Technical Details
Brand: Viking
Model:Studio 96
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:NAB
Country of Manufacture:USA
Release dates:1964 - 1966
Original Price: $625
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 1 7/8, 3 3/4, 7 1/2, 15
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 4
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: Stereo - Staggered
# Motors: 3
Voltage(s): 110-120v, 220-240v
Outputs: RCA, 1/4" Headphone
Frequency Response:30- 16,000 Hz +- 2dB
Wow and Flutter:.1% @7.5 and 15ips
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:55 dB
Sound quality rating:7 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 7/ 10
Weight: 50 Lbs
Additional Details
Description
The Viking Studio 96 did not make it into many studios or broadcast facilities. In 1965, competing against Ampex was quite a challenge as they owned the US high-end market. Nevertheless, the 96 is one of a handful of excellent US made tape recorders that still sound really great today. Priced in the $600 price range with many options, this was not accessible to your average consumer.
Much like the Tapesonic 70, a similarly priced and a great sounding machine, these were all special order direct from the factory, avoiding retail markups. The custom-built 96 was available in many different configurations from full track, half track mono, half track stereo, quarter track stereo, four channel staggered, four channel simultaneous and more. You could order high impedance for the tube electronics or low impedance heads for the solid-state version. The 96 had four speed options from 1 7/8 to 15 ips as 3 drive pulleys were available (low or high-speed with each pulley (1 7/8 – 3 3/4) (3 3/4 – 7 1/2) (7 1/2 -15 ips)
Additional Info
Plug-in circuit boards for easy servicing
Large 3.5 pound belt driven capstan flywheel
Transport 19 x 12.25″ Electronics 19 x 5.25″ (W x H)