Technical Details
Brand: Pentron
Model:RWN Clipper
Category:Vintage
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Tube
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:USA
Release dates:1955 - 1958
Original Price: $139.95
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 2
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Mono - Full Track
Voltage(s): 110-120v
Frequency Response:50Hz - 9kHz 7½ ips
Wow and Flutter:less than 0.5 % at 7½ ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:42dB
Sound quality rating:5 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 5/ 10
Additional Details
Description
Towards the end of 1955 Pentron introduced a new range of recorders, moving away from the dual controls of earlier models like the 9TC. These new recorders all had a single control knob for all functions and were called the “Clipper”, “Pacemaker” and “Emperor”. The first to be released was the model RWN, the Clipper, and at $139.95 was the lowest priced recorder in the line.
The unit had a lever which appeared much like the gear shift in a car. The slot at the far left put the recorder into fast forward. The next slot was the 3¾ ips play position with 7½ ips next to that. These two slots were dual purpose, putting the lever forward gave play while throwing it backwards in conjunction with the red button on the top of the “shift” control put the recorder into record mode. At the far right of the gate was the fast rewind position.
Like previous Pentron recorders, the two inputs for microphone and radio were at the front left-hand side of the control panel while the external speaker and external amplifier jacks were on the right. Between the two large red controls (one for volume and one for tone) was a neon light which flashed according to the recording level.
Additional Info
Rewind speed: 3 minutes for 1200 ft tape / Audio output power: 4 watts / Inputs: microphone and radio-phono-TV / Outputs: external speaker and external amplifier / Speaker(s): 6″ permanent magnet / Weight: 23 lbs (10.5 kg) / half-track mono