There are many serial publications out there for musicians and sound engineers, and while each is relevant in some way, Tape Op stands out as being one of the most interesting and character-filled magazines currently available.
Tape Op is "The Creative Music Recording Magazine" and typically contains many interviews with producers, engineers, and recording artists, gear reviews, and editorial thoughts on recording in general. Issues are bi-monthly, and their online presence fills the gaps between mailings with a massive message board, bonus PDF articles and a weekly blog from founding editor Larry Crane and other contributors.
It is not always an easy read, especially for novice recording artists or people with a casual knowledge of recording equipment. That complexity and assumed familiarity is part of the publication's allure; readers will not find tutorials and how-to guides in Tape Op, and some may have to do additional research to stay on top of some of the interviews.
The album reviews are perhaps Tape Op's only weak point. While it is interesting to read reviews that come from an engineer's perspective, most of these items are inconsistent and tedious and could be excised from the magazine without notice.
On the other end of the spectrum are Larry Crane's "End Rants", which cover a wide range of topics and are the most energizing and inspiring pieces of writing in the magazine, especially for amateurs. If a three page discussion about digital versus analog recording is overwhelming, flipping to the last page will always give the reader something interesting and understandable to focus on.
And best of all, a 12-month subscription to Tape Op is free. That is, as they say, a price that can't be beat.
If you enjoy being a fly on the wall while recording greats talk about their methods, equipment, and ideologies, then Tape Op is for you.
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