GS400 tape mechanism noise in soundtrack
 

Testing out my GS400 I can hear a sort of low level flapping sound when playing back a tape with a very quiet background (no people talking, etc.)
If I hold my ear up to the tape transport during recording I can hear the exact same sound. Seems like this tape transport warble (flapping) sound is being recorded on the soundtrack. This occurs with 4 different types of MiniDV tape.
Panasonic Pro, TDK, Maxell, Panasonic standard tapes.

Any suggestions on what to do?
Anyone else hear this on their's? Give it a try with no sound in the room, then play it back.

I just noticed it with mine to, have you been able to fix it.

No, I haven't done anything to fix it yet. B&H emailed me to say to call Panasonic and see what they say.

I may just use an external mike. Haven't decided yet. Another guy on the camcorderinfo.com forums has decided to send his in to Panasonic. I'm waiting to hear from him to see if they can fix it. Sounds like a tape transport tracking/tension adjustment if you ask me.

Tony

Jeff Keller in his review of the Gs400 found no motor noise whatsoever. www.dvspot.com/features

Hi Raimo Repo
Your right, it's not motor noise, it's the sound of the tape moving over the video heads during each revolution of the spool.

Tony

I have noticed it gets better if i turn down the agc.

Well I just sent mine back for replacement. Let's see if the new one iI get is better.


Craig

Craig
Where did you buy it from?

Tony

Maybe that's the problem. Clean your heads and stick with one good brand/model tape.

Hi Frank
This started from the first minute I tried out the camcorder. First tape was the TDK. I then tried the others, recording for only 30 seconds per tape. All had the same thing happening. It's how the camcorder is handling the tape. I tried these same tapes in my TRV900 and no problem.

I haven't cleaned the heads though. I suppose a brand new cam can have dirty heads but it doesn't show in the picture, it's pristine.

Tony

It was just a suggestion. I found that with new cams you should clean the heads first---play a cleaning tape for about 5 seconds. Then stick with one tape brand/model. I use Fuji. If that doesn't solve the problem, contact your dealer to have it exchanged.

I bought mine from ebay user hotdigital/focus camera.com

I returned it Monday and just got a new one today, that sounds much better.


Craig

There was tremendous hype about the GS400 before its advent but for me there has been precious little info about its performance in the hands of forum members. Now we hear about tape transport noise as a problem with the Gs400. There are many reports now on other forums about it and many have sent their units back. Now here are the reasons for this post: Is this tape noise an inherent feature of this cam or just the odd aberration of manufacture? One can hardly expect to go to a store and ask a sealed unit after unit to be opened and tested for tape mechanism noise! Just how annoying is this noise? I was on the verge of getting one of these cams but I guess now I will monitor this issue for awhile. I would appreciate hearing more from members about this issue and anything else about this cam. Thanks

It seems that there are some folks who are having problems with the tape transport making noise that is loud enough to be picked up by the microphones. It appears to be a carriage (transport) issue on the new GS series. The transport is constructed with much less material than the DV953 so it is smaller which may be an issue. I don't have this problem with my GS400 or GS120. Also, it is hard to gauge the extent of the problem since many folks seem to be happy with their cams.

These are great cams and I wouldn't let this problem delay a purchase. Just make sure you buy from a reputable dealer that will allow you to return the cam if it doesn't perform as expected.

If you believe you are having tape transport noise problems, please read this thread for a link to an audio file that illustrates the problem.