Technics 646D RS-646DS Stereo Cassette Deck Tape Player Field Recorder

Cassette has made a big comeback in recent years for the masses. For me however it never stopped. I own three tape recorders / players. I love recording direct from Digital to Analog, and Analog to digital from a Vinyl source.

When it comes to me recording a tape, one of my main tools is the Technics RS-646D Cassette recorder. Some killer functions this machine has, are the limiter and also the lovely warm analogue sound that it captures when you insert a quality Normal tape and also a quality Chrome tape.

The recorder was introduced to the world in 1978 Technics rs 646 DS "portable" tape deck weighs in at 5kg without 8x d20 series batteries.

This was a professional recorder that at the time was not looked at in the same light as the Sony's and also the Sansui's / Neal portable pro recorders of the time. Alternatively, it was certainly a match sonically.

This cassette really shines in regard to producing real lifelike audio images that you can translate into a piece of electronic history, that still produces excellent sonic truths.

The Bias system used is excellent, and also engage the limiter and you are set for some great recordings .

This is a two head cassette deck, that cannot provide you with ministering source. Although when you set it up correctly, the end results are great every time .

The build quality of this unit is bomb proof. Well built and ergonomically astutely thought out .

If you ever need to service these decks, the belts can be accessed very easily. A real Japanese master class in engineering.

Make sure the heads are demagnetized , and that the tape path is clean, provide a healthy signal from a quality source ..and wow you will be surprised what old analog tape can still do .
If you see one on EBay or any other site, pick it up. The prices run from around $400 secondhand.

Basic Specs are as follows ;

Heads :1x Super-Alloy rec/play1x double-gap Ferrite erase

Tape speed :4,8cm/sWow & flutter :0,10% (WRMS)

Frequency response :50Hz...14Khz (±3dB, Type II)50Hz...14Khz (±3dB, Type I)S/N ratio :65 dB (above 5Khz, with Dolby)55dB

Rewind time :130s for a C-60 tape

Inputs :MIC (0,25mV / 400Ohm...10kOhm)LINE (60mV / 47kOhm)Outputs :LINE (0,42V / 50kOhm)headphones (65mV / 8 Ohm)monitor (0,8W ; monaural L+R)PC :9W (AC 120V)12V (DC)8x D batteries / :36,3 x 10,6 x 28cm

Weight :5,7kg. List price :65,000¥ (1976)

Dolby NR° Separate bias & eq controls° MIC inputs with attenuator° Low-Distortion / High-Linearity MIC amplifier° Limiter circuit° Silent-Stop mechanism with End indicator° Separate L/R level controls with InterLock° DC / AC / CAR power-supply° Built-in 4"monitor° Level / Battery check meter° Meter light switch° Lockable pause control° 8 "D" batteries provide 8 hours of use.