Kassettbånd

Kassettbånd, also known as Compact Cassette, is an analog magnetic tape recording format for audio recording and playback. Developed by Philips and introduced in 1963, it was designed to be a portable and convenient medium for both home recording and playback, as well as for portable audio devices.

The cassette tape consists of two small reels housed in a protective plastic casing. Magnetic tape is wound around these reels, and it is through this tape that audio signals are recorded and reproduced. The tape moves at a standardized speed, typically 1 7/8 inches per second, allowing for a certain duration of audio playback.

Kassettbånd gained immense popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a dominant medium for music consumption and personal recordings. Its relatively low cost, ease of use, and portability contributed significantly to its widespread adoption. Personal cassette players, boomboxes, and car stereos became common household items.

While digital audio formats like CDs and later MP3s eventually supplanted cassettes for mainstream music, the format saw a resurgence in niche markets. Enthusiasts and some musicians have rediscovered cassettes for their unique sonic qualities and lo-fi aesthetic. Cassettes are also still used in some specialized applications where simplicity and affordability are prioritized.