Akai GX-260D

Description

The GX-260D featured a symmetrical head design (6-head function) with a centrally-located capstan drive, enabling both play and record in both forward and reverse mode. Akai’s advertising department claimed, “..the GX-260D is the result of an extensive study to produce the best all-round tape deck possible within a reasonable price range…”The deck was controlled by relays and had a Centre Drive belt-driven capstan, although Akai was already making direct drive Machines (the 250D and theGX-280D.)
The GX-260D had 4 physical heads. Two playback heads and two each GX record and erase combo heads.

The ‘Tape selector switch has two positions, Normal or SRT. SRT (super range tapes) were just entering the market at this time so if you are using more modern tapes this is the desired position. Akai would later change the naming of this switch to Low noise and Wide range.

Users report that the 260 is a fairly noisy machine most noticeable when you go from stop into reverse. Also note that it does not have a pause button so when you record you always have to hit 3 buttons at the same time, which is awkward.

Other features included two very large blue VU meters (only available in some parts of the world; other markets got black VU meters), an output level knob (on the rear of the unit, next to the line in/line out jacks), line/mic mixing and a smoke-coloured dust cover.