Tape Recorder Terms

This reference explains the terms used with legacy cassette and microcassette dictation equipment. Many professional workflows now use digital dictation devices. For current options, see our dictation equipment buying guide and dictation and transcription packages.

Tape recorder speeds and recording time

2-Speed Record/Playback: Gives you the option of recording on a standard microcassette at the normal speed of 2.4 cm/s or half speed (1.2 cm/s) for extended recording or dictation sessions, on models that support both speeds.

Standard cassette

• Normal playback/record speed: 1 7/8 inches per second, approximately 4.8 cm/s.
• Half speed: 15/16 inches per second, approximately 2.4 cm/s.
• Quarter speed: 15/32 inches per second, approximately 1.2 cm/s.

The advantage of slower tape speeds is extended recording time. For example, a C90 cassette recorded at normal standard cassette speed provides 90 minutes of recording time in total, or 45 minutes on each side. Recording at half speed doubles the recording time to 180 minutes total, or 90 minutes per side. Recording at quarter speed provides four times the normal recording time: 360 minutes total, or 180 minutes per side. The recorder must support the selected speed.

In the four-channel, one-direction court-recording format discussed here, the four tracks use the tape in one direction; the cassette is not turned over to record the other side. A C90 cassette recorded in this format at 2.4 cm/s provides about 90 minutes in one direction. At 1.2 cm/s it provides about 180 minutes. This is different from ordinary four-track, two-channel stereo cassette recording.

The disadvantage of slower tape speeds is reduced audio quality. Tape speed is a large factor in reproduction quality. When extended recording time is necessary, half speed can be a compromise; when recording time is not a factor, normal speed generally gives better reproduction on the same equipment.

The original reference discussed legacy Sony BM-146 and BM-246 four-track court recorders and modified Marantz PMD one- and two-track recorders. Supported tape speeds depend on the particular recorder and any modifications. Transcribing these recordings requires equipment that supports the recorded speed and track format. Modification availability and compatibility are model-specific; check the machine's instructions or contact Martel before using an unfamiliar recording.

Microcassette

Many legacy microcassette transcribers and recorders offer a choice of 2.4 cm/s or 1.2 cm/s. Sony’s M-830V/M-740V instructions give an MC-30 microcassette as an example: 30 minutes total on both sides at 2.4 cm/s, or 60 minutes total at 1.2 cm/s. Slowing the tape speed by half doubles the recording time. The recording-time and audio-quality tradeoff also applies to microcassettes.

A common problem with two-speed microcassette machines is a mismatch between recording and playback speeds. A tape recorded at 1.2 cm/s sounds too fast when played at 2.4 cm/s. A tape recorded at 2.4 cm/s sounds too slow when played at 1.2 cm/s. A variable-speed control may not have enough range to compensate for this difference. Match the transcriber's tape-speed setting to the recording.

Recorder controls and playback

Auto Reverse: On cassette decks with this feature, the unit automatically plays the reverse side when the first side finishes. A direction button may allow manual switching, and some models provide continuous auto reverse from side to side.

Feature names and operating ranges below describe legacy equipment; availability and behavior vary by model.

Tape Recorder: Used for cassette tape recording and playback. Cassette decks may have a single well or dual wells.

Full Logic Controls: Full-logic tape transports use electronic control circuits to operate the transport functions, rather than relying solely on mechanical controls.

Fast Forward: Allows for quickly advancing a cassette tape.

Rewind: Allows for quickly reversing a cassette tape.

Auto Stop: Automatically disengages the cassette deck transport at the end of a tape.

Audio, display and power features

Flash Memory: Nonvolatile electronic memory used to store recordings or other data in digital devices; capacity varies by model.

Bass Boost: Circuitry that enhances bass output in a portable audio system.

Three Heads and Other Advanced Technology for Great Recordings: A three-head recording and monitoring system uses separate erase, record and playback heads. This allows direct off-the-tape monitoring while recording.

Clock: Some portable stereo systems feature a clock as part of their front-panel display.

Built-in Microphone: An integrated microphone used for recording live content. A built-in microphone is found on many record-capable portable cassette decks.

Normal Playback Time: Refers to the expected amount of playback time with a set of new batteries.

Battery Requirements: Refers to the type of battery required for an electronic device.

AC Adapter: Converts AC power from a standard wall outlet into DC (direct current), allowing battery powered portable products to be operated from standard house current.

Dictation controls and indexing

Slide Switch Control: A thumb-operated switch for the recording, playback or review functions supported by the dictation recorder.

Tape Counter: Enables the user to manually index the recorded information on a cassette.

Voice Operated Recording (VOR): Starts recording when detected sound exceeds the selected threshold and pauses when the sound falls below it, according to the recorder’s settings.

LED: This stands for Light Emitting Diode. It is placed on some units as an indicator for various functions.

Voice Mirror: An LED that responds to incoming sound, providing a visual indication of the recording signal.

Cue And Review: An audible high-speed search through a cassette. This enables the user to locate a particular point in the recorded material.

Frequency: The number of times in a second a sound wave's cycle is completed, expressed in Hertz (Hz).

Recording and monitoring features

Fast Play Feature (20% Faster than Normal): reduces the time needed to review recordings

Built-In Speaker: Allows the user to monitor tape playback.

One-Touch Recording: for simplified, quick play/record operation

Sonymatic® Automatic Recording Level Control: Uses electronic circuitry to adjust recording levels automatically for the recording conditions.

Automatic Shut-Off: at end of tape reduces mechanical wear and conserves battery power

DC-In Jack: for two-way operation using replaceable batteries or optional AC adapter

Cue Marker Indexing System: lets you place an electronic "mark" at specific tape segments, and provides rapid access during cue and review.

Microphone Jack: allows connection of an external microphone

Transcription and foot controls

3-Function foot control: Rewind, play and fast-forward control.

3-Function Foot Pedal: this lets the transcriptionist hear the tape while changing the mode from Play to Rewind to Fast Forward without removing hands from the keyboard

Fully Adjustable Automatic Secretarial Reverse: Automatically replays a short section when transcription resumes. The operator can adjust the backspace amount to hear the preceding words again.

Speed/Tone/Volume Controls: are individual slider type, front-panel mounted, to allow easy one-finger adjustment for transcribing convenience

End-of-Tape Alarm: signals when the tape end is reached

Auto-Stop Function: stops the tape in Fast Forward and Rewind modes when End-of-Document, Electronic Indexes, and other special instruction signals on the tape are reached

Built-in Erase: may be activated to automatically erase recordings while rewinding the micro cassette

Microphones, speed control and stereo

Foot Control: Allows for hands-free operation of a transcriber via a foot pedal.

Flat Mic: In this reference, a flat omnidirectional microphone records sounds from many directions and can be used for meetings or lectures.

Playback Speed Control: On models offering the range described in this reference, increases tape speed by up to 20% and decreases it by up to 30% for quick review or slower study of recorded material.

Double Recording Time: gives you the option of recording on a standard cassette at either normal speed or half the normal speed, for extended recording or dictation sessions

Stereo: records separate left and right channels in stereo and provides convenient recording versatility in various situations

Dual Speakers: for enhanced listening in stereo sound with distinct left- and right-channel placement

Hand Microphone: with slide switch control

Slide Switch Control: A thumb-operated switch for the recording, playback or review functions supported by the dictation recorder.

Compatibility, indexing and noise reduction

2-Speed Record/Playback Transcribers: Provides two playback speeds for compatible recordings. Both the tape format and selected speed must match the recording.

Dictation Machine Electronic Indexing: An electronic mark, identifying the start of a recording session, placed by the user. This provides easy retrieval of information on dictation equipment.

Compatibility with stereo and mono cassette recorders: allows cassette tapes recorded in either the monaural format or stereo format to be transcribed

Telephone Record Capability: Supports telephone recording through the appropriate compatible interface or adapter, when provided by the system.

Fully Adjustable Automatic Backspace: Begins playback shortly before the previous stop point so the transcriptionist can hear the preceding words again.

Dolby® B Noise Reduction: A matching recording and playback noise-reduction process that emphasizes low-level high-frequency signals during recording and reduces them during playback to reduce tape hiss.

Video tape recorders

Use of Tape Recorders: An important use of tape recorders is the recording of video. Video cassette recorders differ substantially from audio recorders because of the use of a rotating magnetic head that uses a helical scan of the tape medium. A helical scan is used to allow for faster movement of the tape surface over the head.

For current equipment, explore professional dictation recorders and dictation and transcription packages.