Presentation Text – History of tape : WW2

, it was in Germany in the 1930s where the technology took a significant leap
forward. AEG, working with the chemical giant BASF, developed the first practical
magnetic tape recorder, known as the "Magnetophon," along with the PVC-based
magnetic tape. This technology was significantly more advanced than the wire
recorders and phonograph records that were previously used. It offered much higher
sound quality, which was crucial for broadcasting and intelligence purposes. This
high-fidelity recording was one of the primary reasons why the technology caught
the attention of the Allies post-war.

After valdemars poulsens telegraphone in 1898. The next significant technological

improvement was Fritz Pfleumer’s tape recorder in 1928. This tape was far better than the
previously used steel wire recorders which is where you find sound like this. (play sound)

The war itself made use of a magnetophon which was invented in 1935 by 2 german
companies collaborated to release a better tape recorder which used a a foil made of
cellulose acetate coated with a layer of iron oxide instead which offered much higher sound
quality than previous technologies.

This new tech was much more versatile thanks to the quality so It could be used in
broadcasting, it was used to record and gather intelligence through intercepting
communications and more advanced propaganda broadcasts.

Germany kept this secret due to the tensions before the war but the allies did eventually
become aware of this technology later on in the war as they captured German territories.