FULL SPECTRUM MAGNETIZATION
AC BIAS
TAPE
This is a hysteresis loop for analog tape. The sharp bend near the origin causes intense distortion. High-fidelity tape recording was achieved by riding an audio signal on a high-frequency bias signal — a technique known as AC bias. This process mitigates distortion and creates high-frequency magnetic compression which tames harsh content such as vocal sibilance, cymbals, or steel string guitar picking.
TAPE ELEMENT
This is a hysteresis loop for a Tape Element. When biased using the same technique as analog tape, it exhibits reduced distortion and high-frequency magnetic compression. As shown in our white paper, a biased Tape Element replicates tape-like behavior with remarkable accuracy.
MAGNETIC FREQUENCY RESPONSE
TAPE
Recording heads generate a constant magnetic field strength across the audio spectrum.
However, playback level rises with frequency due to electromagnetic induction.
TRANSFORMERS
In audio transformers, the magnetic field strength decreases with frequency, resulting in a flat output response.
TAPE ELEMENT
The magnetic field strength in a Tape Element is constant across the audio spectrum — just like tape.
The output level rises with frequency due to the same inductive principles of analog tape playback.