why call it a tape recorder instead of a digital recorder? nothing in the skeuomorphic design even hints at a tape recorder and looks much more like a digital recorder. if it's a tape recorder, do you introduce tape hiss based on a preference of what tape formula is being used? maybe then introduce a NR option? also, what type of tape are you recording too? is it cassette tape, or a professional studio tape? that would also have quality implications to consider. what about dirty heads or pinch roller that is sticking so the tape doesn't move at a constant rate? also, is it assumed that it's always a new tape with each recording, or will it emulate sound quality degradation of multiple re-use of the same tape? could be a cool easter egg like the crayon color picker with a system clock set far into the future

or is this just a for the lulz throw back because it's kool type of name?

I plan for more skeuomorphic themes in the future (i got very tired of looking at the same design for 3 months!)

but yes this is more of a "remember when..." kind of design. i do have some drafts for easter eggs that tie more into "real world problems" :P