Akai 345 (1963)
A portable reel-to-reel tape recorder with three motors, three heads, and a wide frequency response, built for demanding amateur and professional use.
Overview
The Akai 345 is a portable reel-to-reel tape recorder introduced in 1963. It was the most expensive model in Akai's lineup at the time. It was built for the perfectionist, meaning amateur and professional users who needed high fidelity and reliable performance. It uses 1/4-inch tape and runs at 3 3/4, 7 1/2, and 15 inches-per-second. An automatic reversing function gives continuous playback. The recording system is 4-track stereo, and with an adaptor the machine takes reels up to 10 1/2 inches in diameter.
Specifications
| Tracks | 1/4 Rec/PB, 4-track stereo recording system |
| Speeds | 3 3/4, 7 1/2, 15 IPS |
| Heads | 3 heads |
| Motors | 3 motors |
| Wow and Flutter | 0.03% wrms |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 50kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.03% |
| Weight | 65 Ibs (29.5kg) |
| Max Reel Size | 10 1/2 inches (with adaptor) |
| Rewind Speed | Less than 60 seconds for 1200ft |
| Spool Diameter | 26.5 cm |
| Original Price | $209 |
| Also Known As | Roberts 400 |
Design
The 345 is a tube-based machine with 3 motors and 3 heads. The built-in germanium amplifiers drive dual speakers. The 4-track stereo recording system is in-line, and a separate switch changes the equalization settings. The design aims at high-fidelity recording and playback, and the construction is focused on minimizing mechanical instability.
Market
Current market prices for the Akai 345 range from $174.50 to $395.00. Spare parts, such as a replacement pinch roller for 7.5 IPS and a head cover faceplate, are available through online retailers and auction sites.
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