CASSETTE TAPES

CASSETTE TAPES

There are many different types of cassette tapes available. However, they all conform to standard specifications so any brand may be used with the deck.

Classification of Cassette Tapes by Formulation

Cassette tapes are available in four basic types depending on their formulation, or type of magnetic material and manufacturing process. These four types are commonly known as Normal (Type I/NORM), Chrome (Type II/HIGH <CrO2>), Ferrichrome (Type III/FeCr), and Metal (Type IV/ METAL), and they each require specific tape deck adjustments for optimum performance.

*YAMAHA does not recommend the use of 120-minute length cassettes since the extreme thinness of the tape makes them susceptible to mechanical and recording problems.

AUTO TAPE SELECTOR DETECTION SLOTS The deck has a built-in Auto Tape Selector which automatically adjusts for the proper bias, level and equalization according to the tape formulation — all you have to do is to load a cassette and the Auto Tape Selector does the rest.

The Auto Tape Selector determines what type of tape is loaded by sensing detector slots on top of the tape shell. Each tape formulation has its own characteristic hole markings standardized by the tape industry.

Early model Metal (Type IV/METAL) tape formulation cassette shells do not have the slots for Auto Tape Selector operation. As a result, early model Metal type tapes recorded on another deck will be played back with the deck at the Chrome (Type II/HIGH <CrO2>) settings. YAMAHA does not recommend recording with this kind of tape.

The deck does not have the required setting for Ferrichrome (Type III/FeCr) tape, since this tape formulation is not widely used. Should you use a Ferrichrome tape, it will be recorded and played back at the Normal (Type I/NORM) settings, which will result in an unnatural high frequency emphasis. This effect may be compensated for somewhat with the auto tape tuning operation or by using the PLAY TRIM tone control and/or the tone controls of your amplifier/receiver during playback.

TYPE II

TYPE IV

PROTECTING YOUR RECORDINGS

All cassette tapes are provided with erasure protection holes to prevent accidental erasure of recorded contents. There is a small tab covering the hole on each side of the cassette, and it should be broken off after recording on the tape. Without this tab covering the hole, it is impossible to record onto that tape. Thus, you can safely protect a recording for as long as you wish without fear of accidental erasure. Should you wish to use a cassette tape protected in this way for recording, simply covering the hole with adhesive tape will permit erasure and re-recording.

When using Chrome (Type II/HIGH <CrO2>) or Metal (Type IV/METAL) tapes, make sure you do not cover the hole intended for the Auto Tape Selector operation.

TAKING UP SLACK IN THE TAPE

As a precaution against tape entanglement and damage, remove any slack in the tape before inserting cassettes into the deck. This is accomplished by inserting a pencil, pen or similar object into one of the spools and gently winding it until all the slack is removed. You do not have to wind it too tightly.

Be careful not to touch the tape part itself. It is very delicate and touching it may damage the tape and its recorded contents.

Detector slots

Detector slots

STORING CASSETTES

After putting a cassette tape back into its case, store it in a location away from exposure to direct sunlight, humidity, high temperatures, and magnetic fields (away from television sets, speakers, etc.). High temperatures and humidity will damage the tape itself, while exposure to magnetic fields may cause a loss of recorded material. Avoid touching the tape surface with your fingers, since dirt or finger oil will contaminate the deck’s heads.

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