 |
 TELEX ACC 4000 XL SERIES DUPLICATOR CASSETTE TAPE COPIER COPY MODULE SLAVE $124.99 Time Remaining: 29d 14h 13m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 Vintage Aria Studiotrack IV Model R504 Cassette Tape Multi Track Recorder $26.30 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 19h 12m |
 TASCAM 424 MKII 2 PORTASTUDIO 4 TRACK MK 2 CASSETTE TAPE RECORDER $110.00 Time Remaining: 5d 12h 22m Buy It Now for only: $110.00 |
 YAMAHA MT4X Analog 4 Track Multitrack Cassette Tape Recorder Recording Board $40.00 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 37m |
 TASCAM 130 3 HEAD CASSETTE TAPE DECK PLAYER $149.00 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 57m Buy It Now for only: $149.00 |
 YAMAHA MT4X Analog 4 Track Multitrack Cassette Tape Recorder Recording Board WRK $99.00 Time Remaining: 16h 20m Buy It Now for only: $129.00 |
 NEW XITEL USB RECORDING DEVICE RECORD FROM YOUR STEREO TAPES CASSETTES LP TO MP3 $24.99 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 29m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 46m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 TELEX ACC 2000 SLAVE UNIT CASSETTE TAPE DUPLICATOR $49.95 Time Remaining: 28d 10h 49m Buy It Now for only: $49.95 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 47m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Copy Convert Transfer Cassettes Tapes to PC CD USB Stick MP3 iPod $15.73 Time Remaining: 12d 9h 26m Buy It Now for only: $15.73 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 48m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM20 SM 20 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM20DX DX 20DX $3.95 Time Remaining: 7d 46m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 49m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 NEW Vintage mid 80s TDK SA90 SA 90 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II high $9.95 Time Remaining: 7d 47m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 49m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Bogen CPT 1B Cassette Tape Player $14.99 Time Remaining: 26d 8h 41m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 51m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 LOT OF 6 SONY XR 60 METAL BIAS SEALED BLANK TYPE IV AUDIO COMPACT CASSETTE TAPES $32.99 Time Remaining: 27d 16h 13m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 52m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Vintage Pentagon C1000 Cassette Duplicator With Reel To Reel Tape Recorder $199.99 Time Remaining: 3d 12h 23m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 52m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Tascam 424 MKIII 4 Track Cassette Tape Recorder Parts Repair Project As Is $39.95 Time Remaining: 21d 19h 10m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 53m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 TELEX Master Audio Cassette Tape Duplicator Replica Copier w 61 BLANK TAPES LOT $199.99 Time Remaining: 19d 12h 14m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 53m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 NEW Special SALE Maxell UR 90 UR90 90 minute Type I 1 Cassette Tape Magnetic $1.99 Time Remaining: 7d 48m Buy It Now for only: $1.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 53m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 SMART SR 4 PROFESSIONAL CASSETTE REWINDER 4 TAPE $189.99 Time Remaining: 14d 13h 49m Buy It Now for only: $189.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 54m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Marantz PMD351 Professional Rackmount Cassette Tape Recorder CD Player Combo PMD $250.00 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 47m Buy It Now for only: $250.00 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 54m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 7d 45m Buy It Now for only: $2.95 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 54m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 TASCAM 302 STUDIO DUAL CASSETTE TAPE DECK AUTO REVERSE RECORDER PLAYER PARTS $119.99 Time Remaining: 23d 18h 5m Buy It Now for only: $119.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 47m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 TELEX Copyette 121 Mono Cassette Tape Duplicator $150.00 Time Remaining: 24d 15h 3m Buy It Now for only: $150.00 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 48m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 ION Tape Express Plus Portable Professional Cassette to MP3 Converter Player $59.99 Time Remaining: 2d 23h 43m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 50m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 TELEX XGEN AUDIO CASSETTE TAPE DUPLICATOR MASTER COPIER $1,199.00 Time Remaining: 7d 43m Buy It Now for only: $1,199.00 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 50m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Sony Standard cassette tape $4.35 Time Remaining: 18d 10h 47m Buy It Now for only: $4.35 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 51m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Copying Converter Transferring Cassettes Tapes to Windows PC CD MP3 17M $15.79 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 23m Buy It Now for only: $15.79 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 52m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 TASCAM PORTASTUDIO 424MKII 4 CHANNEL MIXER RECORDING TAPE CASSETTE STEREO DBX $149.99 Time Remaining: 21d 11h 30m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 54m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Tascam Model 302 Double Auto Reverse Dual Cassette Tape Deck $350.00 Time Remaining: 24d 21h 51m Buy It Now for only: $350.00 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 55m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Sony DAT model DTC A6 Digital Audio Cassette Tape Converter w REMOTE Tested $175.00 Time Remaining: 18d 11h 9m Buy It Now for only: $175.00 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 55m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 SONY 32 ADVANCED ME CASSETTE TAPE PDVM 32N METAL EVAPORATED 1 Lot of 10 PDVM32N $89.95 Time Remaining: 17d 13h 53m Buy It Now for only: $89.95 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 55m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 PYLE PWMA130 WIRELESS MICROPHONE PA SPEAKER SYSTEM TAPE MIC CASSETTE PLAYER NEW $124.95 Time Remaining: 26d 9h 41m Buy It Now for only: $124.95 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 48m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Recordex Stereo tape duplicator cassette Soundmaster II $500.00 Time Remaining: 16d 18h 20m Buy It Now for only: $500.00 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 50m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Telex XGEN Audio Cassette Tape Duplicator w Cord Master Copier Model 300770000 $499.99 Time Remaining: 20h 49m Buy It Now for only: $499.99 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 51m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 New Tascam CD Cassette Tape Recorder Rackmount Disc Burner CDRW CD R CC 222SL $525.00 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 41m Buy It Now for only: $525.00 |
 NEW TDK Pro SM10 SM 10 Hi Bias MultiTrack Cassette Tape Type II 2 SM10DX DX 10DX $2.95 Time Remaining: 2d 50m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Grundig Steno cassettes box of 5 stenocassette tapes $56.89 Time Remaining: 5d 10h 45m Buy It Now for only: $56.89 |
 Sales brochure for FOSTEX X 14 cassette 4 TRACK MULTITRACK TAPE RECORDER X14 VGC $1.56 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 24m |
 Grundig 616 tape eraser steno and micro cassettes $47.41 Time Remaining: 9d 11h 12m Buy It Now for only: $47.41 |
 Fostex X 15 Multitracker 4 Track Cassette Tape Recorder $1.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 10h 29m |
 Telex XGEN Audio Cassette Tape Duplicator w Cord Slave Copier Model 300770001 $299.99 Time Remaining: 20h 49m Buy It Now for only: $299.99 |
 TASCAM PORTASTUDIO 414 MK II MULTI TRACK CASSETTE RECORDER W D 90 D 60 TAPES $5.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 7d 19h 41m |
 KORG CR 4 Cassette Tape 4 Track Recorder nice CR4 REMS $169.99 Time Remaining: 15d 21h 27m Buy It Now for only: $169.99 |
 TELEX COPYETTE cassette duplicator copier USA tape duplication $33.22 Time Remaining: 6d 10h 3m |
 TASCAM 202 MK III TAPE PLAYER CASSETTE $125.00 Time Remaining: 27d 3h 41m Buy It Now for only: $125.00 |
Cassette Tape
Shrinking the Cassette Tape
Compact cassettes dominated the music scene during the 80s. They also helped thousands of people mark their identity with mix tapes that were a mash-up of driving jams, situation music for romance and more. While the cassette was the perfect medium for music at the time, it had a few siblings that served another important role - the mini-cassette, microcassette and picocassette.
The Microcassette
The microcassette was as it sounds; significantly smaller than the standard cassette tape. It wasn't as widely used as the larger standard cassette by most people despite its introduction by Olympus in 1969; likely because the microcassette was far less effective when it came to the recording and playback of music. It did, however, find wide acceptance in its own niche.
The primary purpose of microcassettes was dictation, or recording voice. Their most common use was in small portable recording devices used for dictation and in answering machines. Unlike many standard cassette players, microcassette recording devices offered variable speeds in both recording and playback. The faster a tape moved across the record head, the better the quality was. The disadvantage to recording at higher speeds however, was less time for recording.
While it may seem as though a smaller reel of tape in a microcassette would offer less recording time than a standard cassette, the tape is much thinner and runs at half to one quarter the standard speed which allows the microcassette a similar length of recording time. The microcassette tape itself is actually the same width as the tape in a standard compact cassette. However, the standard cassette player moves the tape from left to right while the microcassette tape travels in the opposite direction.
Those attempting to use it for music or other situations where quality sound was important found that it was less than desirable. However, the device was widely accepted by professionals that required a reliable medium for dictation. Because of its small size, law enforcement and intelligence agencies often used them for covert recording. In fact, they are still sometimes used by police departments. Digital is taking over, but sometimes law enforcement agencies will worry about the admissibility of some digital recordings in court. Just like digital photography it is relatively easy to alter digital audio recordings. The authentication processes used by forensic audio examiners for digital audio is still in its infancy so an altered recording may go undetected.
Mini and Picocassettes
In 1967 about two years before the microcassette was launched, the mini-cassette was introduced to the public. It too was meant to be used for dictation. It was just a touch larger than the microcassette and did not use the traditional capstan drive system but instead moved the tape past the tape head using the reels. Due to this there was inconsistency in the speed causing a bit of wow and flutter (pitch variation/wobbling sound). This feature made it unsuitable for anything other than dictation - but for dictation it really wasn't a concern. In fact, the design of the mini-cassette is actually quite suited for use by transcriptionists. They hold up better than microcassettes to the constant starting, stopping, and short rewinds.
Fast forward almost two decades to find JVC and Dictaphone with their ill-fated attempt to launch an even smaller tape format than the microcassette in 1985. While the intent was to be a highly portable dictation device, the picocassette recorder cost several hundred dollars. Tapes were $6 each. The device lasted approximately 6 months on the market before being discontinued. For all intents and purposes it was a marketing disaster.
Both the mini-cassette and microcassette remain in use for those who prefer to work in analog format though they continue to be replaced in many circuits by digital recorders. Microcassettes did however see a small rise in popularity with their use in the modern "Saw" horror movies where microcassette players were used with "play me" messages scrawled across the cassette. Despite that popularity increase, analog technology continues to decline in use as digital technology grows more prominent with each passing year.
About the Author
TransDual Forensics offers digital and analog transcription services. We provide forensic, criminal justice, oral history, lecture, focus group, and
interview transcription
services. Via our sister company, we can also transfer your analog recordings such as reel-to-reel, standard cassette, and
microcassette to CD
or a digital file format.
How can I get music from a cassette tape onto my IPOD?
I have a cassette of old songs that are no longer available on CD. I would like to have the songs on my IPOD but have no idea how to do that. I cannot find the songs on the internet either because they were kind of obscure. Any suggestions? The tape was by a group called the Acappella Company.
you cant unless you buy the song on iTunes or you convert the tape and put it on CD
Katie Costello - "Cassette Tape" Official Music Video