So why a site dedicated to tape and analog?
Because we enjoy the format for both its nostalgic as well as its musical sound. We also enjoy the hands-on experience that comes with recording on it.
But isn't analog dead? Digital is the way to go!
Analog in general and tape in particular might be "dead" as far as mainstream popularity goes. But there is still a small but fiercely loyal following to it. Those of us who use tape believe it is a far superior medium. Analog is much truer to original sound and does not suffer from weak sound that comes from compression. Go listen to any "classic" album on MP3 and then go listen to it again on tape or vinyl. The sound is worlds apart. Digital might work from a purely convenience standpoint but for those who appreciate the full and rich sound of a true music performance, short of listening to it live, analog is the way to go. And tape is the only way to customize your musical selections. And analog is far from dead. While it's unlikely it will ever regain the popularity it enjoyed in decades past, many people have been loyal to it all along. Others have been disappointed by the so-called 'Digital Revolution' and are returning to the basics. And many of todays teenagers (the next generation) are discovering tape and anlog for the first time and absolutely love its sound.
Aren't there enough so-called 'obsolete' tribute sites out there?
First. We do not believe that tape is obsolete in the truest sense of the word. As stated above, it still has many practical applications and uses. Second, while yes. There are many other vintage audio sites out there, none of them have really encompassed tape to the extent that TapeHeads has; most are either too format specific-such as ONLY cassette or ONLY reel to reel. None represent a true coalescence of the format in general. Second, on all other such sites that we know of, tape is just an ancilliary and not a primary part of their focus. TapeHeads was set up to be a one-stop place to discuss all matters of tape.
But many of those already make that claim. What makes TapeHeads different?
TapeHeads is a site that encourages and fosters open communication and free thought. While many other sites do cover many of the same areas of expertise we do, often times the tradeoff is a group of members who can be elitist, condescending, and narrow minded. You will not find any of that Balkanized attitude here. Where some sites preach "no attitude", we actually practice it.
Isn't tape high maintennence and easily lost? Who wants to deal with a pile of tape spaghetti or a melted tape on the dashboard? And finding individual tracks is long and time consuming!
Any item, if abused or carelessly handled and stored is subject to failure. Few tapes were designed to be used and abused and exposed to such extremes of temperature that most received. Properly handled, most tapes will last more than a lifetime. While we admit that accessing individual tracks can be a laborious process, part of tapes appeal IS the hands-on interaction. And its ability to be custom made to our tastes often alleviates the need to jump around between tracks in the first place. Plus, who says that Digital isn't also just as-if not more precarious than tape? Tapes are not subject to viruses or hard drive crashes. Equipment does not need to be constantly 'upgraded'. Tape has a proven long term durable storage record. Digital archiving is hardly a pancea.
So how do I get started with tape? Where do I find the equipment and tapes?
That's what we are here for. There are any number of places to get gear and tapes, although the best choices are usually found on the secondhand market. Please visit our forums for up to date information. Some information can also be found in our resources section. There are many different types of tape recorders and tape out there and no 'one size fits all' answer can be given to this question.
Which is better? Cassette or reel to reel?
TapeHeads takes no official position on this matter as both formats have their strengths and weaknesses. A lot of that will depend on many factors including your budget, space constraints, how the equipment will be used, and so forth. Again. For more in depth perspectives and opinions, please visit our forums.
Is tape all you talk about?
Absolutely not! Although TapeHeads was founded on a love of tape decks and that remains our core focus, tape is but one part of the audio hobby. The discussion forum has dedicated sections to discuss all areas of audio including vinyl and turntables, speakers, CD players, receivers and amplifiers, and just about everything else imagineable that's related to analog audio.
How do I join your site?
Please visit the "Rules And Code Of Conduct" section of the site (link is on the main page in the site navigation bar), read the rules and then click on the link to register.
Does it cost anything to join TapeHeads? Do you accept donations?
TapeHeads.Net is a free, privately funded and operated non-profit enthusiasts site. Anyone who meets our criteria is welcome to join the site and enjoy all of its features at no cost (please see the site Rules And Conditions for details). However, donations are always welcome and accepted. Anyone who wishes to make a financial contribution to the site (in any amount) may do so via the "donate" button that appears at the bottom of the left-side navigation menu on the front page and in the upper left hand corner of the forum page.
How can I partner or affiliate my site with TapeHeads?
As a rule, TapeHeads generally does not accept requests for "affiliation" if all it represents is a "you link to my site and I'll link to yours" proposal. In order for TapeHeads to affiliate itself with another site, there has to be some value added benefit to all involved; if you believe TapeHeads can provide a genuine benefit to your site, your site has to do likewise for TapeHeads. This can be through complimentary services, references, or programs. If you would like to simply outright ADVERTISE on TapeHeads, please contact the site directly through E-mail along with your proposal. TapeHeads will respond (generally within 24 hours or less) with rates, terms, and current traffic statistics.
I recently joined your site. And now I can't access it. It says I have been banned or my username does not exist. What happened?
Unless you have have been banned from the site for poor behavior (i.e. spamming or attacking other members), this could be for any of the following reasons: 1. More than 24 hours have passed since you joined. TapeHeads requires that all new users make a post to the forums within 24 hours of signing up or risk account deactivation. Or 2. You joined with a nonsensical or unintelligible username. Please try again with a new username that is easily understandable. This is as per the site rules as an effort to keep spammers out.
You guys are nuts!
Yes that's true. Being an analog afficianado requires a certain level of non-conformist thinking. Most of us are a 'little out there'. But apart from this hobby, we all have otherwise normal lives for the most part.
Have another question?
Contact us!