The analog audiotape was a pioneer invention that significantly progressed audio recording and playback. In this article, we take a look at how they work and more.
The audiotape, developed in Germany in 1928, is based on magnetic recording technology, which was first accomplished using magnetic wires. It revolutionized the audio media, providing access to audio recording without complicated machines and polygraph records.
Nowadays, we see many modern music producers using tape emulations and even real tape recorders in a DAW-less setup. But how exactly does audiotape store sound? And why do they sound so unique? Let’s talk about that.
First, some base information: as we know, audio has two measurable fundamentals: frequency and volume. When these two data are stored in a medium, we consider the audio recorded, whether in vinyl grooves or analog audiotape.
So, how does the analog tape work?
When an electromagnet is fed an audio signal, it generates positive and negative flux based on the peaks and troughs of the audio waveform. Similarly, the loudness determines the strength of the flux. The analog audio tape stores these “messages” for a tape player to decode.
The tape has magnetic materials like iron oxide, chromium dioxide, or barium ferrite mixed with chemicals and binders covered on the surfaces. When you bring the electromagnet close to this surface, the flux it’s generating move the magnetic particles into peculiar formations.
These formations of iron oxide or other magnetic material are later read by tape player heads and transformed back into an audio signal. Interestingly, the chemical slurry used on the tapes ensures only a magnet can move the particles. So, they stay safe from physical contact.
1976 Reel-to-reel Analog Tape Recorder Demonstration
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Why Does Analog Audio Tape Sound Different?
Analog tapes store audio on a physical medium (magnetic particles) using another medium (electromagnets). Both the recording and reading processes introduce a variety of characters, causing a unique sound. These characters include saturation, noise, stereo cross-feeding, frequency loss, and more.
Since there is only so much room for the magnetic particles on a tape to move, there comes the point when it reaches the furthest it can move. That point is the analog clipping point. Further, it can create side effects even before it reaches the clipping point.
This phenomenon is what we call saturation. And depending on the tape and electromagnet employed, the sound of the saturation can differ as well. Some saturate the higher frequencies first, whereas others saturate the lower frequencies giving a warmer sound.
The tape’s motion and fluctuation in speed due to motor physics add a “wow” or fluttery effect. And when the tape’s magnetic particles aren’t aligned perfectly during recording (which is often the case), we get crackles and pops that add to the trademark tape sound.
Credit: Nenad Stojkovic
Analog Tape Recorder Examples
Here are two of the most esteemed tape recorders that were significant landmarks in professional tape mastering:
Ampex ATR-102
The Ampex ATR-102, introduced 45 years ago in 1976, is still widely regarded as the best mastering deck ever constructed. It used a pitch roller-less design with servo-controlled reel motors and large capstans to ensure smooth, continuous tension and tape handling. It had virtually nonexistent speed drift and extremely low flutter.
Furthermore, its unique plug-in head block allowed users to replace heads/guides in minutes. And lastly, its tube electronics were much loved as well, particularly for its interesting textures in the high frequencies. Even running anything through the tube electronics without touching the tape could get a beautiful effect.
While there is no modern equivalent of this hardware mastering machine, you can get a similar effect using the Ampex ATR-102 emulation by Universal Audio.
Studer A820
Another master tape recorder, the Studer A820, was known for being compatible with just about every kind of magnetic tape for audio with multiple speeds. Furthermore, it also featured a servo-controlled transport system alongside processor-controlled PWM motors and pitch rollers.
Back in 1984, when Studer first revealed it, the A820 was recognized as one of the most modern tape recording machines ever built. And no wonder with its software reference settings, unique-sounding audio system, and built-in monitor speakers.
What Is A Tape Emulator Plugin?
Tape emulator plugins mimic the characteristics of analog audiotape and other tape-based effect plugins. The emulation often includes saturation, motor physics, and even noise and crackles. Similarly, the tape delay effect is a standard inclusion.
People love these effects for their unique and warm sound. Further, the tape delay can also give distinctively saturated echo feedback, a famous technique in rock and roll and hip-hop.
Depending on the device emulated, there are a few fundamental characteristics that define tape saturation. These include but are not limited to:
- Wow
It is the oscillation or change in pitch caused by warped particle alignment on the audiotape surface. A variety of slight faults during the recording or printing process could cause this effect. - Flutter
Audiotapes can sometimes become stretched or strained by the pitch roller and the play head. It causes fluctuations in the signal level, which we refer to as flutter. - Noise
Tape noise or hiss refers to the noise floor of audio caused by the low bit quantization. Furthermore, the input preamp, transformers, and other components also introduce further noise. - Hysteresis
A sudden change in the magnetic particles of the audiotape causes this effect. The result is pops or crackles during playback.
Tape Emulation Plugin Examples
1. Caelum Audio Tape Pro
Tape Pro is an impulse response and saturation-based tape emulation plugin. It features multiple tape types, including Micro Cassette, Cassette, Semi-Professional, Professional Tape, and some tape delay effects. Each emulates the sonic character and noise.
There is also a wow and flutter section that adds fluctuation to the audio pitch and signal. If you’d like to give it a try, you can also have a look at the free Tape Cassette 2, featuring only the Cassette emulation variety.
2. AudioThing Reels
Reels is an emulation of a vintage, portable reel-to-reel recorder. So, the plugin doesn’t sound like the often-emulated high-end tape recorders. Instead, it focuses on sounding incredibly Lo-Fi, which it does well.
It emulates the saturation, the stereo blend, and wow/flutters to make the audio sound retro. Further, it also has a noise section to add hiss and motor noise. And if you use the transport switches on the plugin, it does the tape-start/stop effect.
3. Softube Tape
Softube Tube seemingly offers fewer controls than its competitors. It boasts component-level emulations of three tape machines. Furthermore, you can adjust the amount of coloration and tape speed from the interface.
However, behind its simple interface, it hides a “remote control” panel. It reveals a mastering-grade high-shelf filter, stability control, stereo crosstalk, etc. Overall, the plugin lives up to Softube’s reputation for quality.
Is Analog Recording Better Than Digital?
The most significant advantage of analog recording is the unique sound quality. Analog formats add destructive noise and saturation to the audio in every processing step, whereas digital is extremely clean. This seeming limitation gives the recording a character that people are familiar with and love.
Using a master tape recorder has been a “secret sauce” in many a music producer’s signature sound, whether it’s in plugin format or hardware. Further, hardware limitations force you to be more creative as opposed to relying on technology.
Furthermore, while this may not be related to recording, analog mediums like vinyl records are better than digital because they support artists more. If you’d like to learn more about digital streaming vs. analog, have a look at our article on how vinyl records work.
What Is The Advantage Of Digital Audio Over Analog?
The most significant advantage digital audio has over analog is in being cost-effective and reliable. Similarly, the processing in digital audio is much cleaner, and you can also recall previous mix sessions without having to note down parameter values.
Let’s talk about the advantages in a little more detail:
- Cost
Compared to analog audio, digital audio is far more cost-effective because it doesn’t require physical storage. Similarly, most digital recorders like software DAWs provide you with unlimited tracks and non-destructive editing. - Transferability
Digital audio can be transferred from one device to another without quality degradation. Similarly, it can be done remotely, with virtually no limitation in the distance. - Storage
Digital storage systems like hard disks or solid-state drives can house an extensive amount of data and multiple formats at that. On the flip side, an analog tape, for example, can hold a minimal amount of data.
Conclusion
Analog tapes are less a necessity and more a desirable effect in music nowadays. However, knowing what is involved in this much-loved effect helps us understand the emulation plugins deeper.
And even if you aren’t a musician, it’s always fun learning about the technologies used in the past that pioneered our computers and smartphones. And they did so quite directly, too; magnetic tapes were once used to store computer data before the hard disk was invented!
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K. M. Joshi is a multi-award-winning composer and sound designer, specializing in film, game, and TV audio. He enjoys making cinematic music, rock, blues, and electronica. Read more..