The following is a list of standard tape recording speeds and the typical usage. Frequency response varies from machine to machine, with tape formulation and thickness, and other variables. The response shown is typical with standard iron-oxide formulations. Formulations that add chrome oxide or use powdered iron can achieve better results.
Very little data is available to illustrate these difference.
ips (in/s) | cm/s | Frequency Response | Typical Use |
---|---|---|---|
30 | 76.2 | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Professional recording |
15 | 38.1 | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Professional recording |
7½ | 19.05 | 50 Hz - 16 kHz | Consumer tape recorders/Pre-recorded tapes |
3¾ | 9.525 | 100 Hz - 12 kHz | Consumer tape recorders |
17⁄8 | 4.763 | 100 Hz - 10 kHz | Cassette tapes |
15⁄16 | 2.381 | Very poor | Voice, dictation, emergency dispatch logging |
15⁄32 | 1.191 | Extremely poor | Microcassettes |