Topic: Would you erase DAT tape before re using? need quick response

[rocksuitcase]

I have a FUJI 3 hour DAT that I want to reuse.  All that was recorded on it is voices at a business meeting.  Should I bother erasing it in real time or just record over it?
my home deck is a Sont DTC-A6, I also have  D-8 but wouldn't use it to erase anything.

thanks
kyle

[jmerin]

rewind the tape and the use a bulk eraser, which is a magnetic eraser that you would use to erase any tape

[rocksuitcase]

hmmmm, 2 good points.  I used to own a bulk eraser, but I had to keep it in my garage out of range of the 2000 cassette tapes.
The point about it playing in the D-8 is very salient.  I have new tapes for tonight's show, so i may not try the used one tonight, but experiment with it before I bring it to a live gig.
Thanks guys

[BC]

every time I tried to record over a used tape with my D8 I would get dropouts and diginoise.

Never did the erase beforehand though, maybe it would help but if you don't have time to test it I would use a new tape to be safe.

[rocksuitcase]

Thanks you guys.  I did erase it, but didnt use it at the show last night ( Blues Traveler Poughkeepsie NY).  I decided to do an experiment with it for the digi drop outs here at home before I use it.  Mainly, I probably wont use it for anything "critical".
I also spoke with a DAT taper last night who says he has experienced the drop outs after erasing.
kind of sucks huh?   I bet when they invented DAT they thought the tapes were for more than one time use.

[Mojowill]

new tape every time used tapes that are not filled with music go to the land fill

[mrdave]

Greetings.
Have reused dat tapes many times before and have never had to bulk erase them.
I have taped over many of my dats and have never had any problems with them.

Of all of these tapes I reused, I have only reused them once. Have never tried to
rerecord over them a third time.

So, go right a head and feel free to try it!
Just be sure to repack your tapes before use.

dave