metal tape: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low, TechnicalTechnical, Historical, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “metal tape” mean?
A physical recording medium consisting of a thin strip of metal or a plastic tape with a metallic coating, used for storing audio or data signals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical recording medium consisting of a thin strip of metal or a plastic tape with a metallic coating, used for storing audio or data signals.
Refers specifically to a type of high-quality audio cassette tape developed for superior sound fidelity, or more broadly to any tape-based medium with a metallic component for magnetic recording.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both regions used the term for the audio cassette format. The word 'tape' in the context of recording is used identically.
Connotations
Primarily nostalgic or technical. Connotes higher audio quality in the context of 1980s-1990s consumer audio.
Frequency
More frequent in historical/technical discussions about audio equipment. Rare in everyday conversation in both regions since the technology's obsolescence.
Grammar
How to Use “metal tape” in a Sentence
record onto metal tapeplay metal taperequires metal tape compatibilitymade of metal tapeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metal tape” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The studio preferred to metal-tape the master for archival quality.
American English
- We'll metal-tape the live session for the best dynamic range.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historical context in electronics/audio retail; e.g., 'Our 1985 line featured decks with metal tape compatibility.'
Academic
In media studies or history of technology; e.g., 'The introduction of metal tape represented the pinnacle of analog cassette technology.'
Everyday
Rare. May occur when discussing old music collections; e.g., 'I still have some mixtapes recorded on metal tape.'
Technical
In audio engineering or data storage; e.g., 'Metal tape exhibits a higher coercivity and maximum output level than oxide tapes.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metal tape”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metal tape”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metal tape”
- Using 'metal tape' to refer to any sturdy adhesive tape. *Incorrect: 'I need metal tape to fix this box.' (Correct: 'duct tape' or 'strapping tape').
- Pronouncing 'tape' as /tæp/ instead of /teɪp/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It was superseded by digital formats like CDs and MP3s. It is primarily of interest to vintage audio enthusiasts and archivists.
It was the official industry designation for metal particle cassette tapes, distinguishing them from Type I (ferric), Type II (chrome), and Type III (ferrichrome).
No. Cassette decks required a specific 'metal tape' setting to apply the correct bias and equalization. Playing it on a standard setting could result in poor sound.
No, not at all. 'Duct tape' is a cloth-backed adhesive tape. 'Metal tape' in its primary sense refers to a magnetic recording medium. In construction, a 'metal foil tape' or 'aluminum tape' exists, but it is not commonly called just 'metal tape'.
A physical recording medium consisting of a thin strip of metal or a plastic tape with a metallic coating, used for storing audio or data signals.
Metal tape is usually technical, historical, specialized in register.
Metal tape: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmet.əl teɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmet̬.əl teɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of METAL TAPE as the 'heavy metal' of cassette tapes – it was the hardest, strongest, and highest quality format.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS DENSITY / STRENGTH (A superior recording medium is conceptualized as being made of a denser, stronger material).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of 'metal tape' in an audio context?