What is going wrong when I record from CD to cassette?

August 15, 2008 7:13 PM

What is going wrong when I try to record tapes from CD? Regardless of circumstance, the cassettes go weird near the ends of each side.

So I'm making a mixtape. I've done this many times, but it's never turned out quite so horribly. Every track plays perfectly on the CDs, but when I record them to cassette, the cassette changes speed - both speeding up and slowing down - near the end of the tape on each side, which distorts and "warps" the sound. I bought this stereo new a year ago, and it's worked just fine until now. The same thing happens no matter which brand of blank cassette I use or which tape deck I play it back on. What is causing this problem? How do I fix it?

The stereo I'm using to record is this rather ghetto Sony boombox, while I've tried recording to both Sony and Maxell cassettes - the Maxell is much better, but it's better in other areas as well!

I have seen this question, but I'm not sure if I should follow the advice about cleaning out the tape heads and capstan, since it seems to be the recording rather than playing that is the problem. My money is definitely on the stereo as the problem though, as it's been the only constant each time I've tried. Should I try to go in with some isopropyl and a Q-tip to swab out my cassette deck? If it is necessary, what's the best way to go about cleaning it out without ruining the machine?

(For various reasons, mostly aesthetic and all rather pretentious, just making a CD/playlist/etc. instead is not a viable option.)

Thanks so much for all your help.

posted by punchdrunkhistory to technology (7 comments total)

The stereo I'm using to record is this rather ghetto Sony boombox

which lacks a durable belt for transferring the motion of the possibly dodgy capstan motor to the reels of the cassette. the reason this happens at the end of the cassette is because by then, the bulk of the tape is spooled around the reel that the motor is controlling- a heavier load means more work for the belt/motor.

if you're dead set on making cassettes, you'll need a better deck to record with. and even then, cassettes stretch over time, ESPECIALLY at the ends of the tape- the very thing you're describing happens to tapes even recorded under better circumstances.
posted by tremspeed at 7:29 PM on August 15, 2008

Figure out exactly how close to the end of the cassette the problem starts (e.g. does it start to act up 5 minutes before the tape ends? 10 minutes? 2 minutes?)... Once you figure that out, you can time your recording so that you don't go all the way to the end.
posted by amyms at 7:49 PM on August 15, 2008

"I'm not sure if I should follow the advice about cleaning out the tape heads and capstan, since it seems to be the recording rather than playing that is the problem."

Cleaning the heads and capstan is always a good idea. ALWAYS.

There's a chance this might be your problem - but there's a greater chance the problem is the cassettes themselves.

Adding to what tremspeed said: "cassettes stretch over time, ESPECIALLY at the ends of the tape- the very thing you're describing happens to tapes even recorded under better circumstances."

Very true. That's why you're always better off with shorter cassettes. 60s are better than 90s, and anything longer than 90 minutes (45 a side) should be avoided. To get that much tape spooled into the cassette, the manufacturer has to use a thinner tape. For you, that means less consistent recording. Wobbles, warbles and especially eaten tapes.

Try buying name brand and preferably shorter lengths.

Good luck! I think it's cool to see someone actually using cassettes!
posted by 2oh1 at 9:34 PM on August 15, 2008

Are you using 120 minute tapes? If so, try 90's.
posted by salvia at 12:09 AM on August 16, 2008

Are you using 120 minute tapes? If so, try 90's.

Definitely good advice there. Even back in the golden age of cassette taping, using 120s was an iffy proposition. I was using a superb Nakamichi deck to my recording and even it had occasional issues with all but the best 120s. 90's were trouble-free.

That said, though, I'm guessing, like the others, that your problem lies with the cheap Sony boombox gear.
posted by Thorzdad at 7:11 AM on August 16, 2008

If your aesthetic is cassette-ic, get a decent cassette recorder. The boombox is your problem.

A quick look on ebay shows standalone cassette decks from Onkyo, NAD, Harmon-Kardon for cheap. You've got 2 hours to bid on this one.
posted by omnidrew at 8:22 AM on August 16, 2008

Thanks for all the advice!

salvia and Thorzdad, I am indeed using 90s.

In regards to the numerous cries of "get a better tape deck!": this has been a consideration for quite awhile, but I've held off due to lack of funds. However, I've got a bit of money now and am definitely looking around. I've never used a proper standalone cassette deck before, however; if I have a CD player with a line out jack, can I just plug that into the line in on something like this and it will record that way?
posted by punchdrunkhistory at 11:13 AM on August 16, 2008