Technical Details
Brand: Berlant
Model:20/20
Category:Vintage
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Tube
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:USA
Release dates:1955 - 1958
Original Price: $595
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 3
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Mono - Full Track
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v
Outputs: RCA
Frequency Response:(all 3 dB): 7½ ips: 70Hz - 8kHz
Wow and Flutter:less than 0.1 % at 7½ ips
Sound quality rating:7 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 7/ 10
Weight: 45lbs (20.5kg)
Additional Details
Description
A remarkable machine for its price with room for up to five heads, making it an extremely versatile
recorder at a time when dual-track, single track, mono and the new “binaural” (stereo) options were all still being used. The head-rack allowed for instantaneous switching of the head configuration.
Available in either 3¾ and 7½ ips or 7½ and 15 ips, the 20/20 was equipped with three heavy duty motors. the tape drive was supplied via a two-speed capacitor-induction motor and two shaded pole motors for take-up and rewind (the latter functioning at 2,400 ft/minute with a lever giving variable control). The tape transport contained no belts and produced less than 0.1% wow and flutter at 7½ ips, even less at 15 ips and reels of up to 10½ inches were catered for.
The tape transport control was a single lever and the machine had an automatic cut-off at the end of the reel or in event of a tape break. Constant and unvarying tape tension was supplied by means of tension arms at each end of the tape path, threading was straight-line and very simple and rapid.
Additional Info
Rewind speed: 2,400 feet per minute / Inputs: 1 microphone 1 line per channel / single, dual or binaural