Here is the best way to sync the DAW to tape in 2023: Get one of these 3 boxes (they are all the same just under different labels): Aardvark TimeSync II, Rosendahl WIF or Steinberg Timelock Pro. There are some on ebay now and probably Reverb too.
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Well the key is that the TimeSync will adjust for the tape machine transport drift. You find that there will be no drift, once you nudge the tracks together inside the DAW if you do it this way.
If used this method for years using an MCI JH24 and what I use now, which is an MTR-12 and its rock solid.