Technical Details
Brand: Sound (TRE)
Model:A39 Slimline 'Three-Two'
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Portable
Electronics:Tube
Equalization:IEC
Country of Manufacture:United Kingdom
Release dates:1962 - 1965
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 1 7/8, 3 3/4, 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 5"
Number of heads: 2
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Mono - Full Track
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): Multi
Frequency Response:80Hz -13kHz (amplifier 10Hz - 18kHz)
Wow and Flutter:Wow: <0.2 per cent at 7½ ips
Sound quality rating:5 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 5/ 10
Additional Details
Description
The Sound ‘Slimline’ series was launched in the autumn of 1961. The first models, A37 ‘One-Two’ (single-speed, half-track) and A38 ‘One-Four’ (single-speed, quarter-track) used the 3¾ ips 5¾” spool BSR TD2 deck with half or quarter-track heads.
In late 1962, the slightly more upmarket A39 Slimline ‘Three-Two’ and A40 Slimline ‘Three-Four’ were launched, both utilising the three-speed Collaro Studio deck. As the name suggested, these recorders had three speeds and came in two or four-track configurations. In 1963, the Slimline series took on Sound’s new TRE prefix (Tape Recorder Electronics) and became known as the TRE 32.
The machine pictured at left is a Slimline ‘Three-Two’, a two-track, three speed recorder with push-button operation and facilities for superimposing, monitoring, mixing and using as a straight-through (3.5 watts) amplifier.
Price when new was £42 complete with microphone, tape and spare spool. The four-track version (A40 ‘Three-Four’) was priced at £47 5s.
Additional Info
Hum and noise: -40dB / Rewind speed: approximately 65 seconds for 7″ spool of 1200ft / Power output: 3.5 watts / Speaker(s): 7 x 4 inch / Dimensions: 13½ x 13½ x 5¾ (343 x 343 x 146 mm) / Weight: 24 lbs (10.9 kg) / half-track mono (quarter-track model available)