Kasetti

Kasetti is the Finnish term for a cassette, typically referring to the compact audio cassette used to record and play back sound. A kasetti consists of a small plastic shell that houses two reels and a length of magnetic tape, which can be wound from one reel to the other during playback or recording.

The compact cassette was developed by Philips and introduced in 1963 as the Compact Cassette. It became a dominant format for personal music listening and home recording from the 1960s through the 1990s, thanks to its compact size, affordability, and standardized recording system. Its openness allowed a wide range of brands and tape formulations, which contributed to its global adoption.

Construction and formats: The tape is a narrow magnetic strip wound between two reels inside a plastic case. The standard tape width is 3.81 millimeters (1/8 inch). Common cassette lengths provide about 60, 90, or 120 minutes of total playtime, typically distributed as 30–60 minutes per side. The magnetic coating has evolved from ferric oxide to chromium dioxide and, later, metal formulations, with the coating influencing noise levels, frequency response, and overall sound quality. Playback and recording involve biasing and equalization settings that varied by region and era.

Uses and legacy: Kasetti were used for music albums, voice recording, and, in computing, data storage on early home computers via dedicated cassette interfaces. With the rise of CDs, digital audio files, and streaming, the compact cassette declined in mainstream use, though it has experienced niche revivals in music circles and among collectors. Preservation challenges include tape degradation and binder breakdown, making proper storage important for longevity.