Back Stereo-Pak Spanish 4-track cartridge Italian 4トラック Japanese Muntz Stereo-Pak Portuguese Stereo-Pak Slovak
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2016) |
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| Media type | Magnetic tape |
|---|---|
| Encoding | Analog signal |
| Read mechanism | Tape head |
| Write mechanism | Magnetic recording head |
| Developed by | Earl Muntz |
| Usage | Car audio playback |
The Muntz Stereo-Pak, commonly known as the 4-track cartridge,[1] is a magnetic tape sound recording cartridge technology.
The Stereo-Pak cartridge was inspired by the Fidelipac 2-track monaural (audio & cue tracks, later 3-track for stereo) tape cartridge system invented by George Eash in 1954 and used by radio broadcasters for commercials and jingles from 1959. The Stereo-Pak was adapted from the Fidelipac cartridge design by Earl "Madman" Muntz in 1962, in partnership with Eash, as a way to play pre-recorded tapes in cars.[2][3][4]
The tape is arranged in an infinite loop which traverses a central hub and crosses a tape head, usually under a pressure pad to assure proper tape contact. The tape is pulled by tension, and spooling is aided by a lubricant, usually graphite.[5]
- ^ "The 4-Track Madman". Archived from the original on July 16, 2004. Retrieved July 7, 2004.
- ^ "Analog Stereo Formats". vinylfanatics.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2011.
- ^ Jay Ehler: Earl Muntz Meets George Eash Billboard vol. 84, No. 47, 18 November 1972, p. 62, 76, 78
- ^ Barry Kernfeld: Pop Song Piracy: Disobedient Music Distribution since 1929, The University of Chicago Press 2011 ISBN 978-0-226-43183-3
- ^ Magnetic sound recording tapes, 1963-04-02, retrieved 2018-05-02
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