ABSTRACT
The magnetic tape recorder first made by Allgemeine Elektrizitäts Gesellschaft (AEG) in 1935. It was demonstrated at the Berlin Radio Fair, showing the new cellulose acetate base tapes coated with ferric oxide. Although intended for business dictation, the machine was also used for musical recording. When Thomas Beecham and the London Philharmonic Orchestra performed in Germany in 1936 the Magnetophon recorded the concert. In 1938 AEG produced an improved version, type K4. It had a frequency response of 50-6,000 Hz, adequate for radio use. In 1942 another improved version, type HTS, was put into service; it carried the frequency range of 50-9,000 Hz, while reducing distortion characteristics and signal to noise ratio. During World War II the machine was used for broadcasting taped concerts, with a fidelity that puzzled listeners outside Germany; when the Allies captured Radio Luxembourg on 11 Sep 1944 they found the Magnetophon, in the last version, type K7. It ran the tape at 30.31 inches/second (77 centimeters/second), and gave up to 10,000 Hz in response. It had facilities for editing,a time clock, and a means of running two or more machines in synchronization for continuous play. One tape reel ran 22 minutes. Manufacture of high quality machines based on the Magnetophon began outside Germany in 1947-one of the first was the EMI’s BTR1. In America the design was modified by Jack Mullin and Ampex Corp.
