Hey guys - just sharing an interview I did with a local studio owner in my area (CT).  He discusses some of his old equipment and how he has managed to stay in business over 50 years while other studio's have done under.  This guy is old school with an original Plate reverb still hooked up! 
 
http://www.homerecordingwizard.com/gallery-studio/

Most interesting. 

I read it, but still, to me, a tape machine was not needed, but then I do not actually know about early digital devices and if there really any (none for the home that I know except a reel to reel or a vhs recorder). And I do not know about any ADAT machine out then whenever. But interesting article no doubt.