audiotape

Audiotape, also known as magnetic tape recording, is a medium for recording and playing back sound. It consists of a strip of plastic coated with a magnetic material. Sound waves are converted into electrical signals, which are then used to magnetize the coating on the tape in varying patterns. When the tape is played back, these magnetic patterns are converted back into electrical signals, which are then amplified and reproduced as sound.

The most common form of audiotape was the compact cassette, introduced by Philips in 1962. Cassettes were popular for their portability and ease of use, allowing for recording and playback on a variety of devices. Reel-to-reel tape, a more professional format, was also widely used in studios and by hobbyists for its higher fidelity and ease of editing.

Audiotape technology saw significant development throughout the 20th century, with improvements in tape formulation, recording techniques, and noise reduction systems like Dolby Noise Reduction. It was the dominant medium for recorded music and personal audio recording for decades.

While largely superseded by digital audio formats like CDs and digital files, audiotape remains a niche format. Some enthusiasts continue to use it for its unique sonic characteristics or for historical preservation. The process of recording and playback on audiotape involves physical movement of the tape past a magnetic head, which reads or writes the magnetic information.