Stereo-Pak
- This is an article about the 4-track cartridge. For four track multitracking, see Multitrack recording.
A 4-track tape is a type of analog infinite-loop tape, and the precursor to 8-track tapes.
The tape is arranged in an infinite loop which traverses a central hub and crosses a tape head, usually over a pressure pad to assure proper tape contact. Tape moves at 3¾ inches per second, pulled by tension, but this tension is dampened by a lubricant, usually graphite, on the back of the tape to prevent a tape's tension from damaging the tape and/or player. Tape ends are connected by a splice made of a conductive material. When it passes over a certain portion of the interior mechanisms of a 4-track tape player, the splice completes a circuit, switching to the next (or first) tape program. Due to the method tape is moved, it is impossible to rewind, and often risky to fast forward a 4-track tape.
The splices in 4-track tape can break due to age, handling, or poor manufacturing quality. This problem also affects other infinite-loop tapes, such as 8-tracks.
History
4-tracks were developed by 1956 but were largely used in broadcasting applications until Madman Muntz saw an opportunity to outfit his used cars with 4-track players to encourage buyers. Previously, music in the car had been restricted mostly to radios. Records, due to their methods of operation and size, were not practical for use in a car, although several companies tried to market an automobile record player: that is where the Motorola Corporation derives its name (motor + Victrola = Motorola).
Notable celebrities such as Frank Sinatra had 4-track players outfitted in their cars, and music was released on 4-track tape for automobile enjoyment, and sometimes home use.
Muntz manufactured 4-track tape players and pre-recorded 4-track cartridges until approximately 1970, when 8-track tape took over. Muntz licensed music by many popular artists from most of the major record labels, and released hundreds of titles in many genres. Columbia Records was one of the few major record labels to release music recorded on 4-track cartridges themselves on a widespread basis.
After taking a ride with Muntz in a 4-track player-outfitted car, Bill Lear, maker of the Lear Jet, modified 4-track technology for his own uses. Most notably, eight tracks were squeezed onto the same ¼" tape, reducing potential audio quality, but allowing twice as much music to be put onto the same length of tape. The pinch roller was also an integrated part of the 8-track cartridge, although many would suffer from deterioration, especially earlier rubber rollers. Thanks to his connection to Motorola, which made radios for Ford Motors cars, Lear was able to ensure that 8-track players would be included in many Ford cars, and they became popular mainly during the early- to mid-1970s. 4-track tapes gradually faded away as most people switched to 8-tracks, although players compatible with both 4-track and 8-track tapes were sometimes made.
Differences from 8-tracks
It differs from 8-track in that the ¼" magnetic tape contains four data (music) tracks, whereas 8-tracks have 8 tracks in the same amount of space. Thus, 4-track tapes have the capability for higher audio fidelity.
The main difference in 4-track cartridge design from 8-tracks is that 4-tracks lack a built-in pinch roller (usually made out of rubber or plastic) which would grip and help move the tape; a hole is left in the cartridge for a pinch roller to be inserted from inside the 4-track player itself. The opening in the bottom of the 4-track cartridge for admission of the pinch roller leaves 4-track tapes more susceptible to trapping dirt and other substances besides those normally found inside cartridges.
See also
External links
- 4-tracks, from the 8-track fan site 8-track Heaven, online since 1995