On 19/12/2010 14:33, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In ,
wrote:
I've not noticed an analogue tape which suffers from print through
being reduced in level. The top end may be slightly lower than when
recorded, though.

The effect from analogue print-through in audio is well-known. It is
manifested as a post-or pre-echo of the signal as the tape next to the
bit with the original signal passes the replay head. Pre-echo has been
known to transfer onto vinyl disc when transferred from a master tape
with high-level signal which has not been stored "tail out" (post-echo
being seen as better than pre-echo). You could hear a ghostly image of
the intro a second or so before the "proper" start.

Pro audio tapes should have a line up section before the start of the
actual programme material. This is a set of reference tones. That's why I
stated I'd not noticed a level drop on a tape suffering from print through.

It's also good practice to store tapes 'tail out'. This helps prevent
print through at the start of something. In theory, at least. However, you
can insert leader tape before the start of the mod - or between tracks.
This ensures as near silence as you can get.

Gawd, this thread is dragging the depths of the memory...

I have a couple of half-track stereo masters on 1/4" tape (7" spools),
recorded late-seventies / early-eighties, which do have leader tape inserted
between the tracks. Four musical tracks on each spool, IIRC. I can't play
them. I got a friend with the correct equipment to transfer them to CD-DA for me.