That deck is amazing, I had one S version, and your SX version.
The tape recorder automatically does the Tape EQ process during recording and during playback, so you can play it into any line level input. A pre-recorded tape will have been pre-equalized, and will be re-equalized by the recorder during playback.
It has EQ and Bias switches for two different tape types that existed back then: either NORMAL or HIGH (low noise/high output tape).
Recording source direct to tape inputs: You will VERY LIKELY be successful, you have meters and individual volume control for each track for both inputs while recording, and for output when playing. Start with your inputs turned down, you want to do a level test without blasting the meters and internals. You also have MIC inputs and individual volume controls for them.
You want as strong a signal as possible without distortion, the content 'above' the tape's inherent noise. Don't be afraid to let the needles jump into the red some while recording, or playback, just don't over-do it. You use your amp's volume for the speakers. Some tapes were purposely recorded with one track slightly stronger than the other, so always play a segment listening/watching your meters, balance them, start over.
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My 2 track stereo tapes are my best sounding source. They have twice the magnetic material of later 4 track tape. That deck also has the pro speed 15 ips as well as 7-1/2 ips (no 3-3/4 ips).
However, it is ’half track’, a dedicated 2 track head, with wider tracks than modern 4 track tapes. You can record stereo in one direction, and play what you record. You can play ONLY 2 track tapes, either ones you make, your father previously made, or VERY OLD (I have some) pre-recorded 2 track stereo tapes. Stereo in one direction, rewind. They existed beginning 1956 and ended when 4 track became popular, so content is limited by that era.
Another option is two independent mono tracks: either
a. same direction, turn one or the other track’s volume to zero (this deck has a separate on/off switch for each track); lots of rewinding involved; or
b. two mono tracks, different directions. use one track, record, flip tape, using the same head, record on the 2nd track the other direction.
.....................
Buying tape: do some research, some vintage tapes had shedding issues. I have extra blank tapes (nothing special) if you want a few to mess with, send me a message, I'll send them. If you find you stick with it, then get high quality tapes.
The tape recorder automatically does the Tape EQ process during recording and during playback, so you can play it into any line level input. A pre-recorded tape will have been pre-equalized, and will be re-equalized by the recorder during playback.
It has EQ and Bias switches for two different tape types that existed back then: either NORMAL or HIGH (low noise/high output tape).
Recording source direct to tape inputs: You will VERY LIKELY be successful, you have meters and individual volume control for each track for both inputs while recording, and for output when playing. Start with your inputs turned down, you want to do a level test without blasting the meters and internals. You also have MIC inputs and individual volume controls for them.
You want as strong a signal as possible without distortion, the content 'above' the tape's inherent noise. Don't be afraid to let the needles jump into the red some while recording, or playback, just don't over-do it. You use your amp's volume for the speakers. Some tapes were purposely recorded with one track slightly stronger than the other, so always play a segment listening/watching your meters, balance them, start over.
...................................
My 2 track stereo tapes are my best sounding source. They have twice the magnetic material of later 4 track tape. That deck also has the pro speed 15 ips as well as 7-1/2 ips (no 3-3/4 ips).
However, it is ’half track’, a dedicated 2 track head, with wider tracks than modern 4 track tapes. You can record stereo in one direction, and play what you record. You can play ONLY 2 track tapes, either ones you make, your father previously made, or VERY OLD (I have some) pre-recorded 2 track stereo tapes. Stereo in one direction, rewind. They existed beginning 1956 and ended when 4 track became popular, so content is limited by that era.
Another option is two independent mono tracks: either
a. same direction, turn one or the other track’s volume to zero (this deck has a separate on/off switch for each track); lots of rewinding involved; or
b. two mono tracks, different directions. use one track, record, flip tape, using the same head, record on the 2nd track the other direction.
.....................
Buying tape: do some research, some vintage tapes had shedding issues. I have extra blank tapes (nothing special) if you want a few to mess with, send me a message, I'll send them. If you find you stick with it, then get high quality tapes.