and dated version from the 60s) and wanted to find out the correct method of use for this version before buying. Mission accomplished now. Off to sort out my Yamaha deck. 😉😂😂😂
Thanks for this. on paper this sounds scary, seeing it first was helpful! Noticeable improvement on 50 year old tape echo machine ;-) who are these people saying there's no need to demagnetize...
Cassette tape heads don't need to be demagnetized, ever. As a matter of fact, keep anything magnetic away from your heads. Cleaning of the tape transport and alignment is all a cassette deck needs to play optimally. Demagnetizing won't make a lick of difference.
@@SoddingaboutSi Something I learned in school when I was studying to be a Broadcast Engineer...stuck with me ever since and I've had this confirmed by several others in the biz and I actually read a paper on it. If I find it online, I'll share it here. Apparently cassette heads are not prone to magnetism build-up and demagnetizing them risks doing more harm than good. And personally, before I knew this, I too would demagnetize my heads...and never, ever once did it ever solve/fix anything or make any noticable difference whatsoever. I mean, you do your thing and whatever floats your boat, but to me it's a complete waste of time.
Want to see if your wand Head Demagnetizer actually works? Use a magnetic tip screwdriver and pick up a small metal washer... place your demagnetizer wand within an inch of the screwdriver tip and watch the washer leap off the screwdriver. I have an old Realistic Tape Head Demagnetizer that makes no noise but effectively works. With magnetic tape getting scarcer, no sense taking any chances with needlessly ruining recordings because of being too lazy to keep your tape heads demagnetized...
I have an old Audiotex demagnetiser which I picked up almost a decade ago. It's a shame they never made a 240V model since this is one of the best built ones I have ever come across, and it also has a momentary switch.
Isn't It risky to use a demagnetizer probe unless an experienced technician ensures that it can be used on a specific Deck? I mean, depending on the PCB layout and where the internal circuits are, the probe could damage the unity? I've destroyed a Walkman with a demagnetizer like that, following all the steps, not shure why. The magnetization caused by usual/eventual domestic use of the cassette Is not so strong, right?
do you think that magnatized tape heads might cause small ticks when playback the cassette? i have this problem sometimes.... thanks for the great video!
Useful video, thanks! Do you think this demagnetizing device is suitable also for use on bigger reels-to-reels multitrack recorders' (1/2 or 1 inch tape) heads or for cassette type only? Thanks
I have 2 tascam 122 mkii and both play a bit muffled and crunchy. Not sure if it's magnatized or if the bias is off. Cleaned heads and tried to get bias tuned in, but on a test tone it plays with a bit of a crunchy sound and low pb levels. Music playback is OK bit not very bright . 🤔 And low levels. Any ideas?
I didn't fully understand. You said there's a way to damage the tape heads? If I make sure anything that can absorb magnetic field is away, and I start at a distance from tape deck I should be fine?
J San Antonio You can only damage the head by contacting it with a metal object and scratching it. Start close to the head and transport and in a slow circular styled motion move away. All should be fine.
Not sure which model this was now, However I caan't find any other data supporting your caim. I am wonering if they were refering to the automatic demagnatisers? www.vintagecassette.com/aiwa/ad-wx808/faqs
Dear Simon i have a quetion : Why didn't you turn off the deck 1st before the operation ?? My deck is the Aiwa ad-f850 Doesn't it matters ?? Thx for any reply :-)
Sir, "demagnetizing tape heads" means some proper inspections, such as measuring magnetic field parameters BEFORE and AFTER demagnetization. I don't understand what's the purpose of those kind of videos, except for marketing. It shows and proves nothing.
What facts? Where's you proof of magnetic field on deck's metal parts (before and after demagnetization)? After all, you did it with equipment turned on, and demagnetizer started near audio tape. It is like repairing audio / video equipment without measuring any electrical property of circuit under fail. Please consider some real facts in future videos. Thanks in advance.
It is a well known fact that any metal object that stays in one position for a length of time builds a magnetic flux from the earths field. This video shows how to remove the field if the heads and tape path have become magnetized. It makes no difference if the machine is on or off, but there is a risk in overloading the amplifiers from the field of the demagnetizer. If you worked in sound studios back in the 60's and 70's the engineers would demagnetize the tape paths once a year as a precaution..
Engineers in Yamaha also claimed (and proved) that after more than 1000 hours of REC / PLAY sessions didn't found any excessive residual magnetic whatsoever.. So, as a precaution, measuring is always better than just playing around without good reasons. Your point is correct, this is only informative. As a service repair technician with over 25 years of experience, I hope you find my point also. Cheers.
So do you think taking this precaution in a waste of a video? 1000 hours is a lot less than a year. There maybe no magnetic field buildup, but once it's been degaussed, I know there is non. You mention measuring for magnetism, how do you do that? Cheers
Lots of comments about turning machine off when designating are untrue. The best position for the heads to be in are in the play position when various solenoids are activated and the mechanism is in the play position. The only possible side effect to doing this powered is amplifier overload. But as we all know this will just result in a clipped input level and no damage will result.
Nope. Feed an op-amp a higher input voltage than its power supply rails and it's lights out. ruclips.net/video/tv4wbc3QPTo/видео.html
@@ScottGrammerYes. But this doesn't. Head saturation would happen long before then. been doing like this sine the 80's.
@@SoddingaboutSi I'd hate to rely on head saturation to protect me. But I do see your point, and you're probably right. I just prefer to make sure it's all turned off before I begin. It's how I was trained to do it many years (1975-ish?) ago.
I might tinker around a bit with some cassette and RTR heads and a 'scope to see how much I can get from my Sony head demagger. It might make an interesting video.
Dude you MUST turn off the deck 1st before doing this job :
2:09 that Cassette tape is not far enough way my friend. ALWAYS power machines OFF before Demagnetizing. Some machines send a continuous signal to the heads.
Nice one Simon, that really helped a lot. It's always good to see someone doing it first before you try to do it yourself. Thanks a lot!
I picked up a Dukane filmstrip viewer with cassette player at the thrift store that was not auto-advancing. After a clean/demag, it started working again. I was gonna say something about you setting you demag right next to a cassette, but you moved the cassette away before you turned on the mains. Nice job.
A much easier way to de-mag the heads is with a TDK HD-01 cassette head demagnetizer. You have to change the battery every few years but it is simple. Just pop in the cassette shaped demagnetizer, press play and a little light will go on when done. I've had my HD-01 for over 35 years and it works.
But they are not as effective.
Yeah I know, but ya can't have everything! I also have a "wand" demagnetizer that I use for my Teac X-3 open reel deck and every few months also use it (as needed) for the four cassette decks I have to "back up" the HD-01. I just find the HD-01 a whole lot easier to use. My cassette decks are; Denon DRM-800A, Akai GX-f31, Yamaha KX-260 and Nakamichi BX-1. Good helpful video my friend. De-magging tape heads IS important to the good performance of any deck.
Simon Spiers What if you run such a tape twice (or more) in a row, any noticeable improvement (even theoretically)?
RUclips is strange for recommending this video to me after all this time, quite simple and straight forward thinking behind it and I enjoyed it.
All the pansy ass comments about the unit being powered on haha, if I recall correctly most if not all worth while decks of this time never head a continuous signal with the head disengaged so no harm or foul. Another note, you cannot permanently magnetize an amorphous head and therefore it will never need to be demagnetized. Even though the head isn't prone to magnetization issues due to the material it's made out of, you may still need to demagnetize other parts of the transport mechanism occasionally. Your demagnetization device will still end up being within close proximity to the head so any prior fears of introducing issues are moot. 90% of the people being anal about tech repairs clearly are certified repair and equipment specialists that know about the inner workings of every single device that's ever been created.
Yep. Worked with a professional sound lab owner at a high shop years ago. Not sure why people think you going to damage electronics from demagnatising with power on. Most of the time the amp is off unless in play and even then the amp will just clip.
I remember doing this as a kid and very, very carefully following the instructions and the result was just awful. I couldn't play any cassettes for a week or two, all that came out was a low muffle. I was in tears, I thought my precious tape recorder had been destroyed. But it more or less seemed to come right by itself after a while. I never used one again.
did you ever understand what was happening exactly?
Poor old Simon Spiers. I do find it amusing how trolls try to belittle him, yet no visable proof of what expertise they themselves have. If you have worked professionally in the audio industry, you'll be more than aware of degaussing. You'll also know it is not a myth.
Thanks for the dem Simon, I have seen these versions online a lot (used to a more robust and dated version from the 60s) and wanted to find out the correct method of use for this version before buying. Mission accomplished now. Off to sort out my Yamaha deck. 😉😂😂😂
Thanks for this. on paper this sounds scary, seeing it first was helpful! Noticeable improvement on 50 year old tape echo machine ;-) who are these people saying there's no need to demagnetize...
Cassette tape heads don't need to be demagnetized, ever. As a matter of fact, keep anything magnetic away from your heads. Cleaning of the tape transport and alignment is all a cassette deck needs to play optimally. Demagnetizing won't make a lick of difference.
Explain to us why you think that please. As the industry and professionals used to do it on a regular basis, why do you think otherwise?
@@SoddingaboutSi Something I learned in school when I was studying to be a Broadcast Engineer...stuck with me ever since and I've had this confirmed by several others in the biz and I actually read a paper on it. If I find it online, I'll share it here.
Apparently cassette heads are not prone to magnetism build-up and demagnetizing them risks doing more harm than good.
And personally, before I knew this, I too would demagnetize my heads...and never, ever once did it ever solve/fix anything or make any noticable difference whatsoever.
I mean, you do your thing and whatever floats your boat, but to me it's a complete waste of time.
Righteous Scheit, Mate. I'm gonna Demag me Nakamichi DR3 right now. Thanks for the shinny on my ever so Phat Tape Deck!
I didn't know any of that, and neither have I seen that done before. All good stuff, interesting.
Thanks for sharing the info. :-)
Want to see if your wand Head Demagnetizer actually works? Use a magnetic tip screwdriver and pick up a small metal washer... place your demagnetizer wand within an inch of the screwdriver tip and watch the washer leap off the screwdriver. I have an old Realistic Tape Head Demagnetizer that makes no noise but effectively works. With magnetic tape getting scarcer, no sense taking any chances with needlessly ruining recordings because of being too lazy to keep your tape heads demagnetized...
I have an old Audiotex demagnetiser which I picked up almost a decade ago. It's a shame they never made a 240V model since this is one of the best built ones I have ever come across, and it also has a momentary switch.
very helpful. i wonder if i could demagnetize my cartridges as well using this method
When AIWA was good quality audio equipment
Long time ago. I worked for the company in The UK during 96-97 and even then it was BPC. The VCR's were nice but everything else not.
But not anywhere near as good as Pioneer.
Isn't It risky to use a demagnetizer probe unless an experienced technician ensures that it can be used on a specific Deck? I mean, depending on the PCB layout and where the internal circuits are, the probe could damage the unity? I've destroyed a Walkman with a demagnetizer like that, following all the steps, not shure why. The magnetization caused by usual/eventual domestic use of the cassette Is not so strong, right?
It's confusing. How do demagnetizing tapes, that don't use power, demagnetize decks then? I will do research but I will thank any advice...
Game had a rotating North South magnet to null the field in the head. Crude and I doubt it worked.
do you think that magnatized tape heads might cause small ticks when playback the cassette? i have this problem sometimes.... thanks for the great video!
Think that's a static problem
Thank you simon
Useful video, thanks! Do you think this demagnetizing device is suitable also for use on bigger reels-to-reels multitrack recorders' (1/2 or 1 inch tape) heads or for cassette type only? Thanks
When the tape head is magnetized, does that mean when recording it leaves a hiss/static?
Yair Exposito it can generate hiss. Also it can slowly erase the tape being played.
@@SoddingaboutSi Are loudspeakers demagnetised too?
@@mjh5437 No, speakers need to be magnetized.
If the tape deck sounds good is this necessary?
It will preserve your tapes.
Everytime I pick up and turn on a demagnetizer I get worried that it will damage something or delete my tapes
i thought you’re only supposed to demag reel to reels
N o cassette machines as well.
How often should you perform this procedure? Like once or twice a month? Twice a year?
Once a year is more than enough.
Wow seriously? I don’t feel so bad now. Thanks!
I have 2 tascam 122 mkii and both play a bit muffled and crunchy. Not sure if it's magnatized or if the bias is off. Cleaned heads and tried to get bias tuned in, but on a test tone it plays with a bit of a crunchy sound and low pb levels. Music playback is OK bit not very bright . 🤔 And low levels. Any ideas?
i have one like it my tape deck didnt have a fuse from the factory 120 volt primary going in to transformer does yours have on
I didn't fully understand. You said there's a way to damage the tape heads? If I make sure anything that can absorb magnetic field is away, and I start at a distance from tape deck I should be fine?
J San Antonio You can only damage the head by contacting it with a metal object and scratching it. Start close to the head and transport and in a slow circular styled motion move away. All should be fine.
Simon Spiers okay thank you
Are demagnetisers like the HD-11which is wand-type, battery operated… do they work as good as AC?
The AC mains type work better in my opinion.
1:00 LMAO
i put a fuse in mine parts from radio shack
Erase head can demage?
Are these demagnetizing devises suitable for use on smaller walkman style cassette players?
Yes fine. And for demagnatising tools.
Is this a amorphous head deck? Did you read operating manual? Never demagnetize an Amorphous Head. Never.
No its not!
No manual, can you give me a link?
Of course! www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/aiwa.shtml?category=cassette-deck
Not sure which model this was now,
However I caan't find any other data supporting your caim.
I am wonering if they were refering to the automatic demagnatisers?
www.vintagecassette.com/aiwa/ad-wx808/faqs
@@SoddingaboutSi LOL!! It says so right on the front meatball.
Is that sold to the public? If it is, can someone let me know where the demagnetizer is sold?
+Ivan Not So Great Ebay sell them. Maplin used to in the UK.
+Ivan Not So Great Ebay sell them. Maplin used to in the UK.
+Ivan Not So Great Ebay sell them. Maplin used to in the UK.
+Ivan Not So Great Ebay sell them. Maplin used to in the UK.
+Ivan Not So Great Ebay sell them. Maplin used to in the UK.
Hi can you use a degaussing gun designed for CRT TVs to demagnetize tape deck heads? Would it be too powerful?
I dont think the magnetic field would be strong enough to demagnatise the head. But worth a try.
@@SoddingaboutSi I tried it on a screwdriver and the screwdriver started to shake when I got close to it 😅
@@futureshock7425 its doing its job then. You have to move away slowly from the demagnatiser.
Dear Simon i have a quetion :
Why didn't you turn off the deck 1st before the operation ??
My deck is the Aiwa ad-f850
Doesn't it matters ??
Thx for any reply :-)
You are supposed to. But as the amplifier is powered down on most decks there is no problem.
Ohh ok understood thx Simon :-)
Sir, "demagnetizing tape heads" means some proper inspections, such as measuring magnetic field parameters BEFORE and AFTER demagnetization.
I don't understand what's the purpose of those kind of videos, except for marketing. It shows and proves nothing.
Your statement is wrong. What marketing ?
Best not to put derogatory comments without understanding the facts.
What facts? Where's you proof of magnetic field on deck's metal parts (before and after demagnetization)? After all, you did it with equipment turned on, and demagnetizer started near audio tape.
It is like repairing audio / video equipment without measuring any electrical property of circuit under fail.
Please consider some real facts in future videos.
Thanks in advance.
It is a well known fact that any metal object that stays in one position for a length of time builds a magnetic flux from the earths field.
This video shows how to remove the field if the heads and tape path have become magnetized.
It makes no difference if the machine is on or off, but there is a risk in overloading the amplifiers from the field of the demagnetizer.
If you worked in sound studios back in the 60's and 70's the engineers would demagnetize the tape paths once a year as a precaution..
Engineers in Yamaha also claimed (and proved) that after more than 1000 hours of REC / PLAY sessions didn't found any excessive residual magnetic whatsoever.. So, as a precaution, measuring is always better than just playing around without good reasons.
Your point is correct, this is only informative.
As a service repair technician with over 25 years of experience, I hope you find my point also.
Cheers.
So do you think taking this precaution in a waste of a video? 1000 hours is a lot less than a year. There maybe no magnetic field buildup, but once it's been degaussed, I know there is non.
You mention measuring for magnetism, how do you do that?
Cheers
Not clear at all video.Sorry
y m which part?
It is far clearer than whatever your comment is trying to put across.
Too much bla..bla.... for 10 seconds of action....!!!!!
Oh. Sorry you didn't understand it.
sex aid..... ?? it is funny.... but why would it came into the guys mind....I would not have thought about it... is he a freak or something..???
No,just a teen with a one track mind. Not a problem really