What is an eight track recorder?

An eight track recorder is a reel-to-reel tape recorder that records and plays back audio on eight parallel tracks on 1/4 inch magnetic tape. The tracks are arranged in a stack of four on each side of the tape. The recorder uses four record and four playback heads, each 0.001 x 0.1 inches, spaced across the tape width (1/4inch). The tape speed is 3.75 inches per second (ips) and the frequency response is 75–9000 Hz.

Eight track recorders were introduced in 1964 by the Ampex Corporation. They were popular in the 1960s and 1970s for home recording and for use in cars. Eight track tapes are no longer manufactured, but some eight track recorders are still in use.

Eight track recorders are relatively simple to operate. To record, the user simply selects a track and presses the record button. To play back, the user selects a track and presses the play button. The recorder can also be used to fast forward and rewind the tape.

Eight track recorders are not as high-quality as other types of tape recorders, such as cassette recorders or digital recorders. However, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them a good choice for simple recording tasks.