Abstract: A miniature tape cartridge comprising a housing for carrying an endless recording tape therein. The housing has a front end with at least one opening for access to part of the recording tape entrained therein past the opening for engagement of the tape with an external drive source for displacing the tape at a predetermined speed and to permit an external detection means to contact and detect information signals recorded on the tape. Alignment means are also provided and associated with the front end of the cartridge for positioning the tape in a predetermined plane with respect to the external detection means. Also provided is a tape adaptor for receiving the cartridge therein and for positioning same in a continuous loop tape player whereby the tape can be engaged by a drive source and detection means.