2. analog
  3. 1405262683

Why not magnetic tapes in stead of vinyl records?

My understanding is that previously, original recordings were captured on magnetic tapes. The recording is then transferred to a metal stamper, which then creates the vinyl records we use at home. But, why don't they just copy the magnetic tape to other magnetic tapes and sell us those? I mean the same size and everything that the engineer uses. Then, audiophiles (at least some) would have nice magnetic tape players in stead of turntables.

I know people did use reel to reel for some time. I remember cassettes. But I don't believe people ever had an interface to play the big magnetic tape reels at their homes.
elegal
dfel
62 posts
 
Onhwy61, Yes this technique is very popular in the recording community. They go from digital to 2 channel stereo tape and then back to digital to get the tape "saturation" effect. I think it is getting the worse of tape, and degradation since you are re-sampling twice and the process seems silly to me but what do I know. Now there are a lot of plugins that try to emulate the tape artifacts/character.

Will these efforts make it sound like you are getting analog out from a R2R...NO!
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,967 posts
 
Kijanki, while I find that my clients prefer the analog tape to the digital recordings made from the same mix, its really not relevant as what we are talking about is 2-channel, not multi-channel.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,432 posts
 
Ralph, that's true, but practicality is important at home as well. I've heard opinion that best analog TVs were better than modern digital HDTV. I don't question that, but it perhaps was very expensive set in studio conditions, plus analog broadcast is gone - no interest to me. Same with the tapes. I had them before and do not wish to use them again. It is silly step backwards IMHO.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,502 posts
 
I also am not likely to ever want to have to dabble with reel tapes, no matter how good they might sound.

Even back in the mid seventies when RTR tape units were commonly seen and found in audio stores, I never liked having to deal with them.

For technical hobby folks with an interest only I would say.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,261 posts
 
Whether at home or in the recording studio digital tech is far more flexible and convenient than tape. For the chosen few that's not an issue. Solid state is more practical than tubes, automatic transmissions are easier to use than manual, planes get you there quicker than ocean liners and call girls are less troublesome and more predictable than meeting someone, having a real relationship and possibly having your heart broken. Are you a tourist or a traveler?
More to discover