Technical Details
Brand: Akai
Model:M-8
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Solid State
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Release dates:1965 - 1968
Tracks:1/4 Rec/PB+1/2PB
Speeds: 1 7/8, 3 3/4, 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 3
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Mono - Full Track
Voltage(s): 220-240v
Frequency Response:7½ ips: 40 - 21kHz
Wow and Flutter:< 0.15 % at 7½ ips, < 0.25% at 3¾ ips, < 0.35% at 1 ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:-40db
Sound quality rating:5 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 5/ 10
Additional Details
Description
(Sold
in the USA as Roberts 770X).
The M-8 had the same basic layout styling as
its predecessors the Akai M-6 and M-7, and like the M-7 it had the exclusive
“cross-field” biasing system.
All of these early “M” series Akais
utilised valve circuitry and a continuously variable playback equalisation
design.
This was a quarter track stereo recorder with
internal power amplifiers and monitor speakers. A single motor was employed
for all transport functions and the maximum spool size was seven inches.
The twin monitor speakers were mounted on the
top of the cabinet and stereo sound was really only available near the
recorder. At greater distances, the stereo effect was completely negligible
and widely-spaced, wide-range remote speakers would have been necessary
for normal stereo listening.
Three speeds were available with the use of
a capstan sleeve (7½ ips – 3¾ ips without
the sleeve and 3¾ ips – 1
ips with the sleeve) but according to test-bench reports of the
time, wow and flutter were higher with the capstan sleeve fitted.
Additional Info
Cross-talk: better than 53 dB / Valve complement: 2 x 6267 (EF86), 2 x 12AX7, 2 x 6BQ5, 1 x 6AR5, 2 x 6X4 / Rewind speed: 90 seconds for 1,200 ft reel / Audio output power: 6 watts per channel / Inputs: low level high impedance mic input, high level line input / Outputs: high impedance head output, 8 / 16 ohm amplifier output / Speaker(s): 2 x top-mounted monitor speakers 2 x 8″ coaxial extension speakers (optional) / Dimensions: 13″ x 20″ x 9″ / Weight: 45 lbs (20.5 kg) / quarter-track stereo