Signalex C-90 cassettes-how to solve squealing problems

AnthonyUK

For those of you who use blank cassettes (a sizeable MINORITY still do), here's how to solve squealing problems on new Signalex C-90 cassettes.

When you normally record straight from unwrapping these cassettes have a habit of squealing when it gets to the half way mark of the A side, to improve reliability and make sure it doesn't squeak follow these steps from new fresh Signalex cassettes;-

a) with the correct size screwdriver undo the 5 cassette housing screws and lift the A half gently off, making sure you don't lose those screws,

b) gently lift the tape spools out and place on a clean level flat surface,

d) gently lift the tape bubble sheet of the B side and reverse it so that the shiny side faces the tape spools,

e) put the tape spools back in making sure it passes thru all the tape guides and wheels,

f) loosen the A side housing bubble sheet from the other half gently and reverse this so that the shiny side faces the spools,

g) place the A side of the housing on to the screwholes so they line up then tighten until tight,

h) put in cassette deck or cd/cassette on b side and press REWIND to wind tape to beginning (this will smooth out the tape),

i) when tape reaches beginning of side B, turn over and press REWIND again and wind back to the beginning of side A.

Make your recording as usual. Fixed! No more squealing.

kwikbreaks

Alternately just wind them back and forth a few times. If memory serves you can even do that by putting a pencil through one of the holes at an angle and spinning it between your fingers.

Better still move forward from the 1980s and update your tech....

Big_Graeme

Signalex? 2 for £1 jobs from Poundland? You get all you deserve then.

agrinnall

AnthonyUK

It's working for me and the tapes DON'T squeal at all, PERFECTION. The dull sides of the bubble sheets clasp the tape causing tightness in tape running leading to the squealing;but when the shiny side of the bubble sheets face inward, after a couple of rewind operations, it runs more smoother with NO squealing.

bsod

is it a nostalgia thing, or do you just like the hiss

googler

Just buy decent tapes in the first place. You can get quality makes - Maxell, TDk, lightly used, on eBay cheaper than these.

Fightsback

Horse and cart were once a popular means of conveyance but we've moved on a bit since then.

AnthonyUK

I've got a 10 pack of Maxell UR90's from Wilko £4.99 retail and boy what a difference over the Signalex cassettes-a much more defined richer cleaner sound, better fidelity, and a much much more reliable performance too, with quiet smoother tape running and better quality all round. Handles everything you can throw at it and handles all types of sounds from low to high without loss of treble or quality. I've given the Signalex ones the heave-ho, and recordings are so much better for it too.

HappyMJ

I thought only the police still used cassettes.