This is what home recording was like in 1980

MusicRadar's best of 2018: It’s sometimes easy to forget how far home recording technology has come over the past four decades, but if you need a quick reminder, here it is.

In this clip, broadcast on the BBC’s Tomorrow’s World programme in 1980, suave and besuited presenter Michael Rodd takes one of the original 4-track Tascam Portastudios for a spin, laying down a track that features an organ (complete with auto-accompaniment), guitar and vocals.  

All we can say is: “Vibraphone!”

Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.