"Probably tape print through, happens all the time. Recording tape has metal oxide particles that are oriented with a magnetic field in the recording head, and they retain some of that magnetic charge. So if the tape is wound tightly and/or stored for a long period, one layer of the tape can impress a signal onto the layer above or below it. With a typical tape reel size and speed, the delay would be in the range of one to two seconds. You generally only notice it in the quiet lead-in to a song, hence it is often called pre-echo. On the CD they would probably just edit it out."
This is absolutely correct. When audio recording tape has been stored improperly an effect called "tape print through" can occur. If you want to store tape for long term and wish to avoid this problem, you should store the tape "tails out". "Tails out", takes a little more time, but your tapes will be last longer over the long haul.
- augustwest
|