14
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 <CrO
2
>), 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 load a cassette and the Auto Tape Selector
does the rest.
The Auto Tape Selector determines which type of tape is
loaded by sensing detector slots in the 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 <CrO
2
>)
settings. YAMAHA does not recommend using 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 by adjusting the
BIAS ADJUST to the plus (+) direction during
recording, or by using the PLAY TRIM control and/or
the tone controls of your amplifier/receiver during
playback.
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 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 <CrO
2
>) or Metal
(Type IV/METAL) tapes, make sure you do not cover
the hole intended for the Auto Tape Selector operation.
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.
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
TYPE II
TYPE IV
