Fritz Pfleumer 💫

 

Fritz Pfleumer was a German-Austrian engineer who invented magnetic recording tape.

Born on 20 March 1881, he would revolutionize the world of sound recording with his invention. Pfleumer's journey into the world of magnetic recording began with his work on cigarette papers. He developed a process for applying metal strips to cigarette papers and reasoned that a similar technique could be used to coat a magnetic stripe for sound recording. In 1927, after experimenting with various materials, Pfleumer successfully used very thin paper coated with iron oxide powder and lacquer as glue. This innovation led to him receiving a patent in 1928.

In December 1932, Pfleumer granted AEG the right to use his invention, which paved the way for the creation of the world's first practical tape recorder, the Magnetophon K1. This groundbreaking device was first demonstrated in 1935. Pfleumer's invention laid the foundation for modern magnetic recording and had a profound impact on the recording industry.

Despite his significant contributions, Pfleumer remains a relatively obscure figure in the history of technology. His work, however, continues to be celebrated by those who recognize the importance of his invention in the evolution of sound recording. Fritz Pfleumer passed away on 29 August 1945, but today we remember his significant contribution to the world of Hi-Fi.

During WWII, samples of  German-made AEG/Maihak tape machines were thieved by US contractors and brought to USA where they got back-engineered to make Ampex 300.

Reportedly, of course… these represent the folds of history.