Tape Op, The Greatest Music Recording Magazine Ever

Today I’d like to recommend my all-time favorite magazine for music recording and production.  The magazine is Tape Op.  The info-packed pages are invaluable.  The price for subscription is free.  They’re not paying me to write this review.  I truly love this magazine and I’ve been a hooked reader for years.

If you’re a pro audio engineer, then you already know about Tape Op.  You can find a copy laying around just about any serious recording studio.  If you’re an engineering student, or just getting into the world of music recording, then I highly suggest getting your hands on a subscription.  Even if you’re not a techie, but you’re a musician, songwriter, producer, or you’re interested in peering in behind the scenes of today’s music industry, you will enjoy reading it.

The content ranges from fascinating interviews to instructional columns, gear reviews, album reviews, and everything in between.  They cover the entire spectrum.  From the biggest names in music history, to the small guys making a stir today.  The gear reviews are not only positive, but detailed and honest descriptions of the pieces and their application in the studio.  The album reviews cover new releases along with notable stuff from decades ago.  Some are names, some are obscurities but all are print-worthy.

I personally dig the interviews the most.  They really get into it with some truly fascinating voices around today’s recording world.  They interview producers, engineers, songwriters, studio owners, label owners, and gear designers.  Some recent favorites included Jon Frusciante, Nino Moschella, Craig Potter of Elbow, Bones Howe, George Massenburg… the list goes on.

Studios from around the world are regularly profiled which is also quite interesting.  Studio owners will go into the business side of things, talking about the scene in their local market and the history of the area as well as their studio.  Very cool stuff.

I must also mention the creativity that goes into the graphic design, layout, photography, and typography of Tape Op.  This is something that often gets overlooked when talking about a music recording magazine, but deserves some recognition.  Each article differs from the next in look and feel, use of color, and article flow from page to page.

Tape Op magazine is eagerly anticipated every couple of months.  When it does appear in my mailbox, it doesn’t take long before I dig in and read the issue from cover to cover.  I keep a stack of them archived in my home-studio along with pages posted up on my walls.  It’s a true gem and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  Did I mention it’s free?!

www.tapeop.com

Related posts:

1. The Importance of Using Scratch Tracks in Recording and Music Production
2. What to Do Before You Record Your Song Demo
3. 7 Essential Gifts Under $100 for a Home Recording Studio
4. 10 Tips For Composing Music for Picture Tracks That Sell
5. iPhone Apps for On-The-Go Recording

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