Ampex 407 (c. 1972–1979)
The Ampex 407 is a recording tape, not a recorder. It arrived in 1972 as part of the new Ampex 406/407 mastering tape series. The trade announcements of the day described both tapes as backcoated, with a new oxide formula and a new binder system meant to improve recording performance.
Everything else about the 407 is thinly documented. No full spec sheet, no measured review, and no official end-of-production date has surfaced. The clearest later record is a classified listing in Audio (August 1979, p.110) with new 7" reels of the 406 at $2.25 and the 407 at $3.25. That's a dollar more than the 406 on the same reel size, and it fixes the 407's mail-order price about seven years after launch.
What's documented:
- Open-reel mastering tape, sold on 7" reels
- Backcoated; new oxide formula and binder system at introduction
- 7" reel at $3.25 by mail order in 1979
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.