Magnetic Recording
Magnetic Recording
Works
To record a tape, the first step is erasure of the preexisting recording. To accomplish
this, a bias oscillator generates a current which is used to feed the erase head. This
removes any magnetism that might already be present on the tape.
The next step depends on whether the machine is a stereo or mono recorder. A mono
recorder will record with two tracks, one for each side of the tape. A stereo recorder
uses four tracks, one for each channel on each side. The recording and playback
heads are placed in such a way that side one uses the first and third tracks, while side
two uses the second and fourth tracks (see illustration below). This way, when the
tape is turned over to the other side, the opposite two tracks are used for recording and
playback.
The recording process is relatively simple. The voice or music is fed into
microphones, which is then converted to electrical current and amplified as with disc
recording. The signal is then fed into an electromagnet called the recording head.
Varying electrical currents produce varying degrees and patterns of magnetism in the
tape. Playback is exactly the reverse. The tape's magnetism, as it passes over the
playback head, induces electrical current in the electromagnet. This signal is then
amplified and reproduced via speakers. See illustration below for an explanation of
the process.
It is important to realize that placing a magnet close to a tape will cause erasure.