Akai X-355

Description

This was one of the first of Akai’s “Crossfield Head” recorders. (The M7 has that distinction). Akai was responsible for introducing this very important advance in recording technology (although Tandberg also make that claim!) Instead of utilising the record head to supply high frequency bias (and as a result erasing some of the high frequency audio material at the same time), an extra head was installed opposite the record head to provide the record bias field, leaving the record head free to carry only the audio signal. This also meant that independent alignment of the record AND bias head gave optimum performance and a much higher frequency range at lower speeds.

The X355’s frequency response was claimed to be 30 – 24kHz 3dB at 7½ ips and was fully solid state with an output of 20 watts per channel. 4 heads were fitted.

Other features included:
Three independent motors – hysteresis synchronous capstan drive, fast forward and reverse at 36 seconds for 1200ft of tape; electrically operated relay push button controls, a maximum 7″ reel capacity (up to 10½ inch with special outrigger adaptors – see additional images) , auto-reverse play and remote control (check out the 8-pin connector to the left of the push buttons).

This was a classy recorder for 1965 and priced in the UK at about £270. It was also available in a deck-only version without amplifiers, the X-355 D.