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)