Subtitled The Creative Music Recording Magazine,[2] Tape Op is independently published and was founded[3] by Larry Crane in 1996.

[9] In 1999, Crane[10] added John Baccigaluppi, who assumed publishing duties[11] and also served as Graphic Design Director.

In 2004, the magazine expanded (under the business name Tape Op Magazine Limited)[12] into the UK and Continental Europe, when publishers Alexander Lawson[13] and Nadia Osta assumed publishing duties.

Tape Op is mainly a volunteer effort, with a majority of the writers working in full or part-time engineering positions.

[14] Contributors include: Scott Evans, Garrett Haines, Mike Jasper, Scott McChane (Assistant Gear Reviews Editor), Neil Mclellan, F. Reid Shippen, Kirt Shearer, Brian T. Silak, Steve Silverstein, Thom Monahan, Joel Hamilton, Andy Hong (Gear Reviews Editor), Alex Maiolo, Richard Barone, Dana Gumbiner and Pete Weiss.