Capstan (tape recorder)

Capstans are found in the mechanisms of tape recorders in which they have a similar function to nautical capstans.

Related Topics:
Tape recorder - Nautical capstans

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They apply force to the tape causing it to be drawn off the spool, past the heads, and onto the take-up spool at a precise, constant speed. Such capstans are precision-machined spindles, with a very accurate surface profile - any out-of-roundness or imperfections cause an audible effect called "flutter". The tape is held against the capstan by a rubber wheel called the pinch wheel or pinch roller.

Related Topics:
Spool - Pinch wheel

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Dual capstans - where one is on each site of the heads - assists in more linear tape travel across the heads and results in less variances in the recorded/playback signal.

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