Technical Details
Brand: Tascam
Model:52
Category:Super High Fidelity
Application:Studio
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:NAB , IEC
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 3
Dimension: 20 x 17 x 12.6" - 505 x 432 x 320mm
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Stereo
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v, 220-240v
Outputs: XLR Balanced, RCA
Frequency Response:30Hz to 22kHz (15 ips)
Wow and Flutter:0.04
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:70
Sound quality rating:6 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 7/ 10
Weight: 77 Lbs. - 35 Kg.
Additional Details
Description
Originally released as Tascam 52 it evolved into five different versions that were available.
52 the earliest model with NAB equalization and RCA Input/Outputs
Second-generation
52 NU NAB, RCA Input/Outputs
52 NB NAB, XLR Input/Outputs
52 DU IEC, RCA Input/Outputs
52 DB IEC, XLR Input/Outputs
The XLR Models, NB & DB had a few extra features
– Input/output level controls with an UNCAL button which allowed for adjusting the input levels of each channel separately.
– 1/4″ headphone jack with volume control
N= NAB, D=DIN, B= balanced
So a 52 that is NAB with balanced output was the model 52 NB.
This studio machine featured a transport that was incredibly smooth to compete with the usual suspects, but suffered from electronics that were far from leading edge. I have owned two of these and was amazed at how average the playback sound was. But it did make nice recordings.
Additional Info
Track System 2-track, 2-channel stereo
Heads (3)
Motors 2 x reel, 1 x capstan
Reel Size 10.5 inch reel
Equalization IEC or NAB
Tape Speeds 7 1⁄2 – 15 ips
Wow and flutter 0.04% (15 ips)
Distortion 0.8%
Input 300mV (line)
Output 0.3V (line)
Dimensions 432 x 505 x 320mm
Weight 35kg
Optional RC-50 Remote Control
Reviews
Having owned two of these, I can say that they certainly have a well constructed transport that was likely as good as Teac/Tascam ever made and comparable to Studer.
But I didn't end up keeping them as they were rather large machines that didn't sound any better than any of the other higher end Japanese recorders that I owned the time.