Capstan Configuration
Capstan Configuration describes the arrangement of capstans that control tape movement through a cassette deck’s head area.
A capstan works with a pinch roller to draw the tape at its playing speed. Designs may use one capstan or a dual-capstan arrangement, including a closed-loop configuration around the head area.
Capstan Configuration — Tape Deck
The arrangement helps explain the tape path and tension control, but it is not a measured speed-performance rating. Motor control, belts, bearings, rollers and their condition also affect transport behaviour.
Check the configuration for the actual transport, particularly on a dual-well deck whose mechanisms may differ. A motor description such as DC servo does not identify the number of capstans. Compare speed accuracy and wow-and-flutter measurements separately rather than assuming that one layout guarantees a better result in every deck.