In 1928, Austrian engineer Fritz Pfleumer patented magnetic tape for sound recording, using iron oxide on paper or plastic. This technology revolutionized audio preservation and playback. It enabled high-fidelity recordings of poetry readings, music, and oral traditions, shaping 20th-century media and literary performance archives.

The introduction of magnetic tape recording in 1928 transformed audio preservation and editing, significantly impacting spoken word and performance poetry. This technology allowed poets to experiment with soundscapes and layering, enriching the auditory experience of their works.