The impact of thermal treatment on magnetic tapes: An exploratory study combining chemical analyses and audio features

This article presents the methodology and the first results of an exploratory study aimed to determine the modifications that thermal treatment induces on magnetic tapes and on the audio signal memorized on the tapes. In order to do so, a tape is tested before and after treatment: a set of chemical analyses are conducted on tape samples, and audio analyses on the corresponding digitized signals. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the treatment does not have negative effects on a healthy tape nor on the signal. Future work includes testing tapes showing signs of degradation. This study contributes to the long-term goal of building a structured knowledge base about diagnostic tools and recovery methods for magnetic tapes.