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How does cassette tape work? Cassette tape is coated with magnetic particles, either iron oxide or chromium oxide. Each magnetic head realigns the magnetic particles on the passing tape in patterns that correspond to the loudness and frequency (rate of vibration) of the incoming sounds.
How does a cassette tape player work?
When you play a cassette, the tape is run past a head that moves up and down from the charge on the tape. Just like a needle running over the etched sound waves on a vinyl record, the electromagnetic head of a cassette moves from the sound waves recorded on the tape.
How is music put on a cassette tape?
A cassette tape is a plastic shell that surrounds two rotating spools. Another long, thin piece of plastic is wound around the spools. This is the “magnetic tape” on which the sound is recorded. This tape is covered with a magnetic material that contains iron, and which reacts when it comes close to a magnetic field.
How long does a cassette tape last?
In perfect circumstances, cassette tapes will only last about 30 years if properly stored away from heat, humidity, and UV rays. Whereas a CD stored in the same conditions can last over 100 years. Two common factors for cassette tape deterioration are heat and tape recorder malfunctions.
How do cassette sides work?
Cassettes are like Vinyl records, they have two sides. On a C90 (90 minute cassette), you record 45 minutes on one side, then you turn it over and record 45 minutes on the other side… If you want to record on side A then the side with the label “A” on it should be at the top – face up.
Do cassette tapes play left to right?
The sound for sides “A” and “B” of a cassette are recorded on the left and right sides of the strip of audio tape, rather than the top and bottom. Laid side-by-side across the width of the tape are four channels of audio signal, designed for stereo sound reproduction.
Why is my cassette player eating tapes?
So, why do cassette players eat tapes? To keep it simple, it happens when the tape within the cassette gets drawn out by the pinch roller inside the player. When a cassette tape is placed, the tape is wound around the pinch roller and pulled through. Over time, your cassette tape can become sticky.
Do they still sell cassette players?
Yes! Many manufacturers are still producing cassette tape players today, both portable and stationary. You can choose from different brands and models if you buy online. You can also buy used tape decks and portable cassette tape players from websites like eBay or even from your local used goods store.
How many songs can a cassette tape hold?
Cassette tape A TDK SA90 Type II Compact Cassette Encoding Analog signal, in four tracks Capacity Most commonly 30, 45 and 60 minutes per side (C60, C90, and C120) Read mechanism Tape head Write mechanism Tape head.
Can I make my own cassette tape?
To start making your custom cassette mixtape, you need to press the play and record buttons then play the music on your phone. After recording your own mixtape, you can design them in whatever way you want. You can buy j-cards, and cassette tape cases and design them too.
Can cassettes skip?
Cassette tape players can cause skips when the tape being played is worn or in some other way damaged. Since the tape is rolled into a reel, it depends on how the tape runs across the roll as to how the skip affects playback.
What sounds better CD or cassette?
The 8-track format actually had better sound than cassette types, but the player wasn’t widely available, and the convenience of the tape cassette ultimately won out until the CD came along. CDs have the advantage of digitally mastering.
Is cassette tape double sided?
Compact cassettes usually come with two sides: “Side 1 and 2” or “Side A and B”. Starting with preferred side (eg. Side 1 or A), make sure it is facing you and insert your cassette tape with magnetic tape side, facing down, into the deck, and close deck.
Do you have to flip cassettes?
Cassettes are two-way devices. When you record the first side, two of the four tracks on the tape are used. The other two are not affected. After completing half of the recording time, you need to stop and flip over the cassette to record the other half.
Do cassettes have B sides?
The A-side and B-side are the two sides of phonograph records and cassettes; these terms have often been printed on the labels of two-sided music recordings. The term B-side carries a more expansive definition in the K-pop industry, referring to all tracks on an album that are not marketed as title tracks.
How can I play a cassette tape without a cassette player?
Everything is possible. All you have to do is get a few things: A tape head preamp (you can buy them in kits) You will need a tape head. You will also need a cassette and a pencil. You get them all together you connect the output to some active speakers and you will be able to listen to what is on the tape.
