Re: IML: 8 track tapes & Player

[Brad Hogg <LuxoLiner@xxxxxxx>]

"A cassette tape is 1/8" tape, and while you will have more "room" to store audio signal on a cassette tape (1/8" / 4 tracks = 1/32" per track, vs 1/4" / 16 tracks = 1/64" per track) than an 8 track"

I was always under the impression that since every stereo 8 track tape I've ever seen has FOUR "programs" that the "8" comes from the fact that there are 4 stereo channels comprised of 2 channels each.  I don't think there are 16 channels or "tracks" on an 8 track tape.

----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Pittinaro <mechimike@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2005 11:59 am
Subject: Re: IML: 8 track tapes & Player

> I have PILES and PILES of 8 tracks at home.  More 8
> tracks than CD's, and almost as many as I own records.
> Occassionally you can find an NOS 8 track player on
> eBay, and this is the sort of thing you want if you
> want to truely experience the "fidelity" of the 8
> track.  Of course, it will likely need some attention,
> the drive belts tend to crumble and break over time if
> not used.
> 
> 8 track tape is basically 1/4" reel to reel tape,
> which is pretty durable stuff.  I've got some
> reel-to-reels that are 30 years old and play just
> fine.  The weak point in the 8 track is the joint in
> the tape, where the metal foil exists to trigger the
> jump from track to track.  This can be repaired with
> patience, skill, and a little luck by using a flat
> bladed screwdriver to carefully pry the housing apart,
> and some scotch tape cut with a razor blade to splice
> the tape.  Aluminum foil can be used if the metal part
> is gone, again, cut it with the razor blade.  
> 
> A cassette tape is 1/8" tape, and while you will have
> more "room" to store audio signal on a cassette tape
> (1/8" / 4 tracks = 1/32" per track, vs 1/4" / 16
> tracks = 1/64" per track) than an 8 track, the 1/4" 8
> track tape will not stretch as much, so wow and
> flutter will be reduced, and of course the tape is
> more durable.  I have seen cassettes warped by sitting
> in a hot car; never have I seen an 8 track ruined by
> anything other than brute force!
> 
> --Mike Pittinaro




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