Audio Recorders

Audio Recording formats, encompassing both stereo and multitrack configurations, are essential tools in the creation and preservation of audio content. Stereo recording formats capture two audio channels, typically left and right, providing a simple yet effective method for reproducing sound with spatial accuracy. Stereo formats are commonly used in music production, broadcasting, and consumer audio devices, offering immersive listening experiences across various media platforms.

Multitrack recording formats, on the other hand, enable the simultaneous recording of multiple audio channels or tracks onto a single medium. This allows for the independent manipulation of each track during the mixing and editing process, offering unparalleled flexibility and creativity in audio production. Multitrack formats are widely used in professional music studios, film and television production, live sound reinforcement, and podcasting, enabling artists and engineers to craft complex arrangements, add effects, and achieve precise control over the final audio product.

Both stereo and multitrack recording formats have evolved over the years, from analog tape-based audio recorders to digital technologies such as hard disc recording, solid-state recording, and computer-based digital audio workstations (DAWs). These advancements have democratized audio production, making high-quality recording accessible to a broader audience while pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the field of sound engineering and music production.

Decades
Made In U.S.A.
Released in 1976 /
The Ampex MM1200 was a professional multitrack analogue recorder available in 8-, 16-, and 24-track formats, using one- or two-inch tape. Designed for demanding studio use, it offered selectable tape speeds, NAB and IEC equalisation, and built-in Sel-Sync for precise overdubbing. With robust construction, modular design, and excellent audio performance, it became a trusted studio standard for high-quality multitrack recording.
Made In Japan
Released in 1976 /
The Pioneer CT-F9191 was a front-loading two-motor stereo cassette deck available by August 1976. It featured an electronically controlled record and playback motor, a separate fast-wind motor, Dolby B noise reduction, independent bias and equalisation selection, memory rewind, peak indicators, a switchable limiter and separate microphone, line and output level controls.
Made In Japan
Released in 1976 /
The Technics RS-678US was a substantial two-head cassette deck featuring a two-motor transport, FG servo capstan drive, HPF record and playback head, Dolby noise reduction, chromium dioxide tape compatibility and large illuminated VU meters.
Made In Germany
Released in 1977 /
The Revox B77 is a ¼-inch reel-to-reel recorder released in 1977, known for its robust build, high-fidelity sound, and precise tape handling. It features a three-motor drive, Revodur heads, and real-time monitoring, with multiple speed variants and Dolby noise reduction options. Widely used in professional and home studios, it remains one of the most iconic analogue tape machines ever made.
Made In Japan
Released in 1977 /
The Marantz 5025 was a two-head front-loading cassette deck featuring a servo-controlled transport, Super Hard Permalloy head, Dolby noise reduction, three-position tape selection, microphone and line mixing, memory counter and illuminated stereo VU meters. The later Marantz 5025B retained the same principal features, with documented differences confined mainly to production and servicing revisions.
Made In Japan
Released in 1977 /
The Sony TC-766-2 was a semi-professional 2-track stereo reel to reel recorder with 4-track playback, four heads, three motors, closed-loop dual-capstan drive, 267mm reel support, 381mm/s and 190mm/s tape speeds, separate source and tape monitoring, and flexible recording functions.
Made In Japan
Released in 1977 /
The Technics RS-1700 is a three-motor, six-head, quartz-locked direct-drive open-reel tape deck built around Technics’ proprietary Isolated Loop tape path, a symmetrical transport geometry that delivers identical mechanical performance in both directions of travel. Introduced as a direct advance on the celebrated RS-1500US, it achieves 0.018% WRMS wow and flutter at 15 ips in both forward and reverse, supports three auto-reverse transport modes with contactless photoelectric tape-end detection, and pairs its precision transport with a capable amplifier section offering a 75dB dynamic margin microphone input and recording linearity to plus 28.5dB at 1kHz.
Made In Japan
Released in 1977 /
Introduced in 1977, the JVC LD-777 was a three-head, two-motor stereo Elcaset recorder featuring logic-controlled transport operation, Super ANRS and Dolby noise reduction, manual bias and level calibration, adjustable test generators and comprehensive source and tape monitoring.
Made In Japan
Released in 1977 /
Introduced in 1977, the TEAC AL-700 was a three-head, three-motor Elcaset recorder featuring a closed-loop dual-capstan transport, separate coreless reel motors, off-tape monitoring, Dolby noise reduction, three-position tape selection and comprehensive recording and timer controls.
Made In Japan
Released in 1977 /
The Pioneer RT-707 is a compact, high-performance 4-head reel-to-reel tape deck featuring auto-reverse playback, direct-drive capstan, and a 3-motor transport system. With independent left/right recording, pitch control, dual-speed operation, and selectable bias and EQ, it offers professional-grade functionality in a domestic format. Renowned for its reliability, precision engineering, and enduring design, the RT-707 remains a highly respected and collectible deck from the golden era of hi-fi.
Made In Japan
Released in 1977 /
The Technics RS-7500US was a three-head ELCASET recorder released in 1977, using 6.3mm tape at 9.5cm/s. It combined automatic tape selection, off-tape monitoring, an FG servo transport, photo-electronic auto-stop, memory rewind, timer operation and comprehensive recording controls in a large-format cartridge deck.
Made In Japan
Released in 1978 /
The Sony TC-K96R is a stereo cassette deck with auto-reverse operation, a two-head mechanism, Dolby B noise reduction, a removable wired remote-control transport section and large dual VU meters with peak level indication. It was made in Japan and produced from 1978 to 1980, with support for Type I, CrO2 and FeCr tape formulations.