A device employing magnetic tape for audio recording and playback, this format utilizes two discrete tracks arranged longitudinally along the tape’s width. A typical configuration features one track for the forward direction and the other for the reverse, enabling extended recording times or, alternatively, a stereo recording with one channel per track. Early examples often used wider tape than later models, with varying speeds impacting audio fidelity and recording duration.
This technology played a pivotal role in the evolution of audio recording, offering advantages over earlier methods like wire recording by providing enhanced fidelity, easier editing, and longer recording durations. Its impact spanned from professional music studios to home enthusiasts, democratizing high-quality audio capture and playback. The development of this format paved the way for multi-track recording technologies that revolutionized music production.
