Azimuth (Azimuth) is the alignment that ensures that the gap in the head of a tape recorder is perfectly perpendicular to the direction in which the tape moves.

Think of the gap in the recording head (which is a very thin vertical line) and the tape (which moves horizontally) forming a "T". The azimuth adjustment ensures that this "T" is perfectly at 90 degrees.

This is one of the most critical alignments in a tape recorder. If the azimuth is incorrect: In Recording: The audio will be recorded on the tape with the head gap "crooked". In Playback: If the playback head is not at the exact same angle as the recording head, it will not be able to read the higher frequencies correctly. The result of a misaligned azimuth is a significant loss of treble, phase problems (the sound becomes "hollow" or "diffuse"), and an unstable stereo image. Therefore, correct azimuth calibration is fundamental for tape compatibility between different machines.