Dynamic Range Limitations in Tape Recording

Langevin RZ. Dynamic Range Limitations in Tape Recording. J Audio Eng Soc. 1964;12(4):294-297. Available from: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=728

@article{Langevin1964_728,
  author = {Langevin, Robert Z.},
  title = {{Dynamic Range Limitations in Tape Recording}},
  journal = {Journal of the Audio Engineering Society},
  volume = {12},
  number = {4},
  pages = {294--297},
  year = {1964},
  month = oct,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  url = {https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=728}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Dynamic Range Limitations in Tape Recording
AU  - Langevin, Robert Z.
T2  - Journal of the Audio Engineering Society
J2  - J. Audio Eng. Soc.
VL  - 12
IS  - 4
SP  - 294
EP  - 297
PY  - 1964
DA  - 1964/10/06
UR  - https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=728
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - Limitations are imposed on the dynamic range of a tape recording by the type of tape, track width and tape speed. Dynamic range will increase as tape speed decreases, and as track width decreases; the style of tape will also control dynamic range. Equipment can limit the maximum signal by adding amplifier distortion, by incorrect bias, or by introducing even-order distortion from magnetized heads or unsymmetrical bias. Misalignment of track height between recording and reproducing heads can degrade the dynamic range. The common noise contributors are: dc noise from magnetized heads or unsymmetrical bias; noise caused by too low a bias frequency; modulation noise (both AM and FM), and reproducing head and amplifier noise. It is, however, perfectly feasible to build a recorder that poses no practical limitation to dynamic range. Even with low-noise tapes and narrow track widths, the noise is limited by the tape itself.
ER  -