Technical Details
Brand: Stancil-Hoffman
Model:Minitape M5A
Category:Vintage
Application:Portable
Electronics:Tube
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:USA
Release dates:1953 - 1956
Speeds: 7 1/2, 15
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 2
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: full-track-mono
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 110-120v
Frequency Response:(all 3 dB): 100 - 5kHz
Wow and Flutter:less than 0.5%
Sound quality rating:5 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 5/ 10
Additional Details
Description
Manufactured by The Stancil-Hoffman Corp, Hollywood California.
From a 1954 New Product Report:
“… The “Minitape,” Model M5A, is a battery operated
portable tape recorder. A single on-off switch provides all operating controls with optimum recording level set at the factory. Two speeds are provided, 7½ and 15 ips (3¾ is optional on special order).
The recorder is single track giving 15 minutes playing time at 7½
ips on a 5 inch reel.
Rechargeable batteries have a life in excess of 2 hours.
Weighing 13 pounds (5.9 kg), a small leatherette case the size of a shoe
box houses the amplifier, motor drive, erase head and batteries.
A miniature amplifier plugs into the removable erase head socket to
furnish earphone monitor level.
A battery charger is also available as an accessory…”
This recorder can be seen in Howard Hawk’s 1953 Motion Picture:
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Starring Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russell.
Additional Info
Batteries: one 90 volt, one 6 volt and 2 D cells / Battery life: rechargeable batteries in excess of 2 hours / Total harmonic distortion: less than 3% / Weight: 13 lbs (5.9 kg) / full-track mono