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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 [email protected]

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

email: [email protected]
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