To create a cassette deck that makes today's source material technology available to the most demanding music lover in an easy to operate, yet sophisticated format. Today's source materials, including digital, represent significant advantages in sound reproduction. Frequency response, dynamic range, Signal-to-Noise Ratio have all been improved to such a degree that yesterday's acceptable cassette deck is at best mediocre today.
The TCD3014, an entirely new generation of cassette deck.
In designing and manufacturing the TCD 3014, Tandberg's engineers combined significant advantages in performance with computer technology in an easy to use system.
The result is a deck with the most sophisticated micro-processor control system available today for true simplicity of operation.
Consider now the individual, but in less overwhelming component challenges that faced our engineers and how the extraordinary solution they devices are combined to create the outstanding TCD3014.
Features:
The TCD3014 uses no integrated circuits in the signal path except new, re-designed Dolby B and C processors. Instead, individual components are selected for ultimate parameters of noise, sound quality, low distortion, gain and stability.
Polystyrene or polypropylene capacitors rather than electrolytic or ceramic types are used in all critical circuits that carry musical information to insure optimum sound quality.
The TCD3014 refuses to compromise musical accuracy and uses phase compensating circuitry and ultra-wideband design to pass a signal with no audible degradation in sound or imaging.
Dyneq, Tandberg's patented headroom extends system for tape recording, helps overcome the severe high frequency limitations inherent in the cassette recording process. This is accomplished by a Dynamic record equalizer which controls high frequency boost during record to enable more signal on the tape without loss of highs.
Actilinear II is as great a breakthrough in eliminating "the cassette sound" as was Tandberg's proprietary Actilinear. Actilinear II offers a totally re-designed transconductance amplifier which takes the music and bias signals as pure voltage and converts them to a pure current. Actilinear II is a research-grade amplifier with a bandwidth so wide that it can actually pass square wave bias frequencies.
It is totally symmetrical in operation. Its [practical benefits include in excess of 20 dB audio headroom increase in the record amplification stages. It also eliminates interaction between record head impedance and the musical signal passing through it.
The 3014 features both Dolby B and C for excellence in noise reduction
Dolby B insures compatibility with previously recorded tapes
Dolby C includes improved circuitry which offers substantial improvement in signal-to-noise plus better high frequency overload capabilities. Dolby C in conjunction with Actilinear II and Dyneq achieves an outstanding musical signal free of annoying background hiss.
A wireless infrared remote control allowing most functions (including flying start/record) with the built-in receiver section (optional)
Optional side panels in rosewood to unify the TCD3014 with the rest of the Series 3000A line
Machined extruded aluminum professional rack mounts are also available
The TCD3014 utilizes peak-reading meters which show high velocity peaks in all their subttlety (unlike bar graphs which generally leave large gaps between segments). Yet these meters have slow decay to give good averagning results as well as easy visibility. These meters will respond to a 2 milli-second peak within 1 dB and are full wave peak detectors regardless of phase
Since all tapes are less sensitive to high frequencies than to bass and mid frequencies, tape decks use a high-frequency boost known as record equalization to achieve flat frequency response.
Meters on the Tandberg TCD3014 indicate the signal after this record equalization has been applied. Therefore, they monitor the signal being recorded on the tape, not the signal coming into the record amplifier as most other recorders do. As all Tandberg cassette meters in the part, these are set to the now industry standard of 0 dB = 250 nWb/meter.
While the TCD3014 is recording, the source/tape switch controls only the output of the deck; the meters show input levels to the tape at all times. This feature makes possible audible tape monitoring of input levels to the tape.
Tandberg meters utilize one scale for Types I and II tapes and a second scale for Type IV tapes. The second scale allows recording of the higher signal levels permitted by the metal Type IV tapes.
Control Flexibility
To create a recorder that is simple to use but sophisticated enough to satisfy the most advanced audiophile.
The TCD3014 offers the ideal balance of simplicity and sophistication
All microprocessor functions are controlled by the same touch sensors that govern normal tape functions
Auxiliary functions include cue and review at one third speed, individual program search in either search-to-stop or search-to-play modes, automatic rewind and replay from memory, and the choice of a real-time counter calibrated to each tape for accuracy in wind as well as play mode.
The electronic counter can be used to measure either revolutions of the tape or elapsed time in both wind modes and play/record. Instant switching with memory between revolution and real-time counting is possible.
Timer play/timer record is available with an external clock. A built-in 6-second turn-on delay is programmed for all electronic circuits to stabilize before the transport can be engaged.
Both fixed and variable outputs are included on the back panel. Input sensitivity controls and a switchable multiplex filter are included. A back panel switch permits the use of non-standardized, older, chromium dioxide cassette with auto-selection of all other tapes.
The Transport
To design a tape drive system that offers stable, consistent, gentle tape handling and a high-speed, responsive, easy to operate control mechanism.
The TCD3014 features four servo-controlled motors in the tape transport system linked to sensors which monitor the speed and direction of the tape. The sensors then apply the proper voltage to insure accurate handling.
In fast-forward or rewind, the supply-side motor "tells" the take-up motor the speed at which it is turning. This means that a constant speed is maintained at all times in both wind and rewind functions.
In wind or rewind, one second equals one minute of play or record time. The TCD3014 also has one-third speed for cue, review, or search.
The transport mechanism offers superb construction. It is built on a 5 mm thick aluminum baseplate rolled under 40 tons of pressure to eliminate stress and greatly increase strength. It also features an 8,2 and an 8,4 cm diameter flywheel, a dual-capstan, closed-loop drive system, and a cassette locking mechanism that guarantees accurate positioning of the tape every time.
The TCD3014 transport also features:
Tandberg built, discrete three-head system
Azimuth alignment for all tapes utilizing a built-in test system.
Linear motor drive to position the head bridge and pinch rollers to tape accurately.
Resonances are eliminated by the use of predominantly aluminum casting and the use of mass differentiated dynamically balanced flywheels, pinch rollers, and a closed-loop capstan drive.
Specifications
Tape Speed: 1-7/8 ips
Speed Tolerance: ±0,5%
Wow and Flutter
WRMS Play : 0,06%
WRMS Rec - Play: 0,09%
DIN - IEC : 0,12%
Frequency Range:
Tape I (-30 dB) : 18 Hz - 20 kHz ±1,5 dB
Tape II (-20 dB) : 18 Hz - 20 kHz ±1,5 dB
Metal Tape IV (-20 dB) : 18 Hz - 23 kHz ±1,5% (with Dolby C ±3,0 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (-250 nW/m, Dolby B
Tape I : less than 1,5%
Tape II : less than 2%
Metal Tape IV : less than 1%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-curve weighted, Dolby-C)
Metal Tape IV : better than 74 dB
Erasure (i kHz)
Metal Tape IV : better than80 dB
Crosstalk
Side A - B (1 kHz) : less than 60 dB
Track 1 - 2 (1 kHz) : less than 40 dB
Inputs Sensitivity/Impedance
Low : 100 mV/150 K Ω
High : 10 mV/150 k Ω
Outputs
Minimum load Impedance/ max. Voltage at unloaded output
Play 700 mV (Fixed line output) : 100 Ω / 700 mV
Play Variable (Variable line output) : 100 Ω /0-4 V
Headphones : 8 Ω /3,5 V
Power Requirements: 115 V ±10%, 60 Hz; 230 V ±10%, 50 Hz
Power Consumption: 50 watts
Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 166 x 350 mm (17-1/8" x 6-9/16" x 13-3/4")
Weight: 9,8 kg (21,6 lbs)