“When there was only analog #tape, making a physical copy of your tapes was the #backup (aka “safety copy”). One problem is that this is not actually an exact #copy. The backup goes through multiple stages of analog circuitry and cabling, and it ends up residing on a totally different magnetic tape – all factors guaranteeing that it won’t be exactly the same as the original.
Due to tape deck discrepancies or incorrect settings, the copy could even sound different than the original. It also took the industry many years to realize that #analog tapes (primary or backup) might not last forever, and, due to poor storage and sticky-shed syndrome, many old tapes have been pulled out of storage only to have them disintegrate and self-destruct!”
“Are You Backing Up?” — #MikeKosacek / #TapeOp / #music / #recording <https://tapeop.com/interviews/161/are-you-backing/>