Technical Details
Brand: Telefunken
Model:M36
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Portable
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:IEC
Country of Manufacture:Germany
Release dates:1971 - 1975
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 1 7/8, 3 3/4, 7 1/2
Max Reel Size("): 7"
Number of heads: 3
Dimension: 33.5 × 32.4 × 11 cm
Head Composition: Other
Head Configuration: Stacked/Inline
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): Battery
Outputs: XLR
Frequency Response:40Hz to 12.KHz at 7.5ips
Wow and Flutter:.3% at 7.5 ips - .4% at 3.75 ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:45 dB
Sound quality rating:7 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 8/ 10
Weight: 7 kg.
Additional Details
Description
First introduced in 1971, the Telefunken M36 was a multipurpose bandmachine designed for the the German Army with a magnesium chassis.
Curiously this was a two track machine, so it produced higher-quality but shorter duration recordings. It featured 3 speeds 4.75, 9.5 and 19 cm/s. One might’ve expected for the military application, that 4 track longer recordings would have been a better decision as similar portables in 1971 out-performed it in 4 track.
The published frequency response of 40Hz to 12500Hz at 19cm/s appears to be very conservative and unlikely as the M36 uses super high quality AC09 and WC09 vacodur heads. These heads are also used on the Telefunken studio models M10 and M15. Interestingly, there are no adjustment screws. The heads are mounted solid on the frame. You wouldn’t want the heads to become misaligned in the event of an explosion nearby!
A reel size of up to 13cm (5.1″) with the top lid closed and 18cm (7.1″) open. the lid has a small compartment, where allen keys, fuses and lamps can be stored. The lid can also be removed.
The components used were optimized for longer life in difficult environments.
The price when new in the early 70’s was around DM 10.000, which translates to approx. EUR17.500 today.
Additional Info
Front panel functions
Start and Stop – Playback.
Bandende – end of tape indicator
Vor-band-Hinter– Source/Tape selector
Rotary Mode Selector
Aus – Off
<-> – Winding Speed- adjustable speed and direction are controlled by a knob on the top panel of the deck.
Wdg – (play). In this mode, start and stop are controlled by the buttons above.
Record (3 Red Options) The mode button pulls out to rotate to the selections with I, II and I+II
2 x volume (located on the right)
Max Reel Size– 5″ with lid closed, 7.1″ Open
Wow and Flutter– .3% at 7.5 ips – .4% at 3.75 ips
Heads (3) -Vacodur – AC09 – WC09
Fabric belts
Plug In circuit boards for easy servicing
Optional shock absorbing baseplate for Tank Applications – 2kg.
24VDC (+6V/-3V) Souriau 8-51-06EC-8-3AS plugs have been reported to work
Water-resistant military sockets
Price when new- DM 10.000