The TEAC A-3340S was a 4-channel stereo tape deck designed for quadraphonic recording, conventional stereo work, mono recording, and overdubbing. Listed externally as a 1974 to 1976 model, the TEAC A-3340S built on TEAC’s Simul-Sync recording system and became one of the key semi-professional multitrack tape decks of the 1970s. ([HiFi Engine][1])
The TEAC A-3340S used a 4-track, 4-channel and 2-channel stereo format, giving it the flexibility to operate as a multichannel recorder or as a stereo tape deck. Its Simul-Sync system allowed each track to be electronically switched from monitoring off the previous track to monitoring off the recording head, reducing the time delay that would normally make overdubbing difficult. This meant one track could be recorded while other tracks were monitored in sync, allowing a musician or arranger to build up a performance one part at a time.
The recorder was built around TEAC’s 3-motor tape transport, using two eddy current induction reel motors and a 4/8-pole, dual-speed hysteresis synchronous capstan motor. The brochure describes the transport as using balanced flywheel drive to maintain smooth tape travel, minimise wow and flutter, and maintain tape tension for precise tape-head contact. The TEAC A-3340S also used TEAC Permalloy heads, specified for 4-channel operation, with erase, record, and playback heads.
The TEAC A-3340S featured touch-button transport controls for directional operation, including play, fast forward, stop, record, pause, and rewind. A manual cue lever was fitted for professional cueing and manual reel rotation. The machine also supported optional remote operation through the RC-120 remote control unit, allowing tape transport functions to be controlled away from the recorder.
The TEAC A-3340S was designed to work with 267mm reels and supported both 38.1cm/s and 19.05cm/s tape speeds. The lower speed was stated as being suitable for long playing time on pre-recorded 4-channel music tapes, while the higher speed was described for professional use where superior high-end frequency response and high recording levels were required.
Signal handling was built around four line inputs and four microphone inputs, allowing up to eight sources to be mixed. Independent microphone and line input controls allowed combinations of microphone and line signals to be mixed and recorded simultaneously. Output was provided through four RCA jacks with 10k Ohms or more impedance, along with two stereo headphone jacks for front and rear monitoring.
The deck also included track mode and record mode switching for 2-channel and 4-channel playback and recording. The front panel provided four VU meters, separate output controls for front and rear channels, individual record selection switches, front and rear microphone inputs, and headphone outputs. A real-size selector button automatically adjusted motor torque and hold-back tension for different reel sizes, while tension levers offered tape control and visibility.
The TEAC A-3340S was presented not only as a tape deck but as a creative recording system. The brochure emphasised split recording sessions, arrangement and orchestration, individual duets, trios, quartets, vocal accompaniment, and track building through Simul-Sync overdubbing. It also positioned the TEAC A-3340S as part of a wider system, with accessories including the AN-300 4-channel Dolby noise reduction unit, MC-201 electret condenser microphone, AX-20 mixdown panel, and AX-10 sound-on-sound/echo unit.
Features
- 4-channel stereo tape deck for 4-track, 4-channel and 2-channel stereo recording
- Simul-Sync system for synchronised overdubbing and track building
- 3-motor tape transport with dual-speed hysteresis synchronous capstan motor
- Three-head configuration with erase, record and playback heads
- Touch-button transport controls for play, fast forward, stop, record, pause and rewind
- Manual cue lever for manual reel rotation and cueing
- Supports 267mm reels
- 38.1cm/s and 19.05cm/s tape speeds
- Four microphone inputs and four line inputs for up to eight input sources
- Independent microphone and line input controls
- 2-channel and 4-channel playback switching
- Front and rear headphone outputs
- Optional RC-120 remote control support
- Real-size selector for automatic motor torque and hold-back tension adjustment
- Supplied accessories included reel adaptors, input-output connection cord, lubrication oil, fuse, cleaning stick, silicone cloth, rubber feet and splicing tape
