Quadraphonic 8-track tapes offer some of the most unique and exciting listening experiences of all vintage audio formats. The tapes – manufactured for a few years in the early and mid 1970s – are specially mixed for four speakers, instead of the regular two for stereo. Several popular (and other) titles were released as quadraphonic 8-track tapes. Searching for, identifying, and buying these special tapes is one of the most exciting ways to enjoy a vintage audio collection.
Identifying quadraphonic 8-track tapes
Quadraphonic technology sometimes goes by other names, including quad, quadrasonic, and discrete 4-channel. On quad 8-tracks, there will often be a prominent letter “Q” on the label and/or outer box. Mostly, though, the way to tell a quad 8-track from a regular stereo one is the notch in the case. Quadraphonic 8-track tapes have a 1-inch groove in the upper left of the front of the case. The purpose of this was for 8-track tape players that could play both quad and stereo tapes. With stereo tapes, when inserted, the case would push a lever telling the player it was a regular 2-channel tape. Quad tapes, lacking the notch, didn’t push the lever, and the player knew to route the audio to four separate speakers.
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Look for the notch to identify quadraphonic 8-track tapes.
Quadraphonic 8-track tapes ran the same speed as regular ones, 3 3/4 inches per second (ips). It’s just that the configuration of tracks is different. To play an entire album on a stereo 8-track, you play the tape four times through; each time, a different left and right channel (of the eight tracks on the 1/4-inch tape) is played.
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Quad 8-tracks are also divided into eight tracks, but the tape is played through only twice. Each time, front left and right and rear left and right channels are played. This meant that twice as much tape was needed in a quad tape as its stereo counterpart.
Why people love quadraphonic 8-track tapes
The special 4-channel mix meant more opportunities for an enveloping sound. Now instruments and effects could swirl all around the listener, or bounce between the four speakers in novel and mesmerizing ways. The effect is especially nice in a car, with a quad 8-track player hooked up to four speakers. Home quad 8-track players were also made. Fans of quad may also be interested in getting into quadraphonic reel-to-reel tapes and reel-to-reel players.
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Besides the Pink Floyd, John Lennon, Guess Who, and many other quad titles, there were quite a few automobile demo tapes for cars that had quad players in them. These are collectible in and of themselves. Basically, it’s always worth picking up nice quadraphonic 8-track tapes if the price is right.
