Tag: cassette

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Apple Cleaning Cassette (c. 1996)

This Apple Cleaning Cassette was included with Apple Workgroup Server models equipped with a DDS DAT drive. DAT, Digital Audio Tape, was a generic term used for all 4mm audio and data tapes. DDS, or Digital Data Storage, drives could store 2GB–18GB of data on a 4mm tape housed in a mini-cassette (depending upon the version of the DDS and capacity of the tape).

Apple Workgroup Servers that shipped with an optional internal DDS-2 DAT drive included one of these cleaning cassettes. According to Apple’s user manual:

“When you insert the cleaning cassette into the drive, the drive automatically loads it and cleans the heads. When the cleaning process is completed, the drive automatically ejects the cassette. Keep a record of how many times you use the cleaning cassette. After 25 uses, replace it. The interval at which you clean the tape drive depends on how often you use it. In general, if you back up daily, you should clean the drive weekly. If you back up weekly, you should clean the tape drive once a month.”

This quote is sourced from Apple’s User Manual for the Workgroup Server 8550 from 1996.

Sources: Apple, Apple History, 4crawler

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AppleDesign Powered Speakers II (1993)

The data sheet that Apple provided for the AppleDesign Powered Speakers II described them as “audiophile-quality…designed to work perfectly with virtually any personal computer, portable CD player or audio cassette player and with any television that supports sound output.” 

The design of the rear speaker leg allowed the speakers to be adjusted to various angles. The power and volume controls was located in the front of the right speaker and an included cable with 3.5 mm plugs that connected the two speakers. Volume and an external headphone port were also located on the front of the right speaker. A stereo audio input port was located on the rear of the right speaker.

The speakers delivered 90 dB at 0.5m at 200Hz. Each speaker measures 6.8 inches tall, 4.1 inches wide, and 3.9 inches deep. The speakers were available as a set and as a part of the Apple Multimedia Kit for Macintosh.

This AppleDesign Powered Speakers II model is beige and matches Apple desktop computers sold at the time. Another version, considered far more rare, was also available in black with silver metallic Apple logos.

Reference: Apple via picclick.com