audiokasetti

An audiokasetti, commonly known as a cassette tape or simply cassette, is a magnetic tape sound recording format. It was invented by Philips in 1962 and first released in Europe in 1963 and in the United States in 1964. Cassettes were popular for playing music, recording audio, and for portable audio players. The format consists of two small spools, one on each side of a protective casing, onto which a magnetic tape is wound. The tape moves between the spools when the cassette is inserted into a player or recorder.

The cassette tape operates by magnetizing a thin plastic tape coated with a magnetic material, typically iron oxide or chromium dioxide. As the tape passes over a recording head, an electrical signal representing sound is converted into magnetic patterns on the tape. During playback, a playback head detects these magnetic patterns and converts them back into an electrical signal, which is then amplified to produce sound. Cassettes typically feature two audio tracks on each side, allowing for stereo sound playback or four mono tracks.

While once ubiquitous, the audiokasetti has largely been superseded by digital formats such as CDs, MP3s, and streaming services. However, it has seen a niche resurgence in recent years, particularly among audiophiles and collectors who appreciate its analog sound and nostalgic appeal. Some musicians also release music on cassette as a limited edition or for its distinct sonic characteristics.