1950

The system uses magnetic tape coated with fine iron oxide particles.
Sound is stored magnetically on the tape using a recording head.
During playback, a playback head converts the magnetic signals back into sound.
Magnetic tape allows recordings to be edited, cut and assembled for the first time.
Music can be spliced, rearranged and improved after recording.
Later, multitrack recording becomes possible.
This creates a completely new form of music production in recording studios.
The sound quality is significantly better and more dynamic than earlier systems.
Tape recorders quickly become the standard equipment in radio studios and record companies.
Tape machines also spread to the home market as reel-to-reel recorders and cassette decks.
Magnetic tape technology dominates audio production for many decades.