Welcome to issue #29 of Tape Op.

...also known as the official issue of the First AnnualTape OpConference. If you get this issue soon enough there may be time to get down to Sacramento and hang with us, along with some of the recording geniuses of today and tomorrow. Plus you'll make new friends, learn things, go to rock shows and maybe even drink some beer. If you've missed it already stay tuned and see if we survive this event and schedule one for next year!Earlier this year my grandfather passed away within days of David Blackmer's passing away. What does this have to do withTape Op? My grandfather was kind enough to loan me the startup dough for my studio 5 years ago, something I'll always be grateful for (among many other things, of course). David Blackmer was the original brains behind dbx and later started Earthworks, where his belief in higher bandwidth audio recording translated into some amazing gear. Both of these men will be missed by many.What also comes to mind is that we have an obligation to ourselves to do something with our lives before we're gone and missed. Helping others and pursuing dreams are two primary human pursuits — don't let the world slow you down or distract you from this path. -Larry Crane, Editor...

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