AES UK Section Event – Analogue Audio Tape Recording: The Resurgence of the Reel
This event is a hybrid event. Attendees can attend in-person at the School of Arts, Leeds Beckett University (Portland Way, LS1 3HE or online via Zoom).
If you plan to attend this event in-person at Leeds Beckett University, please email us at aes.uk.events@gmail.com.
Since 2012 analogue audio tape recording has quietly made a resurgence, both in the consumer and professional audio sectors. Considered obsolete as a recording format in the mid-1990s, today the credibility of its return has been assured by the introduction of at least four brand-new tape-recorder models and its use in music composition, performance and album production by major artists. Prices of machines dating from the 1970s and 80s have trebled in the last five years. But this renewed interest has created confusion, myths and a knowledge-gap of the format that were rarely seen when tape recorders were the only viable medium to create quality recordings.
Tracks, speeds, tape construction, noise reduction, cross talk and print-through are just some of the aspects of tape and recorder use that can confuse and raise questions. Many under the age of 35 will never have seen a tape machine in the studio, much less have laced one up. Many over this age may be surprised to learn that, like new machines, tape is still made and that upgrades and improvements to vintage machines are now commonly available.
In what promises to be a fascinating and informative talk, Iain Betson will offer an overview of the analogue tape-recording format, for both the seasoned tape user and those new to the format. He’ll cover tape, tape transports, track formats, recording speeds and machine selection for professional recording and replay applications.
And we may even answer the question as to why open-reel tape recording has made a return!
For in-person attendance please email us at aes.uk.events@gmail.com
Time above listed in event local time.