Tape Op began as a photocopied zine about lofi/low budget recording in 1996 by Larry Crane of Jackpot Studios in Portland, Oregon. It was sold primarily in alternative book and music stores, alongside zines like ANSWER Me! or Rollerderby.

Its emphasis has shifted to encapsulate medium-sized/large studios as well, and interviewing big names in recording like Brent Hedgepeth and Steve Albini. It is now a glossy, free publication available mostly by subscription. All of the staff of Tape Op are recording pros, and the magazine is primarily a labor of love.