The Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder, introduced in 1978, revolutionised professional audio recording as the first microprocessor-controlled tape machine. Its innovative design offered exceptional mechanical stability, rapid transport response, and user-friendly operation, setting new standards in studio recording.
The Studer A800’s robust construction featured a die-cast chassis and stainless steel headblock, accommodating 14-inch reels and ensuring durability and precision.
With high-torque spooling motors and fast winding speeds, it facilitated efficient workflow in demanding studio environments. The Studer A800’s audio electronics, comprising record, reproduce, sync amplifiers, and HF drivers, were modular, enhancing flexibility and maintenance.
The Studer A800’s superior sound quality, characterised by warmth, presence, and low-end punch, made it a staple in studios worldwide, contributing to countless classic recordings.
The Studer A800, together with the Studer synchronising system, offers fully automated and precise electronic editing. Thanks to the very high resolution of the synchroniser, editing decisions can be made with an accuracy of 1 millisecond.
Using the “Rehearse” feature, similar to video editing techniques, edits can first be practised and, if necessary, corrected before being committed. Once the simulation of the edit is perfected, the actual overdubbing takes place.
The Studer A800 was available in 8, 16, and 24-track formats, making it a versatile choice for studios with varying multitrack requirements. The 8- and 16-track versions provided the same renowned build quality and sonic character as the 24-track model, but with wider track width per channel, which contributed to even greater fidelity and lower noise.
These configurations were especially valued in studios prioritising sound quality over track count, and they maintained full compatibility with the Studer A800’s modular design and microprocessor-controlled transport.
Features
- First microprocessor-controlled multichannel tape recorder
- Rugged die-cast chassis with stainless steel headblock
- Supports 14-inch reel capacity for extended recording
- High-torque spooling motors for fast winding and response
- Modular audio electronics for enhanced flexibility
- Exceptional sound quality with warmth and low-end presence
- User-friendly operation with rapid transport controls
- Widely used in professional studios for classic recordings
