Topic: Digi noise at the end of the show

[massu2]

Sorry if this has been covered before, didn't see anything specific to this issue in the forum search...

Rig: OKMIIr>A3>D100

The last couple of shows that I've done I have been getting some random digi noise during the end of the show, usually last 3-4 songs.  The digi noise itself are a short split second in length, the rest of the recording is clean.  I use fresh batteries before every show and usually record your standard arena/theater rock shows.  I only get to tape a couple of shows a year so my Dat does not get overworked and I usually use a tape cleaner after evey couple of shows.  Any thoughts on the cause and solution?

Thanks in advance.

[DigiGal]

Search for cell phone noise, it was probably cell phone interference.

[runonce]

Isnt this a familiar DAT problem related to failing alignment or tracking error caused by wear of certain transport parts...?

been along time - but I remember having this problem as well.

[greenone]

My hunch would be some sort of tensioner wearing out - maybe by the time you reach the end of your tape, the tensioner isn't holding it on the deck head as it should?

[acidjack]

^^^ Yes, this. 

Even if you don't tape often, these decks wear out.

I also vaguely recall that the use of 90m tapes, if you are doing that, will increase this problem.

[massu2]

I am using 90m tapes.

What's the process/costs for repairing a tensioner?

[acidjack]

These days I have no idea what getting the deck re-tensioned costs... but given the prices turned up via a quick search of eBay on used D8s and D100s,  you could probably have a new DAT or a similar small digital deck for about what it'll cost (considering used DATs on there are sub-$100 and a new digital deck can be had for $100).

For now, I would suggest not using 90m tapes if at all possible.

[Belexes]

The DAT format is almost dead. I'd stick the repair or replacement dollars of a DAT deck into a flash deck.

[F.O.Bean]

The DAT format is almost dead. I'd stick the repair or replacement dollars of a DAT deck into a flash deck.

Me too! I would guess its misaligned heads

[runonce]

The DAT format is almost dead. I'd stick the repair or replacement dollars of a DAT deck into a flash deck.

Agree - if you get a replacement, you should save it for transfering your existing collection...

And you may still need your old, out of alignment deck to play more recent recordings...I think I used to rewind a bit after it started mistracking, and sometimes you could get the rest of the tape to play clean.

[live2496]

I am using 90m tapes.

What's the process/costs for repairing a tensioner?

Mine was having tape tensioning problems a few years ago now but it needed servicing and new tape guides.

The repair bill came to $150 at ProDigital.