Tape Hints

Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality

After you play a cassette tape several times, the tape might become tightly wound on the reels. This can cause playback sound quality to deteriorate.

To restore the sound quality, fast-forward the tape from the beginning to the end of one side, then completely rewind it. Then loosen the tape reels by gently tapping each side of the cassette’s outer shell on a flat surface.

Note: Be careful not to damage the cassette when tapping it. Do not touch the exposed tape or allow any sharp objects near the cassette.

Erasing a Cassette Tape

If you no longer want a recording, you can record over it or erase it.

To record over a cassette tape, simply record as usual. The cassette deck records over the previous recording.

To erase a cassette tape, turn off the input source and set REC LEVEL to MIN and press RECORD (). Then press or to begin recording. To erase the entire cassette tape, let the tape record to the end of both sides.

You can quickly erase both sides of a cassette tape using a bulk tape eraser, available at your local Radio Shack store.

Erase-Protection Tabs

Most cassette tapes have two erase-protection tabs—one for each side of the tape. When a tab is in place, you can erase or record on that tape side.

To protect your recordings from being accidentally erased or recorded over, carefully break off the erase-protection tabs, using a screwdriver or similar tool.

Note: Breaking off the tabs does not prevent a bulk tape eraser from erasing the tape.

If you later decide to erase or record over the tape, you can place a piece of tape over the holes.

Note: When covering the holes, cover only the place that was originally protected by the plastic tab.

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Optimus SCT-56 Tape Hints, Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality, Erasing a Cassette Tape, Erase-Protection Tabs