What kind of mental picture comes to mind when you think about “reel to reel”? Some of us conjure up the video projectors with the great spools of film rolling between the reels – others think about the reel to reel recorders that were commonly used in classrooms. It really depends on the era and how willing you are to show your age.
The History of the Reel to Reel – Over 60 Years Young
Prior to reel to reel tape decks people were using recorders with spools of wire. Wire recorders were first invented in 1898 and became popular in the consumer market during the 1940s. However with the invention of the open reel tape deck and its release to the public in 1948 the wire recorder declined into obscurity.
Why the Switch
The audio fidelity between wire and tape was comparable but open reel tape gained favor quickly not only due to the quality of the analog sound but also in how easy it was to edit the tape. To edit a wire recording the wire had to be cut and then joined by tying the two ends together in a knot. While this worked,Reel to Reel – The Heart of Analog Audio Recording Articles it wasn’t ideal – splicing magnetic tape was much easier and resulted in a higher quality edit.
With magnetic tape on an open reel, the audio Check it now could be quickly edited on the fly by making a simple cut, then rejoining the tape with a thin adhesive called a “splice.” Because most commercial reel to reel recording devices came with a splicing block, a skilled individual could rapidly edit audio in a very precise fashion.
The Birth of Something New
The reel to reel as we know it today has roots in Germany during the World War II era where it was then known as a Magnetophon. The technology was captured during the war period by the U.S. Army Signal Corps under the eye of American audio engineer Jack Mullin. Seeing potential in the design, he worked to improve it and develop a commercial use for the machines in the US.
In 1947 he pitched the recorder to MGM studios where he caught the attention of Bing Crosby. Impressed with the design and also with the potential of the product, Crosby invested in the production of the device through a company known as Ampex. Crosby then went on to be the first American to master commercial recordings on tape – including pre-recordings of his radio programs. The continued research and production by Mullins and Ampex led to the development of commercial stereo and multi-track audio reel to reel recorders.