Technical Details
Brand: Pioneer
Model:RT-2044
Category:Super High Fidelity
Application:Semi-Pro
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Original Price: $1600
Tracks:1/4 Rec/PB
Speeds: 7 1/2, 15
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 3
Dimension: 699 x 464 x 273mm
Head Composition: Permalloy, Ferrite
Head Configuration: Quad
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v, 220-240v
Outputs: RCA
Frequency Response:15 ips: 30Hz to 28kHz 7½ ips: 40Hz to 20kHz ( 3dB)
Wow and Flutter:less than 0.08% R.M.S. at 7½ ips, less than 0.04% R.M.S. at 15 ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:better than 55 dB
Sound quality rating:8 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 8/ 10
Weight: 74 Lbs
Additional Details
Description
Introduced in late 1976, the RT-2044 utilized an RTU 11 transport unit and two TAU 11 pre-amplifiers. Quadraphonic, 3 four track heads, designed for 10½ ” reels and could record and play back at both 7½ ips and 15 ips. The RT-2044 featured a JT 2044T four track/four channel interchangeable head block.
Relatively early logic in the transport allowed you to move between the functions without engaging stop, however compared to the newer decks, there is a pause of about 1.5 seconds between switching which may trouble some people.
The pioneer RT-2044 (4 Track) and RT-2022 (2 Track) are semiprofessional tape recorders and the most expensive open reel decks Pioneer ever made. They definitely sound better than an RT-909 or 707 but have slightly lower signal-to-noise ratio. Both models were considerably larger than the other open reel decks in the Pioneer line.
The RT-2044 measured 18¼ ” w x 271/2 ” h x 10¾ ” d and weighed over 74 pounds. Its list price was $US 1600.00
Additional Info
If you’re considering buying one of these it’s important to make note of the fact that the connecting cable with unique rectangular Plug is included as they are very hard to find in the deck will be useless without it.
FF/ rewind speed: 110 seconds for 2,400ft / Speed deviation: 0.8%
4/8 pole hysteresis synchronous capstan motor, 2 x 6 pole inner rotor induction motors for reel-drive
1 x Ferrite Erase head, 2 x Permalloy Rec/Pb
Separation: better than 50 dB / Harmonic distortion: less than 1% at 7½ ips. less than 0.8% at 15 ips / Bias frequency: 125kHz / Fast rewind speed: 110 seconds for 2,400ft / Input sensitivity: microphone – 0.11mV. line – 34mV at 100K / Outputs: line – 450mV – 930mV 50K ohms. headphones – 133mV max /
The above pictures feature solid wood sides that were custom-made. The original deck comes with a black laminate that often has not done well standing the test of time.
An optional wired remote control JT-211 was available which is very hard to find.