Dirty Heads.....or.....Bad Tape?

S

scottchapin

Well-known member
I just got another frame of noise and audio pop with it. This happens randomly on about every 10th tape or so. Normally I would expect dirt, but it is so relatively rare, and I operate in clean environments.

Noramally, I use Panasonic AY-DVM60EJ, but thinking seriously of using PQ, or MQ. Any ideas here?

Here's the old wet/dry lube question again. Are all three tape types using the same chemistry, or should I have the heads cleaned prior to switching. If they are all dry. I'd chance it.
 
How many hours do you have on your cam? It might be a good idea to get it cleaned anyways, and switch to the MQ tapes. 5 and a half per tape is a small price to pay for reliable footage. I would recommend getting the camera cleaned and switching tapes. Also, are you using an external mic when you get this audio pop? What does the noise your getting in your image look like? If you are using an external mic, try using a different cord, that could be your problem.....
 
I probably have about 60 hours since cleaning and it is due I'm sure. The problem, is that it happens within 5 to 10 hours of cleaning, even when the camera was brand new.

I was using a stereo pair of AT-4033s run through an FMR-RNP preamp and into the camera at line level. Camera volume controls set to unity gain. It's just on one frame and it was a crackle sound. The video was messed too, sort of like jaggy slanted interference, but not banding.

Wish I had of been using my QuickSteam now that you suggest it might be the audio, though I don't think so, since the video was messed too.
 
Maybe you got some sort of interference from an outside source? IE: microwave transmission, or some sort of strong magnetic interference. Can you think of this as being a problem? When you say within 10 hours of cleaning, do you mean professional cleaning? Or cleaning tape cleaning......?
 
I haven't yet had the courage to get out the iopropal, so I use the tape, sparingly and not often. But would a dirty head act up so infrequently?

I was taping inside a performing arts center. Never have experienced electromagnetic interference there, but who knows?
 
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