DSD vs. tape (AC bias)

Maybe Ted Smith or Paul can explain what the difference is between DSD modulation and analog tape (AC bias frequency, about 100khz modulation).

Google AI notes:

Direct Stream Digital (DSD) modulation utilizes extremely high-frequency, 1-bit pulse-density modulation, with a standard sampling rate of 2.8224 MHz (64fs), which is 64 times the CD audio sampling rate. This high-speed sampling, often used for SACDs, enables a frequency response up to 100 kHz and a 120 dB dynamic range.

AC bias in analog tape recording is an inaudible, high-frequency signal (typically 40–150kHz) mixed with the audio during recording to overcome magnetic hysteresis, reduce distortion, and linearize tape response. It ensures high-fidelity, low-noise recordings by pushing the audio signal into the tape’s linear operating range, with settings calibrated to the specific tape formula

So both formats seem to modulate – or ‘‘ excite” – the signal to high-energy audio levels to chunk it into very fine “bits” .

I don’t think Red Book / PCM works this way. And neither does direct-to-disk lacquer.

Again, the folks behind Octave probably know much more!