Tapes for a tape recorder: characteristics, selection and application

Even 20 years ago, in almost every home, one could see not a modern computer, on which music is played from a disk or the Internet, but a tape recorder with large reels on which a magnetic metal tape is wound. Today this device can be called a rarity. Tape reels are practically not used in everyday life, but they continue to be used in professional recording studios and in cinematography.

The very first magnetic tape for a tape recorder was created in Germany in 1934.

Its production is a rather lengthy process, for which a special production technology has been developed. It consists of the following stages:

1. manufacture of varnish: for this, the magnetic powder is mixed with a binder, solvent, additive;
2. the varnish is undergoing a filtration process;
3. the sprinkler is filled with filtered varnish;
4. then there is the process of applying a thin layer of varnish on the base, the thickness of which is from 4 to 75 microns;
5. with the help of a binder, the magnetic powder is fixed on the recording medium - tape.

When all the main technological processes are completed, the finished tape is calendered and cut according to standard sizes. Such a product is characterized by:

• sensitivity to various influences;
• the presence of nonlinear distortion;
• a certain level of echo, noise;
• adhesive resistance;
• permissible load level.

As soon as the production of magnetic films began, there were also standards that define the allowable thickness of the product. According to them, it can have the following parameters:

• 55 μm: the very first tapes were made of exactly this thickness, they were characterized by sensitivity, very often they torn (but they could be glued even at home, with the help of vinegar);
• 37-35 μm - the most common thickness;
• thickness in 27 μm used in household film, it is a very thin product that is subject to deformation;
• 18 μm: film of this thickness is used in a reel-to-reel tape recorder, produced in small quantities.

It is no secret that magnetic tape has only one purpose - it is used to play music and video on a tape recorder. But there are still differences between the products. There are several classifications of tapes.

• Type of. The film can be single-layer and all-metal. The single-layer tape is based on ferrite powder, which is evenly applied to the entire area of ​​the product. But the all-metal film is a strip, the basis of which is carbon steel.
• Purpose: reel or cassette. The first option is wound on a reel; it is not easy for an inexperienced person to install it in a tape recorder. That is why cassette magnetic tapes were invented and created, which are quite easy to use.

Cassette tape for a tape recorder, in turn, differs in the composition of the working layer, which can be based on:

• ferroxide spraying;
• chromium;
• metallic iron powder;
• chromium and ferroxide spraying.

Devices in which magnetic drums are inserted and played can be household and studio in nature.

It is used:

• at home, for playing music;
• in recording studios: it is to such a device that the recording is transferred from the computer;
• in cinema;
• in IT companies;
• in research organizations.

In order for the tape to serve as long as possible, and the information that was stored on it did not have to be restored, the product needs to be looked after. First, you need to properly demagnetize it, you will have to periodically clean it. If the tape breaks, you can glue it back together.

Considering the fact that in recent years the demand for magnetic films has grown, it will be relevant to talk about how to choose the right product, what to look for when buying.

Criteria for choosing a magnetic tape:

• type of product;
• in what area will it be used;
• appointment;
• technical parameters: tape width and length, coil diameter and type;
• manufacturer;
• price.

A product such as a tape for a tape recorder, like the tape recorder itself, is best bought in specialized stores, where they will advise you, tell you how to use the device correctly, store it, and be sure to give a check and a warranty card. It is not recommended to buy hand-held if you are unsure of the seller.

How to record a 320nW / m level test tape for tuning a tape recorder, see below.