Technical Details
Brand: Rola
Model:Type 66
Category:Vintage
Application:Semi-Pro
Electronics:Tube
Equalization:IEC
Country of Manufacture:Australia
Release dates:1958 - 1961
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 3
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Stereo
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 220-240v
Frequency Response:35 - 12,000 cps ± 4dB at 7½ ips
Wow and Flutter:better than 0.2%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:45dB unweighted at normal recording level
Sound quality rating:5 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 5/ 10
Additional Details
Description
The 66 first appeared under the Byer badge in 1956 and remained in production until the early 1960s. When Byer Industries was bought out by Rola (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. in late 1957, production continued under the Byer badge for a few years before Rola put its own name on the machine and upgraded the transport to its MkII model..
The “66” was very much a semi-professional machine, designed
primarily for the broadcast, educational and government markets.
Features
included a three-motor beltless drive, (direct capstan drive meant low
wow & flutter), three heads, solenoid controlled push button operation,
variable winding speed, full editing facilities including a shuttle control
and tape lifters, bias adjustment and professional-type 600 ohm balanced
input and output sockets.
Additional Info
Inputs: 600 ohm balanced microphone and high impedance line input / Valve complement: 2 x 12AU7, 1 x 12AX7, 1 x EF86, 2 x N78 output (later models used EL84s) & 1 x 5Y3GT. The optional radio tuner used additional tubes, one each of 6AN7 and 6N8. / Audio output power: 6 watts / Distortion: less than 1% at zero level (plus 8 dbm) / Bias frequency: 55 Kc / s / Speaker(s): inbuilt ‘Rola’ speaker / Dimensions (approx): 19½ x 12¼ x 6½ inches (495 x 311 x 165mm) / Weight: 45lb (20.5kg) / full-track mono