Welcome to issue #26 of Tape Op.

For most of us, being recording engineers, producers and music makers is a large part of our lives, and a calling we may not be able to avoid. As I was editing the reviews for this issue I was wondering about the fact that two writers did reviews of noise canceling headphones. These aren't for studio use, but for use while travelling or while in noisy environments. Why should we run them in a recording-orientated magazine? Because this is a full-time job to many of us. I don't mean that we work 24 hours a day, or that it's a job that pays (because sometimes it doesn't), but whether you're making music on the weekends in your basement or if you're on the staff of the fanciest studio in the world, this passion for making records can take over your whole life. I end up reading about recording most every night, listening to records while at home, talking with fellow engineers at parties — it never ends but it's the life I created for myself. I'm sure a lot of our readers feel the same way. That's why we should understand that everything we do in our life relates to a passion-driven "career" like this. How you take care of your body will reflect on how well you can perform when making music. Keeping ear plugs on hand for live concerts, eating well and getting exercise, spending time with friends and loved ones — all this is as important as knowing which mic to put where. Take care of yourself, and remember that the main purpose of music is to bring joy to the listener, one way or another.

-Larry Crane