Tape Tension Control
Tape tension control describes how a reel-to-reel machine manages the pull on the tape as it moves through the transport.
Mechanical arrangements use arms or brakes. Servo systems sense tension and regulate reel motors. An isolated or closed loop separates the tape passing the heads from changing tension at the reels.
Tape Tension Control — Reel-to-Reel
Tension management helps maintain consistent tape contact with the heads as tape moves from one reel to the other. In a closed-loop design, capstan and pinch-roller contact isolates the head area; this can use two capstans or one capstan contacted by two pinch rollers. Reel tension may still be controlled separately.
Compare the stated mechanism with measured transport performance and operating conditions. Visible tension arms alone do not establish an electronic servo. A closed loop and servo reel control can coexist, so the category does not describe every transport component. Neither the category nor motor count alone establishes wow-and-flutter performance.