 |
 |
In a message dated 3/15/2005 12:09:52 PM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: One person advised us that half-track recording is generaly not advised, but I would appreciate your opinion. Thanks in advance for any information you can provide. David Heetderks Oral History, American Music *********** A half century ago this would have been good advice because half track recording makes scissors and tape editing impossible and reduces signal-to noise ratio. Also, there might be playback incompatibilities on machines with other head formats. I used to use full track solely so that the tape could be played back on 2 track and four track players (and even 8-track if you wanted to!). On the other hand, for long term storage, full track is very sensitive to azimuth drift as the tape distorts with age. Also 2 or 4 track tapes don't have to be rewound before or after playing, so you end up with a better tape pack. All things considered, it is unlikely that track format really relates much to longevity; more to the quality of the original recording.