Audio Issues Sony MiniDV Tape w/Sony DCR-HC46 cam

[tarana]

I have a Sony DCR -HC46 camcoder (2005). I had been using Maxell Mini DV tapes (Red ones from Costsco. Last couple of years I have switched to the Bulue Sony MiniDV tapes from Walmart.
Recently I was trying to convert my tapes to AVI files & noticed some of the tapes had Audio Breakages. Thought may be I did not store them properly.
Today I noticed on a brand new tape, I recodered someting and noticed 2 audio break. Video is fine.
What's going on?

[troyvh]

Way back when I was using the minidv tapes with my sony minidv cam the only ones that worked well were the expensive sony premium tapes. Not even sure if there made anymore.

[tarana]

Do you think I should use a head cleaner? if so what kind should I use for DCR-HC46 cam?

[glenpinn]

Do you think I should use a head cleaner? if so what kind should I use for DCR-HC46 cam?

you should always be cleaning the head in your camera with a tape head cleaner, i used to run mine for 30 seconds after every 2nd or 3rd shoot.

I can only suggest Panasonic because all 6 DV tape cams i have ever owned were Panasonics (a short stint using a canon XL2) so i always used the Panasonic tapes and head cleaners.

Not sure if that is going to fix your audio problem tho ?

[Brainiac]

B & H still sells the Sony Premium miniDV tapes.

Brainiac

[tarana]

I have had this camcorder since 2005. Always used new tapes - taped around 100. On a total I may have played 50 tapes.
Have never cleaned the head even once, but the camera was handled well.

So I am hoping cleaning the head may resolve the audio issue, so I can use the camcorder to convert my tapes to AVI.
Only issue is I have tapes that are from different Makes - some Sony & some Maxwell that I need to convert to AVI.