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 flat magnetic field strength into the ultrasonic range. This provides a flat frequency response for recording while making it possible to create a strong magnetic field for ultrasonic AC bias.
However, playback level rises with frequency due to electromagnetic induction. This is resolved with integrator circuitry connected to the reproduce head.
TRANSFORMERS
In audio transformers, the magnetic field strength decreases with frequency. If a tape machine had this magnetic frequency response, it would be low pass filtered across the audio spectrum, resulting in a severely muffled recording. Additionally, ultrasonic content is heavily attenuated, making it virtually impossible to apply AC bias.
TAPE ELEMENT
The magnetic field strength in a Tape Element is flat into the ultrasonic range, just like tape. This provides a flat magnetic frequency response and allows us to apply AC bias without tape or moving parts.
The output level rises with frequency due to the same inductive principles of analog tape playback. This is resolved with integrator circuitry, just like you'd find in a tape machine.