Long before Apple, Facebook and YouTube, a Silicon Valley startup called Ampex revolutionized entertainment with "reel-to-reel" tape recorders in the 1940s. The sounds they created weren't scratchy or muffled like recordings that came before. Instead, you'd swear the musicians were in the room with you. KQED Arts reporter Rachael Myrow rewinds the way, way back machine to offer this little history lesson.
upper waypoint
lower waypoint
next waypoint
Stay on top of what’s happening in the Bay Area
Subscribe to News Daily for essential Bay Area news stories, sent to your inbox every weekday.
To learn more about how we use your information, please read our privacy policy.