Audio cassettes

[fluffy_little_something]

I know that video tapes disintegrate after many years, the individual tape layers kind of separate. So, I was wondering if that also happens with audio cassettes?

I am asking because I miss being able to record stuff just like that, by pressing a single button, without any format or copyright issues. So, I was checking certain shop sites yesterday and noticed that a lot of people still sell packs of audio cassettes, that are no longer made, of course. Some are at least 10 years old, but it seems that many people still have cassettes they never used, still wrapped in the original plastic. Is it safe to buy them? Will they work just like they would have 10 years ago?

Are there any companies that still make quality audio cassettes? I have seen some TDK cassettes in a Chinese shop recently, but maybe they are knock-offs.

[Numanoid]

Even with top of the line Metal tapes there will be detoration, especially if you plan to play them, and not just record once for storage.

[BertKoor]

Buying magnetic tape (or more generic: buying anything online) is a bit of a gamble. Big chance it just works though... I can still play my cassettes recorded in 1985, and it probably will record over it as well. Not going to test it...

You miss being able to just record?
Get a Zoom Pocket Recorder!

What "copyright / format issues" exactly?

[whyterabbyt]

I am asking because I miss being able to record stuff just like that, by pressing a single button, without any format or copyright issues.

Audio cassettes are not magically immune to copyright issues.

[fluffy_little_something]

Buying magnetic tape (or more generic: buying anything online) is a bit of a gamble. Big chance it just works though... I can still play my cassettes recorded in 1985, and it probably will record over it as well. Not going to test it...

You miss being able to just record?
Get a Zoom Pocket Recorder!

What "copyright / format issues" exactly?

Well, I just miss the analog gear, like the old stereos, where you just pressed record whenever there was something interesting on the built-in radio.
There was nothing to decide, like bit depth, sampling rate, file format, etc.

I suppose the music industry was not unhappy about the disappearance of the cassette.

[Numanoid]

Both tapes and records are played "mechanically" meaning there will be some wear when they get played nevertheless how good one takes care of those items.

But in case of records and you have a lot of money you can buy a laser turntable, which does not impose any wear on a record when played: http://elpj.com/

I have never seen a "laser" cassette deck though, so no similar option for tapes I am afraid.

[fluffy_little_something]

Both tapes and records are played "mechanically" meaning there will be some wear when they get played nevertheless how good one takes care of those items.

But in case of records and you have a lot of money you can buy a laser turntable, which does not impose any wear on a record when played: http://elpj.com/

I have never seen a "laser" cassette deck though, so no similar option for tapes I am afraid.

I don't care about normal wear on cassettes, the wear I know from 30 years ago. I was wondering about additional wear or quality issues due to the mere age of cassettes, which left the factory 10 or 15 years ago, but were never used.

[Numanoid]

I don't care about normal wear on cassettes, the wear I know from 30 years ago. I was wondering about additional wear or quality issues due to the mere age of cassettes, which left the factory 10 or 15 years ago, but were never used.

Old master tapes that has been in storage but never played, often succumb to sticky-shred syndrome nevertheless.

Meaning they have to be baked for them to be played one final time.

So I wouldn't take for granted that cassette tapes even though in plastic for 10-15 years, couldn't be affected by something similar.

[fluffy_little_something]

32 year old cassettes
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-15-New-S ... 1936674773

[fluffy_little_something]

Interesting Yet another analog guy...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... -than-ever

[fluffy_little_something]

Seems that cassettes up to 60 minutes (i.e. 2x30) are made of thicker tape, which is more resistant to wear and tear.

Also read something about frequency response I did not know (I never really investigated the technical aspects before): the cheaper type I cassettes have better bass while the more expensive type II cassettes have better treble.

[Numanoid]

Seems that cassettes up to 60 minutes (i.e. 2x30) are made of thicker tape, which is more resistant to wear and tear.

+1

Can even be used as dental floss, just look for the made in Montana certification.

[Bombadil]

I still have a ton of cassettes from my Portapotty days. I don't think I've actually recorded on tape since 1998, but the cassettes, to my knowledge, still play fine. The reason why I don't completely digitalise them is that I am concerned that it will finally kill my 4 track Tascam, which has already been overhauled once (in 1998). I, too, wonder if new cassettes can be had these days. We used to use Denon, TDK, and Sony.

[fluffy_little_something]

Maxell still makes one cassette according to their site:
http://uk.maxell.eu/en/categories/cassettes-25.aspx

[Numanoid]

I am concerned that it will finally kill my 4 track Tascam, which has already been overhauled once (in 1998)

But in case, couldn't you buy another 4 track, and play the tapes on that?

I only owned one 4 track in my life, but wouldn't a tape recorded using a 4 track machine, play just as well on another 4 track model?