Topic: should fast forward your tapes before recording

[super-phat-al]

I read (i think ttapes) that you should fast forward your tapes to the end then rewind them and then record.  They said it evens the lubricant.  Is this true or just bullhockey?

[nickgregory]

I dont know about the lubricant, but from what it is supposed to unpack your tapes.  Best way I know how to describe it is when they are manufactured, they are put on the reel similar to the way an airwrench tightens the lugnuts on your tires...extremely tight.  By ff and then rewinding, it unpacks them for normal use.

I did not believe it til I did not do it one time, and the tape would not play right in my deck...although I know some who dont do it, with no problems.  

also, I use a home deck for unpacking...dont want to put unnecessary wear on the D100 heads.

[The Rev. Bigbill]

I thought it had more to do with spool load and tape stretch. I used to do it and I never bother anymore to be honest

[super-phat-al]

this is from ttapes

1. Always fast forward new DAT tapes (or analog tapes, for that matter) all the way to then end, then rewind to the beginning before using. This "unpacks" the tape and disperses any lubricant more evenly over the tape surface.

thanks i have been doing it in the past, just wanted to make sure i wasn't wasting my time

+T for quick answers

[Chuck]

In the recording studio where I work it is standard procedure to fast forward a DAT to the end and rewind it before recording on it.  When this procedure isn't followed the recorded DAT will sometimes not have start ID's registered correctly. I have seen this happen, first hand. This isn't necessarily a big concern for concert tapers, but is a huge problem for the mastering house and the plant that makes CD's from the DAT. I've also heard the "packing" explanation from the engineers. Packing the tape helps keep even tension as it records.

[John R]

yes.  also, format a minute of tape with absolute time.  a little work on the front end, but great once you get into the field.

jr

[jpschust]

do this on your home decks dont do this on your portables- this will wear your heads so fast on the portables