Modern Photography's Tape Reorder Roundup
For a number of years , Modern Photography magazine was owned by the group that published Billboard magazine. One of the "synergies" was that Modern would run a couple tape recording articles in every issue. A few times they ran a "Tape Recorder Roundup," which I am summarizing here.
Brand: sorted alphabetically by maker as listed in my original source. This is typically the popular brand name, not the parent. I.e. Wollensak appears as Wollensak, not as 3M Wollensak.
Model: Name or Number.
Type: F = Full-size, stand-alone recorder, which means it has its own audio amplifier an speakers requires no other equipment to run. D = Deck, which means that it is a component that must be connected to an external amplifier/speaker system. Many stand-alones are also availble as decks at a lower price. P = battery-operated portable.
Speeds: Whole numbers only, in inches/second. 15 = 15 ips, 7 = 7-½, 3 = 3-¼, 1 = 1-7/8 ips
Heads: number of heads (recording and playback).
Motors: number of motors.
Record: Tracks available. Numeral is the number of tracks, M = mono, S = stereo. e.g. 4S means 4-track stereo. It is assumed that if a machine can record stereo, it can also record mono. A mono listing means it can only record mono. It is assumed that a 4-track machine can also handle 2-track. It is assumed that a 4-track machine can also handle 2-track.
Play: Tracks available. Numeral is the number of tracks, M = mono, S = stereo. e.g. 4S means 4-track stereo. It is assumed that if a machine can record stereo, it can also record mono. A mono listing means it can only record mono. It is assumed that a 4-track machine can also handle 2-track. It is common in machines from the late 50s and early 60s to have stereo playback capability but mono-only record.
Freq: Frequency Response, in Hz, low and high. e.g. 30-15k means 30Hz to 15,000 Hz
Wgt: weight in pounds.
MSRP: In US dollars. Price as published in the guide.
Comment: whatever additional info I feel like typing in.
Source: CS = Consumer Reports. MP = Modern Photography.
Date: earliest month and year this appeared in the magazine.
Brand | Model | Type | Speeds | Heads | Moters | Record | Play | Freq Resp | Wgt | MSRP | Comment | Source | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Concertone | 801 | F | 7,3 | 6 | 3 | 4S | 4S | 30-18k | 47 | $ 449 | MP | 11/1964 |
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Ampex | UST-4 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15k | 34 | $ 299 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Ampex | 1070 | F | 7,3,1 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-17k | 39 | $ 399 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Ampex | 2070 | F | 7,3,1 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 30-18k | 39 | $ 499 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Ampex | F-4452 | F | 7,3 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15k | 48 | $ 695 | Same as 4460 but unmounted, no volume control | MP | 11/1964 |
Ampex | F-4460 | F | 7,3 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15k | 48 | $ 695 | Same as 4470 but no speakers | MP | 11/1964 |
Ampex | F-4470 | F | 7,3 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15k | 48 | $ 695 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Bell | RT 360 | F | 7,3 | 3 | 3 | 4S | 4S | 40-16k | 48 | $ 449 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Bryan | TK7 | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 80-15k | 29 | $ 199 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Cipher | I | F | 7,3,1 | 3 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 70-13k | 25 | $139 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Cipher | VII | F | 7,3,1 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 35-15k | 45 | $274 | Also available as a deck -$199 | MP | 11/1964 |
Cipher | 800 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 3 | 4S | 4S | 50-15k | 50 | $449 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Concord | 104 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 40-12k | 11 | $100 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Concord | 220 | F | 7,3,1 | 3 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 4-15k | 22 | $150 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Concord | 440 | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15k | 34 | $240 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Concord | 550-4 | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 44 | $320 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Concord | 884 | F | 7,1 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 30-20k | 43 | $450 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Concord | R-1100 | F | 7,3,1 | 4 | 3 | 4S | 4S | 50-15k | 46 | also available as a deck | MP | 11/1964 | |
Continental | TP877 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 100-10k | 9 | $99 | with attache case $119 | MP | 11/1964 |
Emerson | MM 316 | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 5-13k | 18 | $99 | additional speed 15/16 ips | MP | 11/1964 |
Emerson | MM 317 | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 50-15k | 21 | $129 | additional speed 15/16 ips | MP | 11/1964 |
Emerson | SS 333 | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 35-18k | 26 | $199 | additional speed 15/16 ips | MP | 11/1964 |
Estey | 20 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 50-12k | 21 | $99 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Estey | 30 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 100-12k | 21 | $129 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Estey | 50 | F | 7.3 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 60-12K | 23 | $249 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Estey | 70 | F | 7,3 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-16k | 24 | $349 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Estey | T-91 | F | 7,3,1 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-18k | 29 | $499 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Fanon-Masco | FTR-404 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Fanon-Masco | FTR-409 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Ferrograph | S/AN | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Ferrograph | S/424 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Freeman | 600 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Freeman | 800 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Geloso | G 257 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Geloso | 258A | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Graetz | (none) | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Grundig | TK46 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Grundig | TK42 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Grundig | TK-400 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Heath | AD-72A | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Kalimar | 1600 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Kalimar | 2000 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Korting | TR-3000 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Korting | 4000 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Lafayette | RK-600A | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Lafayette | RK-675 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Lafayette | 1000 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Lexington | 66 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Lexington | 77 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Lucor | 561B | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Lucor | 751 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Lucor | 1250 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Masterwork | M-800 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Miranda | Nocturne | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Miranda | Sorrento | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Norelco | 200 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Norelco | 301 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Norelco | 401 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Oki | 111 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Oki | 222 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Oki | 333 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Oki | 555 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Panasonic | RQ-555 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Panasonic | RQ-700 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Pentron | President | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
RCA Victor | 1YB1 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
RCA Victor | 1YB29A | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
RCA Victor | 1YC1 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
RCA Victor | 3YD1 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Revere-Wollensak | M2 | F | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2S | 2S | 40-15K | 32 | $ 399 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Revere-Wollensak | M3 | F | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2S | 2S | 40-15K | 32 | $ 329 | Same as M2 but playback only, no speakers | MP | 11/1964 |
Revere-Wollensak | M20 | F | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2S | 2S | 40-15K | 32 | $ 339 | Same as M2 but no output amplifiers, speakers | MP | 11/1964 |
Revere-Wollensak | M30 | F | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2S | 2S | 40-15K | 32 | $ 269 | Same as M2 but playack only, no amps or speakers | MP | 11/1964 |
Revere-Wollensak | M4 | F | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2S | 2S | 40-15K | 43 | $ 459 | uses automatic tape-cartridge system | MP | 11/1964 |
Roberts | 192 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 40-15K | 28 | $ 349 | capable of full-track record/playback | MP | 11/1964 |
Roberts | 400 | F | 15,7,3 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-18K | $ 699 | 15 ips optional accessory | MP | 11/1964 | |
Roberts | 4000D | D | 15,7,3 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-18K | $ 599 | deck version of 400 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Roberts | 330 | F | 15,7,3 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-15K | 27 | $ 349 | 15 ips optional accessory | MP | 11/1964 |
Roberts | 455 | F | 15,7,3,1 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-17K | 64 | $ 599 | 15 ips optional accessory | MP | 11/1964 |
Roberts | 720 | F | 15,7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-15K | 46 | $ 399 | 15 ips optional accessory | MP | 11/1964 |
Roberts | 770 | F | 15,7,3,1 | 3 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-22K | 49 | $ 199 | 15 ips optional accessory | MP | 11/1964 |
Roberts | 105S | F | 15,7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15K | 25 | $ 169 | 15 ips optional accessory | MP | 11/1964 |
Roberts | 1600 | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 50-15K | 22 | $ 259 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Roberts | 1640 | F | 15,7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-18K | 25 | $ 299 | 15 ips optional accessory | MP | 11/1964 |
Roberts | 1650 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Sony | 102 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Sony | 200 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Sony | 211TS | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Sony | 500 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Sony | 600 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Sony | 464-SL | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Star-Lite | 700 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Star-Lite | 900 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Symphonic | S4R09 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Symphonic | R507 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Tandberg | 74B | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Tandberg | 841F | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Tandberg | 92F | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Telefunken | Magnetophon 85 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Telefunken | Magnetophon 97 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Truvox | PD-100 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Uher | 5000 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Uher | 8000S | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
United Audio-Dual | TG 12A | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Vernon | 47/26 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Viking | 220 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Viking | 770 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Viking | 880 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
Vista | TM70 | F | MP | 11/1964 | |||||||||
V-M | 725 | F | 7,3,1 | 1 | 1 | 4M | 4M | 50-15K | 15 | $ 109.95 | MP | 11/1964 | |
V-M | 730 | F | 7,3,1 | 1 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 50-15K | 21 | $ 169 | MP | 11/1964 | |
V-M | 735 | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 4M | 4S | 50-15K | 22 | $ 199.95 | MP | 11/1964 | |
V-M | 736 | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 4M | 4S | 50-15K | 22 | $ 225 | Same as 735 but with remote control | MP | 11/1964 |
V-M | 738 | F | 7,3,1 | 1 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15K | 25 | $ 199.95 | MP | 11/1964 | |
V-M | 740 | F | 7,3,1 | 1 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15K | 22 | $ 269.95 | MP | 11/1964 | |
V-M | 1471 | D | 7,3,1 | 1 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15K | 22 | $ 179.95 | deck version of 740 | MP | 11/1964 |
Webcor | 2500 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 300-7K | 15 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Webcor | 2502 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 15-12K | 19 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Webcor | 2503 | F | 7,3,1 | 3 | 1 | 4M | 4M | 100-15K | 21 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Webcor | 2520 | F | 7,3 | 1 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 100-15K | 27 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Webcor | 2522 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-15K | 34 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Webcor | Professional | F | 7,3,1 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-18K | 45 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Wollensak | 600 | P | 3,1 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 250-5K | 4-½ | $ 120 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Wollensak | 1220 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 4M | 4M | 50-17K | 27 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Wollensak | 1280 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 50-17K | 30 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Wollensak | 1400 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 40-13K | 20 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Wollensak | 1500 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 2M | 2M | 40-15K | 20 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Wollensak | 1515 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 4M | 4S | 40-17K | 20 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Wollensak | 1580 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-18K | 26 | MP | 11/1964 | ||
Wollensak | 1980 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-18K | 42 | $ 379 | MP | 11/1964 | |
Wollensak | 1981 | F | 7,3 | 2 | 1 | 4S | 4S | 40-18K | 42 | $ 340 | Same as 1980 but no speakers | MP | 11/1964 |