Posted by Chel van Gennip on 04/21/06 16:17

On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 17:07:32 +0200, Mike Rivers wrote:

> But one problem is in the way that things fail. Analog tape has
> basically three failure modes:
>
> (1) Dropouts - Unless a large length of tape has been physically
> damaged, these are usually brief and sporadic, and can usually be fixed
> through editing if you care
>
> (2) Loss of high frequency response - Partial erasure can occur from
> playing or storage, but it's generally uniform throughout the tape.
> Crank up the high end, apply some hiss reduction, and you're good.
>
> (3) Physical damage - splices and breaks can be repaired almost
> perfectly, sometimes better than new. Stretches are tough, but digital
> time/speed adjustments can fix them. We don't really count sticky shed
> and loss of lubrication, because first you have to be able to move the
> tape, and with the right technique, you can solve this problem, then see
> what other problems you have.

4) (pre)echo's

5) increased hiss

6) tape deformation, resulting in very variable high frequency response

7) total loss because of physical damage e.g. fluids

8) total loss because of magnetic fields during transport

etc.

--
Chel van Gennip
Visit Serg van Gennip's site http://www.serg.vangennip.com

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