Explain to me: Tape Demagnetizing

[Lasonic TRC-920]

So, I read threads where tape demagnetizing is part of the restoration process.

My questions are:

What are the signs that you need to tape head demagnetize?

What are the benefits of demagnetizing?

How often should you demagnetize?


I bought this demagnetizer some time ago and have never used it

 

[Hisrudeness]

Just found this New old stock at my tekkie's shop today. Thought it would be good to have one since I've so much vintage audio.

There's a little info on the packaging that might help.

 

[Cpl-Chronic]

Demag'ing a tape head is part of regular maintenance for good decks. When a head becomes slightly magnetized the magnetic lines will blur the magnetic signals picked up from the tape medium by the heads. This will affect treble response & stereo imaging making your tapes sound slightly muffled & sometimes hollow.....Basically, a tape demagnetizer has an electro-magnet inside which uses the 60Hz AC to switch polarity, back & forth which un-magnetizes the heads. That's why it is important to slowly remove the demag tip from the heads slowly while it is still on to fully do the trick right....then you turn it off or unplug the device....

Cpl

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

OK, sounds like this should be used on everything I got!

That TDK looks simple to use. Might need a new battery

 

[Superduper]

One very important reason to do this is that a magnetized head will ruin your good tapes as the stray magnetism will permanently attenuate the highs on those tapes.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

One very important reason to do this is that a magnetized head will ruin your good tapes as the stray magnetism will permanently attenuate the highs on those tapes.

NOT GOOD!

 

[MyOhMy]

Thanks for this, now I've learned something else quite valuable.

 

[Hisrudeness]

OK, sounds like this should be used on everything I got!

That TDK looks simple to use. Might need a new battery

I already changed it. I'm guessing the stock is at the very least 20 odd years old.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Thanks for this, now I've learned something else quite valuable.

You and me both!

I already changed it. I'm guessing the stock is at the very least 20 odd years old.

That's good. I bet that's a hard thing to find

 

[Hisrudeness]

You and me both!



That's good. I bet that's a hard thing to find

Wow! 1978 on the printed booklet! I'll try and preserve the packaging even if I intend to use it quite a bit.

 

[Hisrudeness]

Wow! 1978 on the printed booklet! I'll try and preserve the packaging even if I intend to use it quite a bit.

Probably a good investment to get something like this for the vintage audio. I see that there are a few that still exist on eBay.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Once these are gone, that will be it. Not sure how you would de-mag a deck without these machines????

 

[ford93]

Also when playing Metal tapes it is important to Demag. I knew the hours of playing time to Demag but can't recall that right now. Maybe someone with that knowledge can chime in.

 

[Northerner]

Just found this New old stock at my tekkie's shop today. Thought it would be good to have one since I've so much vintage audio.

There's a little info on the packaging that might help.

I've got one of these I found in a charity shop looking unused...I've not used it either lol

 

[Ghettoboom767]

I've got a 1980's Maxell cassette style demagnetizer.😎

 

[Hisrudeness]

I've got one of these I found in a charity shop looking unused...I've not used it either lol

I've started to use mine Si. I've tried to keep the packaging and booklet safe. So many tape decks that probably need de magnetizing.