Sony TC-FX4 (1980)
A 1980 cassette deck from Sony with SD head support for metal tape and logical control for seamless operation
Overview
Sony's TC-FX4 is a cassette deck released in 1980, designed for high-fidelity playback and recording using metal cassettes. It features an SD head for improved performance with metal tape and includes logical control for smooth mode transitions without stopping. The unit supports synchronized play and offers convenience features like auto-play, Rec Mute with auto space, and a timer standby switch.
Specifications
| Year of Production | 1980 |
| Heads | Erase: 1, Recording/Playback: 1 (SD head) |
| Motor | DC servo motor, High torque motor |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 58 dB (Dolby off, peak level, metal cassette) |
| Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz ~ 17 kHz (Metal Cassette) |
| Wow and flutter | 0.05%wrms |
| Distortion factor | 1.0% (Metal Cassette) |
| Power consumption | 14W |
| External dimensions | Width 430 x Height 105 x Depth 250 mm |
| Weight | 4kg |
Design
The TC-FX4 uses a 2-motor configuration and features feather touch operation for lighter control response. It includes a twin level meter, Line/Mic input switching, and Dolby NR via Complete IC. The deck supports optional remote controls—wireless (RM-80), wired (RM-50), or synchro remote unit (RM-65)—for synchronized play functionality.
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