Technical Details
Brand: Philips
Model:N4522
Category:Super High Fidelity
Application:Semi-Pro
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:NAB , IEC
Country of Manufacture:Netherlands
Release dates:1978 - 1983
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 7 1/2, 15
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 3
Dimension: 20.8" x 20.7" x 9" - 530 x 527 x 230mm
Head Composition: Permalloy, Ferrite/Glass
Head Configuration: Stereo - Stacked
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 220-240v, Multi
Outputs: RCA, DIN
Frequency Response:30Hz to 26kHz at 15 ips - 30Hz to 22kHz at 7.5 ips
Wow and Flutter:.05 At 15 Ips - .08 At 7.5 Ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:68 db
Sound quality rating:8 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 8/ 10
Weight: 55.5 Lbs - 25 kg
Additional Details
Description
Not that well known in high-end circles outside the European marketplace, the Philips N4522 was arguably the best consumer machine ever produced by the company and certainly good enough for some aspects of studio use. It was released at the same time as the N4520 a quarter track machine and no longer used plastic enclosures as was the case with many of the previous Philips tape recorders. Very excellent specifications and from the sound quality perspective would rival the best Japanese machines of the time and should be compared to Tandberg and Revox half track machines. What other great recorders did Philips produce? Some might argue the ProSeries from the late 60s that included the Pro 12, Pro 20/21 or Pro 36 were better machines.
Features
IEC / NAB equalization settings with adjustable bias
5 digit fluorescent tape counter calibrated in minutes and seconds with a zero stop option
Variable wind speed so you can store your tapes correctly
Peak hold option for VU meter
Headphone volume control
Wedge shaped hyperbolically ground record and playback heads. Ferrite Erase head with double gap
Additional Info
Price when new (in the UK) £700. 00 (Hi Fi Choice 1981)
Half Track (4522) or quarter-track (4520) stereo versions
Long life FSX heads
All metal reel lock for long-term durability
DC capstan motor speed accuracy: 0.25%
Rewind speed: 2minutes 40s for 10½ inch 3600ft reel
3 mm. thick aluminum front panel
Inputs (sens / clipping): mic: 290uV / 222mV (-58.6dB noise) line: 93mV / 6.3V DIN: -25dB / >26dB (18.3kohm impedence) / Maximum line output: 675mV
Potential service issues for these older machines
Power switch should probably be replaced as they have a reasonably high rate of failure and will require some minor customizing to the existing mounting bracket
The capstan speed regulator chip Is of an old variety and should be replaced with a more modern IC
The shafts on the idler pulleys (with the rubber tire) have been known to break, but not overly common
The assembly for the tape lifters (rewind and fast-forward) should be cleaned and re-lubricated
Replace 19 transistors on the mainboard (Source)
7x BF245A : TS2 TS5/TS105 TS4/TS104 TS3/TS103 1x BC547 : TS11 4x BC548 : TS8 / TS108 TS9 / TS109 2x BC549 : TS1/101 1x BC557 : TS10 2x BC546A : TS6/106 2x BC556A : TS7/107