I like not only using taped recordings for ideas, but in general.
I have not used analog tape devices with recordings on the net though, just computer or digital playback device to computer through .wav programs. Although I use a mic and sometimes an analog mixer.
But I have this nice Sony cassette recorder the size of a Walkman.
As well as the ole' boombox or whatever I can record into.
I lined boomboxes together when I started recording to dub so I would'nt forget and loose the other musical ideas with that song.
And than I played around with the acoustics and certain spaces to have a warmer or cooler sound.
I love the experimentality of going with what is at hand.
But I know I can only go so far with who listens to that.
There is too much of anything.
I always just wanted to get the point across with whatever mixer and put all kinds of different sounds into that to have prowess in my own mind.
I also remember those DAT's and 4 tracks that were out.
Although I had'nt played an instrument yet. Those recorders would'nt last, but musicians had a blast with them.
Guitarists and keyboardest doing big orchestral multi-tracking with them. Thomas Dolby must of had a ball with those Dolby's.
They are considered obsolete nowadays I guess, but what is obsolete with the heart?

I find myself at times liking some musicians work tapes/rough mixes better than their finished product.
And sometimes a certain spontanious feeling or atmosphere gets captured that can't get recaptured.

I know I'm going on a lot, but this is a trip down memory lane.

http://www.f3music.com/444