The largest collection in existence focuses exclusively on the latter. We are talking about the original 2-inch tape reels from the 1960s through the early 2000s. This collection does not just hold songs; it holds versions of songs that never existed—alternate guitar solos, guide vocals, studio banter, and isolated drum tracks that have never been heard by the public.
Furthermore, digital formats become obsolete every decade (DAT, ADAT, DCC). The collection includes 12,000 ADAT tapes that require a specific Alesis machine last manufactured in 2003. They have four machines left. When those break, the data on those tapes is gone forever. The Largest Multitrack Music Collection Ever- -...
deluxe editions, offer intimate looks at the multitrack recording process. Why These Collections Matter The largest collection in existence focuses exclusively on
| Archive | Estimated Multitracks | Notable Acts | | --- | --- | --- | | Motown Vault | ~10,000 reels | Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Temptations | | Iron Mountain (Universal) | ~18,000 reels | Ella Fitzgerald, Tom Jones, The Who | | | ~42,763 reels | Sinatra, Davis, Beach Boys, Prince, Elvis | | Abbey Road Archives | ~5,000 multitracks | Beatles, Pink Floyd, McCartney | When those break, the data on those tapes is gone forever