Dropouts in magnetic media are a primary quality deficiency which is detrimental to magnetic signal quality and thus the major impediment to error-free recording, especially in high density digital recorders. The specific form of defects and causes found to be responsible for signal dropouts occurring in magnetic tape were studied. Dropout occurred when the RF signal falls to low level due to the various types of surface defects. However, the fall in the level of the RF signal in gravure roll coated tapes was most often caused by foreign particles adhering to the magnetic tape. It was also shown from the present study that scattered particles trapped under the tape surface or put on the top can lift it as it crosses the head, creating a spherical tent shaped defect and causing a temporary signal drop. Dropout producing substances were identified through optical and microchemical analyses. The results were correlated with measured electrical signal losses combined with analytical microscopy to clarify source identification of defects.