audio tape recorder (ATR)

An Audio Tape Recorder(ATR) is a recording device for analog and digital audio signals. An audio tape recorder uses a magnetic tape for recording on which the signals or data are stored in several tracks.

Tape recorders for analog audio signals work in the longitudinal track method, for digital signals in the helical track method. These devices have given rise to the Digital Audio Tapes( DAT).

The classic consumer tape recorders from the 1960s worked with magnetic tape reels that were fed past the magnetic head at a speed of 9.5 cm/, 19 cm/ or 38 cm/. Later, magnetic tape cassettes such as the compact cassette( CC) were used instead of magnetic tape reels.

Magnetic tape recorder (ATR) from Revox, photo: studerundrevox.de

In the professional and semi-professional field are called tape recorders. They work with several tracks, which are recorded in the helical-scan method with rotating sound heads, and can record time codes( TC) on an additional track. This time code can be used to synchronize other audio devices.