Tape should be stored so that the extra tape ("the tails") are on the outside of the reel. This makes print-through more obvious during loud passages, where it is swamped by the desired signal.
But sometimes tape is stored "tails in", and a megabuck recording session is compromised by a pre-echo. The loud passage prints through onto a silent passage, where it is clearly heard. Joan Sutherland’s London recording of Lakme appears to be a good example.
At least, that is a plausible explanation. If it is true, the pre-echo should move closer to the passage; if the pre-echo does not move relative to the intended passage, then that would indicate a cutting problem. I have never bothered to time the interval, so I don't know.
But sometimes tape is stored "tails in", and a megabuck recording session is compromised by a pre-echo. The loud passage prints through onto a silent passage, where it is clearly heard. Joan Sutherland’s London recording of Lakme appears to be a good example.
At least, that is a plausible explanation. If it is true, the pre-echo should move closer to the passage; if the pre-echo does not move relative to the intended passage, then that would indicate a cutting problem. I have never bothered to time the interval, so I don't know.