In the three
decades since Ampex introduced the first commercially feasible audio tape
recorder in the U.S., many newer and improved recorders have come along. None
of them, however, represented as great a step forward as this newest Ampex
triumph , the ATR-100 Series.
The ATR-100
is a different means vastly better performance by any measurement.
Look at the
specifications. Some of them are as much as an order of magnitude better than
any other recorder now available. Look at the all-new matrix-type control
panel, designed to be used as efficiently as a hand-held calculator. Look at
the editing capabilities, unrivaled by any audio recorder.
Look at its
adaptability to any world recording standards and techniques. Look at its
maintainability, requiring only a handful of tools.
Performance
Incredible
as it sounds, ATR-100 performance
specifications are as much as an order of magnitude better than any presently
achievable on any other audio recorder. A bold claim, especially in view of the
conservative approach that Ampex traditionally takes toward quoted
specifications.
Distortion -
Third harmonic distortion and intermodulation distortion are both at least an
order of magnitude better. Third harmonic distortion is less than 0,3% at a
recorded flux level of 370 nWb/m (0VU). Intermodulation distortion is less than
1,0% at the same recorded flux level.
Signal-to-Noise
- This specification depends, on tape speed and the particular technique of
measurement used. Any way you measure it, ATR-100 Signal-to-Noise is
significantly better than any other audio recorder. For example it is in excess
of 80 dB at 30 in/s, ANSI "A" weighted.
Frequency
Response - Ferrite heads and fluxgate head design deliver unbelievable
response. Again, specs depend on tape speed and the range of frequencies
measured, but look at ATR-100 response at 15 in/s over the commonly used range
of 100 Hz to 15 kHz just ±3/4dB.
You can
actually see the superiority of the ATR-100's semi-automatic phase equalization
by observing on a scope how remarkably well it makes square waves. This
outstanding phase response is achieved by a unique record circuit.
Flutter -
this specifications also depends on tape speed and measurement technique, but
consider a worst case. At 30 in/s the ATR-100 achieves full flutter spec in 0,5
second.
Speed/Timing
Accuracy - The triple servo transport
and unique capstan combine to deliver superb speed accuracy. Speed variation
from the beginning to the end of a full 2400-foot reel is just ,02% maximum.
These
specifications are only a few examples of the unprecedented performance of the
ATR-100 also allow it to use higher coercivity tape than any now available.
When better tape is here the ATR-100 can take full advantage of it.
Description
It even
looks dofferent. Any ATR-100 Series
recorder is built around the basic machine, consisting of the transport
with audio and transport electronics. There is an unbalanced input-output
circuit with no meters and no operator adjustments, and in some places and some
applications , that's enough. Yet all the advantages are here.
There is
nothing traditiona about the transport except Ampex quality. A super-rigid
aluminum transport casting supports the fully servoed tape handling system.
Both reel motors are servoed, as is the capstan, which has no pinch roller.
You're assured of precise speed accuracy with constant tape tension at all
times. With no tension adjustment , the ATR-100 handles any reel size from 2
inches to 14 inches in diameter.
The ATR-100
also treats your valuable tapes with a special brand of kindness. When you
thred up a tape and engage the servos, constant tension takes over to insure
that you never stretch a tape. You have positive gentle control of tape motion
in either direction at any speed, with complete confidence.
Dynamic
braking on the ATR-100 also contributes to smooth tape handling, and also takes
over in the event of a power failure to prevent tape damage. The ATR-100 always
stops in a programmed manner, even without ower.
Ferrite
heads, unrivaled fro performance and long life, are used in the ATR-100.
ceramic tape guides help provide precise tracking accuracy with gentle tape
guidance. For additional protection, there is also a unique head gate that can
be raised and lowered.
Four
standard record playback speeds are available on all ATR-100 Series recorders,
any two of which can be selected - or changed - by the user. The speeds do not
even have to be adjacent. Choose any pair from 3-3/4, 7-1/2, 15 or 30 inches
per second. You can order a 7-1/2 - 15 in/s version, for example and later set
it up for any other speed pair, even 3-3/4 and 30 in/s if you wish.
A speed
selector knob for all four speeds is located on top of the head assembly cover.
If a speed is selected other than the pair for which the machine is set up, the
machine won't start, and a lamp near the selector knob illuminates as a
reminder.
Control
Panel
No other
features of the ATR-100 is more visually and functionally up-to-the minute than
the new matrix-type control panel with LED indicators. With channel selectors
and mode controls so conveniently arranged, any operator will soon find himself
working more smoothly and efficiently than ever. What's more, the control panel
can be mounted on either the right or the left side of the transport.
All
transport controls have international symbols. There is no restriction on
sequencing you can go from any transport mode to any other without going
through Stop and without waiting for the machine to slow down or speed up.
An optiona
remote control panel with a 25-foot cable contains all functions except Dump
Edit and deactivable servos.
An extremely
accurate integral tape timer is standard equipment on the ATR-100. its bright
display reads in hours, minutes, and seconds, or you can set it up to display
minutes, seconds, and tenths if you wish.
Configurations
If your
application requires more than just the basic ATR-100, then you can add
optional input-output modules for a full capability one, two or four-channel
recorder (ATR-101, ATR-102, or ATR-104, respectively). Each I/O module include
the normal balanced input and output circuitry and its own matering. You can
even switch the metering between ASA balistics with VU indication, or EBU
balistics with Peak indication.
Editing
Along with
all its perormance benefits, the ATR-100 offers a number of features that make
editing faster and easier.
First of
all, the Ampex PURC (Pick Up Record Capability) is standard on all ATR-100
Series recorders. PURC gives you perfectly timed edits by eliminating the
overlap at the beginning and the hole at the end of an edit.
ATR-100 machines
can wind tape at speeds that you have to see to believe. You can wind a full
2400 foot reel to another reel in just 60 seconds. Spoot Mode alows you to
spool tape off for storage at 60 or 180 in/s in either direction.
Once you
reach an edit point, using the integral tape timer as an aid, you can position
the tape precisely by turning the knob on top of the capstan, using just one
hand. You don;t have to rock the reels by hand.
To split
tape, the ATR-100 can be placed in Dump Edit mode. In this mode, the takeup
tension arm is employed as a pinch roller, allowing the operator to split tape
in a controlled manner.
Specifications
Tape
Widths: 1/4 inch (6,3 mm ) for full
track and 2 track 2 channel systems , 0,075 inch (1,9 mm ) track width 1/2 inch
(12,6 mm ) for 40track systems, 0,070 (1,8 mm) track width
Tape
Speeds: 3,75 in/s (9,5 cm/s); 7,5 in/s
(19,05 cm/s); 15 in/s (38,1 cm/s); 30 in/s (76,2 cm/s) [any two speeds may be
selected]
Reel
Size: 2-inch to 14-inch diameter (50 mm
- 355 mm )
Reel
Type: NAB
Inputs (with
Input/Output system - bridging input
standard)
Balanced,
Floating
Input
Impedance : 50 k Ω, Resistive ±5,0 %, 5 Hz - 20 kHz
Input level
(Variable)
Minimum
: -5 dBm, to produce 1000 nWb/m recorded
flux level
Maximum
: =40 dBm
Input clip
level, including record amplifier at mid-freq 26 dB above system operating
level
Input Level
(preset)
-1 dBm to
+20 dBm to produce 1000 nWb.m recorded
flux level
Outputs
(with Input/Output system)
Balanced,
Floating
Output
Impedance : les than 50 Ω, 5 Hz - 20 kHz
Maximum
Output Level
With 600 Ω
load : +26 dBm
With 200 Ω
load : +25 dBm
Preset
Output Level
Line output
level is adjustable over a range of +12 dBm to -2 dBm
Metering
Meters are
switchable, VU or peak
VU balistics
conform to ASA standards
Peak
balistics conform to EBU standards
Zero meter
reading is continuously adjustable over
a range of +12 dBm to -2 dBm line level
Inputs
(without Input/Output system)
Unbalanced
Input
Impedance: 10 k Ω min., 5 Hz - 20 kHz
Input Level
: -5 dBm, nominal, for system operating
level
-5 dBm,
input level provides 26 dB clip level margin at mid-freguency
Outputs
(without Input/Output system)
Unbalanced
Output
Impedance: 40 Ω, 5 Hz - 20 kHz
Maximum load
Impedance: 5 k Ω
Output level
: -5 dBm, nominal, for system operating
level
-5 dBm
output level provides 26 dB clip level margin
at mid-frequency
Overal
Frequency Response (within ±2 dB)
At 30 in/s
: 35 Hz - 28 kHz
At 15 in/s
: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
At 7,5 in/s
: 30 Hz - 15 kHz
3,75 in/s
: 30 Hz - 10 kHz
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio (full tarack format, 30 Hz - 18 kHz unweighted)
At 30 in/s
: 77 dB (AES equalization)
At 15 in/s
: 73 dB (NAB equalization)
At 7,5 in/s
: 75 dB (NAB equalization)
At 3,75 in/s
: 66 dB (NAB equalization)
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio (full tarack format, ANSI "A" weighted)
At 30 in/s
: 81 dB (AES equalization)
At 15 in/s
: 77 dB (NAB equalization)
At 7,5 in/s
: 78 dB (NAB equalization)
At 3,75 in/s
: 62 dB (NAB equalization)
Wow and
Flutter (NAB, RMS unweighted):
At 30 in/s
: 0,03%
At 15 in/s
: 0,04%
At 7,5 in/s
: 0,06%
At 3,75 in/s
: 0,1%
Dimensions:
Basic
Machine (including transport, power supply, audio and servo electronics):
(W x H x D)
19" x 15,72" x 12" (48,26 x 39,93 x 30,48 cm)
Cabinet (1
or 2 channel :
(W x H x D)
21" x 19" x 32" (53,34 x 48,26 x 81,28 cm)
Cabinet (4
channel):
(W x H x D)
21" x 23" x 34" (53,34 x 58,42 x 86,36 cm)
Input/Output
System :
(W x H x D)
19" x 3,5" x 10" (48,26 x 8,89 x 25,4 cm)
Complete
System (including basic machine, 4-channel cabinet, Input/Output system and
roll-around pedestal):
(W x H x D)
26" x 46,5" x 34" (66,04 x 118,11 x 86,36 cm)
Weight:
Basic
Machine : 125 lbs (56 kg)
Cabinet
: 15 lbs (7 kg)
Input/Output
System 2-Channel : 15 lbs (7 kg)
Pedestal
: 50 lbs (23 kg)
Power Line
Requirements: 90 - 115 / 110 - 135 / 180
- 230 / 220 - 270 V AC; 50/60 Hz
Power
Consumption: 0,6 k VA maximum
Environmental
Operating Specifications:
Temperature
: 10° - 50° C (50° - 122° F)
Humidity
: 20 - 95%, non-condensing
