Yamaha MT400 Owner's Manual - Page 46

45 Maintaining the MT400 The MT400 requires regular maintenance to remain in top working condition for a long period of time. Cleaning the Record-Play Head, Erase Head, Capstan, and Pinch Roller As the tape passes over the record-play head, a tiny amount of magnetized particles and dust is left on the head. If you don't clean the head, these particles can build up to the point where the tape surface may be scratched or high-range sounds may become dull. Therefore, you should clean the record-play head at regular intervals. Also, magnetic particles and dust left on the capstan, pinch roller, and other parts may cause wow & flutter characteristics to deteriorate, resulting in skipped sounds. To clean the record-play head, erase head, and capstan, use a commercial head-cleaning kit. These kits usually contain specially-made cotton swabs and an isopropyl alcohol-based cleaning solution, and are available at audio and electronics shops. Follow the directions on the kit, carefully wiping the record-play head, capstan, and erase head with a swab soaked in cleaning solution. It is best to clean the pinch roller with a non-alcohol based rubber cleaning solution. Alcohol tends to dry out and corrode the rubber part of the roller. It is recommended that you clean the record-play head, capstan, pinch roller, and erase head before each new recording session or after every 10 hours of use for optimum recording. Dirty heads may distort the sound or induce noise. In the worst case, you may not be able to play or record. Capstan Pinch roller Record/play head Erase head Clean the shaded areas. Demagnetizing the Record-Play Head As the tape passes over the record-play head, it imparts a tiny amount of magnetism to the head. You should demagnetize the record-play head at regular intervals using a commercial tape head demagnetizer, which are available at most audio and electronics shops. Follow the directions for the demagnetizer carefully. Misuse can damage the record-play head. Also, do not place audio tapes close to the demagnetizer while you are using it. The demagnetizer emits a strong magnetic field and can erase all information stored on the tapes. Be sure to store the tapes far from the demagnetizer. It is recommended that you demagnetize the record-play head after 10 hours of use. Clean the heads and other parts and demagnetize the record-play head optimize conditions before an important recording session. -Owner's Manual