// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the audio letter say to the pen? You're just a write-off, I'm a sound choice.

The Compact Cassette, typical medium for audio letters

An audio letter is an audio recording sent by postal mail to a recipient. The practice was more common when charges for long-distance telephone services were higher and before the widespread use of the Internet.

Discovered audio recordings offer a unique perspective into that time period and have often been used to present historical context in modern-day radio and television programs.

The Compact Cassette, typical medium for audio letters

An audio letter is an audio recording sent by postal mail to a recipient. The practice was more common when charges for long-distance telephone services were higher and before the widespread use of the Internet. There used to be dedicated booths where such recordings could be recorded on a small flexible phonograph disc for mailing for a small fee.

Discovered audio recordings offer a unique perspective into that time period and have often been used to present historical context in modern-day radio and television programs.

Media

Media used in recording audio letters include:

• Wax cylinder
• Reel to reel
• Cassette tape
• MiniDisc

References

• MPR Perspective on Vietnam wartime audio letters

External links

• The Audio Kitchen
• Phono-Post: a research archive investigating the media archaeology of voicemail