Not many have access to real master tapes.

We build playback machines for those that do.

Using a tape recorder for playback always means a compromise. Scrape flutter resulting from pulling tape over an erase and record head prohibits reproduction of a recording in its highest fidelity. For optimum sound quality a dedicated playback platform is needed.

The more pressing issue is that many heritage master tapes are now fragile. Because the frictional stresses from being pulled through a recorder's headblock can cause permanent damage or even a tape’s destruction, playing these tapes on a recorder is dangerously uninformed and irresponsible. Further, a recorder could accidentally overwrite an irreplaceable recording.

Why use a precision ATAE SHRO reproducer?

1. To prevent damage to irreplaceable master tapes

2. To reveal how good a recording actually sounds

If you work with high-value tapes and are interested in the science behind our state-of-the-art reproducers, get in touch and request the list of our technical briefs.

Learn about the effort to preserve heritage master tapes at: recordedmusicpreservation.org