static is killing me

[Montanawildlives]

So I’m on my second Tascam device this month. The first was a 424mkiii. There was pervasive static that I could not get rid of. I tried a hundred things; new cables, new routing, new mics, etc. It came and went. It didn’t seem to be on the tapes because I could take the tape out of the tascam and put it in another player and the recording would sound fine (albeit half speed). I could also play the same tape twice and it would be there one time and not the next. The audio being monitored would also just cut in and cut out through static, and I could always generate static by wiggling a few buttons or dials (e.g., the high EQ dial, when touched and turned during playback, would cause static). It was there through headphones or monitoring stereo/speakers, with the monitoring stereo completely disconnected, etc. Whatever, nothing mattered. I’m not really giving a complete flowchart of my efforts here (but could) because I was working on it for a couple of weeks and really tried to rule out everything.

So, I returned that device today. Now, a 414 was delivered and for Pete’s sake the same thing is happening. More sporadic, etc., but I can still get it to happen by touching various buttons during playback, switching from L/R to Effect 1 on monitoring, etc. It still comes and goes though, even on the same recording playback, so I don’t think it is actually being recorded.

Is this a common problem with these old devices (common enough that I might have just gotten two lemons)?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[Montanawildlives]

Just a little update—the new 414 is much better than the 424. But, I can always make static by ever-so-gently wiggling the Tape/Guitar/Mic-Line switch. Now, you might ask, why wiggle that while playing back?!? Yes, true, but…sometimes the static is there by itself and I can STOP it by wiggling the switch after some playing around. The switch is very clearly linked to the static. I’m no electrician but I think this means there is a short in there somewhere. After all, these circuit boards are 30 or so years old, have been stored and kept in sub-optimal situations, etc.

But, I don’t want to spend the next 2 years wiggling buttons to get rid of static on playback. I wouldn’t mind a spot of static if I push the buttons to switch from L/R to Effect 1, for example (which also happens), but…it’s quite an annoyance having to get all the buttons and switches to sit in the perfect position to have all the connections right.

The only real discussion I’ve seen of this online is on the "424 Recording” youtube channel where he seemed to be having this experience with a 414.

Thanks again.

 

[Tapeoholic]

I'm thinking that it might be hard for anyone to reply here, as 'static' might not be be the correct word or diagnosis of the problem. As I read your trouble report, my first guess is that you have numerous intermittent switches and input jacks that are dirty and need some chemical or other cleaning. A dirty switch, input or output jack, potentiometer, or any moving part that sound travels through very often creates an inconsistent connection, especially when wiggled or moved, and an on and off of the sound, that would be accompanied by a crackling sound.

The debate might continue exactly which product to use, but if I'm guessing correctly, then your solution is to obtain SOMETHING LIKE Deoxit D5 spray cleaner and do your best to spray any effected switches, pots, etc.

Wiggling without cleaning are extremely unlikely to solve any problem, only to locate it.

I'm not familiar with the specific pieces of gear that you're referencing, and I haven't even looked them up, but the symptoms sound very classic of dirty connection. If the pots, switches, and jacks on your gear are not accessible by you, then it might warrant some professional service to accomplish the cleaning.

If I happen to be overthinking this and your trouble truly is static, the the solution is very likely a grounding problem. But I would be hardpressed to explain the sound cutting in and out or some of the other symptoms due to static from bad ground connections. I'm going with a thorough cleaning is needed.

 

[Montanawildlives]

Yeah, I guess the technical term is “crackle!”

I think you are right that it is likely dirt inside. I’ve seen the lubricating/cleaning solutions on Amazon and they are in the cart, but…I think I’m just going to return this—I could get in there and lubricate and clean everything, change the belts, new pinch roller, etc., but then it ceases to be a good deal and probably should have been sold as “needs repair” rather than “fully functional.” After all that work, then yes it might just be a grounding problem, maybe somebody didn’t reconnect a ground cable when servicing it, etc. Or, it may be unfixable.

I just want to record some tunes though, not spend hours with circuit boards and systems I don’t understand, so, I’ll keep trying to find a fully functional, ready-to-go one.

Thanks!

 

[Mark Richards]

@Montanawildlives, I'd describe the sound as "scratchy" noise. I'd be surprised if you find a vintage recorder so well cared for that no basic maintenance would be required for the faders, pots, and switches.

If you find you eventually do need DeoxIT, keep in mind Craig makes several products, each with a specific application in mind.

My personal choice is DeoxIT Fader F5 for potentiometers (e.g., EQ & Pan knobs, track faders) and DeoxIT D5 for input selectors, toggle switches, etc. The Craig website explains the purpose and application of each of their products.

 

[Montanawildlives]

Yes, I am sure you are right. I need to remember that these are 20-30 year old machines for sure. I am not generally good at this kind of maintenance (all thumbs) but…I can learn how to change belts and lubricate a bit.

Thanks.