The Nakamichi CR-7 was introduced in 1986 as an advanced three-head cassette deck designed around precise tape calibration, stable transport performance and comprehensive control over recording and playback. Known as the Nakamichi CR-7A in markets where the model designation carried the A suffix, it combined Nakamichi’s discrete-head recording system with a direct-drive, dual-capstan transport and a microprocessor-controlled calibration system.
At the centre of the Nakamichi CR-7 is a fully independent three-head arrangement comprising separate erase, recording and playback heads. The discrete-head configuration allows the recording and playback sections to be individually optimised, while also providing direct off-tape monitoring during recording. Nakamichi used a wide-gap Crystalloy recording head to support clean signal transfer and a narrow-gap Crystalloy playback head intended to maintain high-frequency resolution. The quoted frequency response extends from 20Hz to 20kHz within ±2dB and from 18Hz to 21kHz within ±3dB.
The transport uses Nakamichi’s asymmetrical diffused-resonance dual-capstan system. Separate left and right capstans use flywheels of different diameters to reduce flutter, while the dual-capstan arrangement isolates the tape path from variations caused by the cassette shell and pressure pad. The transport incorporates a direct-drive capstan motor, a separate reel-drive motor and dedicated motors for mechanism operation and playback-head azimuth adjustment. Nakamichi specified a weighted RMS wow and flutter figure of less than 0.027 per cent.
A defining feature of the Nakamichi CR-7 is its automatic calibration system. Once initiated, the deck first corrects recording azimuth and then performs calibration of recording level and bias. The process uses a newly developed 6-bit, 64-step microprocessor and is completed in approximately 15 seconds. After calibration, the tape returns to its original position and the deck is ready for recording.
The Nakamichi CR-7 also provides manual playback-head azimuth fine tuning. Small azimuth errors in a recorded cassette can significantly reduce high-frequency reproduction, particularly when noise-reduction systems are used. The Nakamichi CR-7 allows the playback-head azimuth to be adjusted from the front panel or remotely through the supplied RM-7C wireless remote control. This permits the user to optimise playback alignment for tapes recorded on other machines.
A large fluorescent display presents the tape counter, recording levels, calibration information and tape status. The real-time tape counter gives elapsed and remaining time indications for standard C-90/60 cassettes and large-hub C-46 cassettes, including tapes that are not fully wound to the beginning when inserted. Counter reset, memory stop, automatic repeat and counter mode controls are positioned beneath the display.
The recording section includes independent left and right channel level controls, together with a master recording-level control. Separate output-level adjustment is also provided. Manual tape and equalisation selection allows the Nakamichi CR-7 to be configured for EX, SX and ZX tape formulations, while the automatic calibration system adjusts recording conditions to suit the cassette being used.
The auto-fade system operates in conjunction with the real-time counter. It can begin an automatic fade-out when approximately 100 seconds or 00 minutes remain on the tape, reducing the risk of music ending abruptly as the tape approaches its leader section. Additional facilities include automatic fade switching, a subsonic filter, MPX filter, Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction, peak hold, recording mute and one-touch record-pause operation.
The Nakamichi CR-7 includes gold-plated line input and output terminals and pin-cord connections, together with a front-panel headphone socket. Its low-distortion amplifier circuitry directly couples the recording and playback heads to their respective amplifier sections, eliminating coupling capacitors and associated effects within the signal path. Nakamichi specified total harmonic distortion at less than 0.8 per cent with ZX tape.
The Nakamichi CR-7A designation was used for the version produced for markets including the United States, where additional safety requirements applied. The core recording, transport and calibration systems remained those of the Nakamichi CR-7.
Features
- Discrete three-head recording and playback system
- Direct-drive asymmetrical dual-capstan transport
- Automatic recording azimuth correction
- Automatic recording level and bias calibration
- Manual playback-head azimuth fine tuning
- Supplied RM-7C wireless remote control
- Real-time tape counter with elapsed and remaining time display
- Automatic fade-out system linked to remaining tape time
- Large fluorescent level and status display
- Independent left and right recording-level controls
- Master recording-level control
- Adjustable output level
- Manual EX, SX and ZX tape selection
- Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction
- Peak hold function
- Subsonic filter
- MPX filter
- Recording mute
- One-touch record-pause operation
- Gold-plated input and output terminals
- Front-panel headphone connection