A tape deck is a device used to play and record audio on magnetic tape. It typically features two main functions: playback and recording. Tape decks were popular from the 1960s to the 1990s, allowing users to listen to music and create mixtapes using cassette tapes or reel-to-reel tapes. Most tape decks have buttons for play, stop, rewind, and fast forward, making them user-friendly. They can be found in various formats, including standalone units and as part of stereos or car audio systems. Although digital formats have largely replaced them, tape decks still hold nostalgic value for many music enthusiasts.