Introduction to Recording to Tape

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Introduction to Recording to Tape


I spent about half of my career recording to magnetic tape, and
although everything I record now is done digitally, I understand
the allure of sound of tape, and the fascination with the
machines that record it.


This is the first of three episodes on tape recording, which I am
publishing all on the same day for those who are interested in
the topic. This first installment is an introduction to magnetic
tape recording, with some basic principles and an explanation of
the mechanical parts of a tape machine. I talk about some of the
inherent deficiencies of the tape-recording process, and the
technological advances that helped mitigate them. And I explain
how you may have to change the way you record in order to get
good results with tape.


Part 2 is on machine alignment and maintenance. Not particularly
exciting stuff, but vital if you want good performance.


And Part 3 discusses the practical aspects of recording to tape
in the studio.


As always, your comments and suggestions are welcomed. You can
send email to dwfearn@dwfearn.com


And for access to all the episodes of My Take on Music Recording,
you can go to www.dougfearn.com


email: dwfearn@dwfearn.com
www.youtube.com/c/DWFearn
https://dwfearn.com/