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—Owner’s Manual
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.
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.
Pinch roller
Record/play head
Erase head
Capstan
Clean the shaded areas.