Sony TC-AV1 (1987)
A mini component size double reverse cassette deck released by Sony in 1987, featuring dual-deck operation and Dolby NR-B noise reduction.
Overview
The Sony TC-AV1 is a dual cassette deck released in 1987, designed for compact audio systems with its mini component size. It features two independent decks: Deck A for playback only, and Deck B for both recording and playback, enabling basic tape dubbing functions. The unit supports high-speed dubbing and includes an auto-reverse mechanism—referred to in documentation as an "Oatley berth mechanism," likely a transcription error—allowing continuous playback or recording across both sides of a cassette without manual intervention.
Specifications
| Released | 1987 |
| Type | Cassette deck |
| Heads | Play : 1 (A Deck) Erase : 1 (B Deck) Recording : 1 (B Deck) |
| Motor | DC servo motor : 2 DC Motor : 2 |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (EIAJ) | 56 dB (Dolby off, peak level, Metal-S cassette) 66 dB (Dolby NRB, peak level, Metal-S cassette) |
| Frequency characteristic | 30 Hz ~ 16 kHz ± 3 dB (EIAJ, Metal-S Cassette) |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz ~ 17 kHz (EIAJ, Metal-S Cassette) |
| Wow and flutter (EIAJ) | ± 0.07% Wpeak 0.05%WRMS |
| Distortion factor | 0.5% (EIAJ, Metal-S Cassette) |
| Power consumption | 18W |
| External dimensions | Width 355x Height 130x Depth 345 mm |
| Weight | 4.9kg |
| Original price | ¥ 54,800 |
Design
The TC-AV1 consists of two twin decks: Deck A for playback and Deck B for recording and playback, both equipped with an auto tape selector that detects tape type automatically. It uses an Oatley berth mechanism for auto-reverse functionality and includes a linear electronic counter that displays tape position in minutes and seconds. A 12-segment x 2-channel peak level meter provides visual monitoring during recording, and the unit is equipped with Dolby NR-B type noise reduction.
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