How to Clean a Maxell HS-4

Like other audio and video product manufacturers, Maxell makes digital audio tape recorders, or DAT recorders, that capture to tapes in multiple sizes. An HS-4 DAT recorder from Maxell uses HS-4 tapes. When you start to experience problems with recording or playback on a Maxell HS-4 DAT recorder, one of the most common reasons is dust and debris in the unit's tape head. In order to clean the tape head of a Maxell HS-4 DAT recorder, you should use the cleaning tape created by Maxell.

• 1

  Get a Maxell HS-4 cleaning tape. Maxell HS-4 cleaning tapes are available at Amazon and DeltaMedia, and technology site CNET provides a whole list of tape retailers. Depending on which cleaning tape you buy, you can expect 30 to 50 cleanings of your HS-4 DAT recorder with a single tape.

• 2

  Insert the Maxell HS-4 cleaning tape into the HS-4 DAT recorder in the same way that you would insert a standard tape with the label facing the front. Close the tape door. On some higher-end DAT recorders, the device recognizes the tape as a cleaning tape and automatically runs for the correct amount of time.

• 3

  Press the button indicated in the instructions contained in the Maxell HS-4 cleaning tape package to begin the cleaning tape. The majority of the time, you begin the cleaning tape by pressing the "Rec" button.

• 4

  Stop the cleaning tape after the amount of time indicated in the instructions included with the tape. You should run the tape for approximately 15 to 20 seconds. Never run a cleaning tape for longer than 30 seconds, or you may damage the gears in the tape head.

• 5

  Remove the tape from the unit once the cleaning cycle has been stopped. The DAT recorder is ready for use again.