Forum for audio capture, restoration?

PizzaTime · #1 07-29-2024, 08:20 PM

Hello,

I have a client that has a couple audio cassettes they want digitized, and I am wondering if anyone knows any good forums to help assist with Audio Capturing. Especially when it comes to troubleshooting cassette decks. I came across Tapeheads.net. But I haven't had any replies since my post 5 days ago. However, if anyone wants to know what my issue is, I will post it in a separate sub-forum on this site. Otherwise, if someone can point me to a good resource that would be great too.

lordsmurf · #2 07-30-2024, 04:30 AM

Welcome.

I've been working with digital audio since 1994, and one of my video studio roles was very audio-centric.

Ask away! What is the issue?

A lot of people here are heavy into audio, from the stance of extracting audio from consumer analog formats, to lossless digital archives.

It seems you're having a deck-based issue? Sometimes the best fix is to punt, and use a different (often better) player. It just depends on what you have, and if it's worth repairing. Let's discuss and see.

timtape · #3 07-30-2024, 08:25 AM

Tapeheads seems to be a good resource for tape machine related issues. I'm a member there. I've just replied there to your specific query.

PizzaTime · #4 08-01-2024, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtape

Tapeheads seems to be a good resource for tape machine related issues. I'm a member there. I've just replied there to your specific query.

Thanks, Tim! Sorry for the late reply on this forum, everyone. I guess I wasn't subscribed to this thread, and therefore, I wasn't receiving notifications. If you would like to know more, here is the link to the tape heads thread. I'm still working on it. (https://www.tapeheads.net/threads/te...engage.110883/).

In case something happens in the future to the link or threads, here is the question from that thread:

"I have a Technics RS-B12 cassette deck I am trying to get working. It powers on, but nothing seems to engage or turn after hitting play. All the belts are intact too. After testing with a multimeter, it appears that the motor is getting power, but, again, nothing happens. Could it still be the motor, a mechanical issue, or something else? I'm stumped. I am also not super experienced with a multimeter, so I am hoping I measured correctly."

PizzaTime · #5 08-04-2024, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordsmurf

Welcome.

I've been working with digital audio since 1994, and one of my video studio roles was very audio-centric.

Ask away! What is the issue?

A lot of people here are heavy into audio, from the stance of extracting audio from consumer analog formats, to lossless digital archives.

It seems you're having a deck-based issue? Sometimes the best fix is to punt, and use a different (often better) player. It just depends on what you have, and if it's worth repairing. Let's discuss and see.

LS, for future reference, what are some of the better decks to look out for?

PizzaTime · #6 08-05-2024, 09:44 PM

Little update. I got a new motor. But before mounting it, I tested it with the wires in the deck that were attached to the original motor. Nothing happened. So, I tested the motor with a power supply and the motor worked. I then decided to test the PSU on the original motor, and it turns! Leading me to believe it might be the wires and/or pin connector they are attached to. Wish my dumb brain had used the PSU the first time around. Think I was afraid I'd fry it or something lol.

PizzaTime · #7 08-05-2024, 10:52 PM

Did more testing. Not the cable. More investigating ensues.

timtape · #8 08-06-2024, 03:03 AM

I dont have the circuit to check but there may be a switch which turns on motor power when the Play button is pressed. It may be dirty or misadjusted.

PizzaTime · #9 08-06-2024, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtape

I dont have the circuit to check but there may be a switch which turns on motor power when the Play button is pressed. It may be dirty or misadjusted.

Thank you for the tip, Tim! I will give that a look.

PizzaTime · #10 08-06-2024, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtape

I dont have the circuit to check but there may be a switch which turns on motor power when the Play button is pressed. It may be dirty or misadjusted.

This attached PDF is basically an identical model. I can't find this model's service manual for free online. Would I have to disassemble the whole mechanical parts section to fix the suggested problem? I'd prefer not to find out the hard way if I have to disassemble or not. Lol

PizzaTime · #11 08-11-2024, 10:46 PM

Okay. So, by looking at the schematics and referencing this video (https://youtu.be/d3kmgQvsnPM?si=Qto9QAAzqfKrpe-b&t=291) I don't think(?) it's the switch. All of them appear to have continuity. The only thing I thought was weird was one pin on S1-3 did not have solder on it (see attached photo). But, it doesn't look like that's connected to the play switch. And I don't know if maybe it's not supposed to be soldered, because it almost looks like it never has been. And I grew up with this in our house, so I know it's worked just fine in the past. Any ideas of where to look next? Kind of tempted to throw in the towel, but I also really want to know what's wrong with this thing.