Hi!
-> JH> The bias applied to a tape head is an ultrasonic signal fed along
-> > with the music information to keep the oxide magnetization within >
-> the linear portion of its hysteresis curve.  The various tape types
-> The metal tapes I recently purchased read on the label:
-> "PURE METAL   OXIDE FREE"
->
-> What does that mean?  No oxide magnetization?

It doesn't have to be an iron oxide to retain magnetism.. Most tapes
are acetate or polyester based with a magnetic coating applied to the
recording side made of iron oxide (why tape often has a reddish look to
it). Metal tapes don't have to have oxide to work.
Bonnie *:>
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