Old TEAC Tascam 32-2B

[David Skinner]

Hi,

I've just obtained one of these units and, before playing with it too
extensively, I wonder if you fine folks would be able to answer a few
questions about it? I've also got hold of a 10.5" reel of Quantegy 456.

I'm not overly familiar with these matters, so please excuse any
questions that sound especially dumb!

There's a control marked Pitch Cont. It seems to be for altering the
speed slightly. I guess this should normally be left in the centre
position?

There's an EQ switch with two settings - IEC and NAB. Where should it be
set, and what does it mean?

Next to that is REC EQ, with settings 1 and 2. Same question as above!

Then there's REC BIAS, 1 & 2. Again, ? Does this have to do with the
type of tape being used? Where should it be for 456?

Finally, if I want to clean the heads, is the alcohol stuff used for
cleaning floppy drive heads appropriate?

Erm... that's it really. I reckon I can figure the rest out :-)

Thanks in advance for any assistance you folks can offer.

[Mike Rivers]

In article > writes:

> There's a control marked Pitch Cont. It seems to be for altering the
> speed slightly. I guess this should normally be left in the centre
> position?

Yes, unless you want to change the speed (and pitch). It probalby has
a detent, and you'll probably discover that it's bypassed when you're
recording so you won't accidentally record something a bit off speed.

> There's an EQ switch with two settings - IEC and NAB. Where should it be
> set, and what does it mean?

It has to do with the shape of the record and playback equalization
curve. Those are two industry standard. NAB is most common in the US,
IEC used to be most common in Europe, but I think that for worldwide
standardization, most places have switched to NAB. Some people think
that IEC sounds better. Try it and see. But if you plan to exchange
tapes with someone, or play them on another machine, if you're in the
US, better use NAB.

> Next to that is REC EQ, with settings 1 and 2. Same question as above!
>
> Then there's REC BIAS, 1 & 2. Again, ? Does this have to do with the
> type of tape being used? Where should it be for 456?

The machine is old enough so that you probably should get it aligned
for the type of tape you plan to use. 1 and 2 are just two settings
which were probably calibrated for a couple of popular tapes at the
factory, but if you look inside, you should see separate adjustments
for each of them. If you want to learn to make those adjustments
yourself, call TASCAM and see if they can find you a manual for it.

> Finally, if I want to clean the heads, is the alcohol stuff used for
> cleaning floppy drive heads appropriate?

90% isopropyl alcohol without any additives like lanolin will work
fine for cleaning the heads and guides. The pinch roller might not
like alcohol. Water usually works, or a water-based cleaner like
Windex for those tough jobs. I'd suggest removing the pinch roller for
cleaning. It's just one screw, but make sure you take note of where
the washers fit on the stack and put them back the right way. A washer
might stick to the roller, so check for that before you handle it too
much.


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