Sony TC-FX6C (1981)

A stereo cassette deck from 1981 with Dolby C noise reduction. It was one of the first models to include the system.

Overview

The Sony TC-FX6C is a stereo cassette deck first sold in 1981. It was among the first consumer cassette recorders with Dolby C noise reduction. It also has an automatic music sensor (AMS), a memory function, and repeat playback, which were advanced features for the time. The heads are a metal tape-compatible S & F recording head and a 4-gap F & F erasing head. BSL Green and high-torque motors keep the tape transport stable.

Specifications

Power consumption	23W
External dimensions	Width 430x Height 105x Depth 275 mm
Weight	Approx. 6.4 kg
Heads	Record x1 Erase x1
Motor	For Capstan : BSL Green Motor For Reel : High Torque Motor
Wow and flutter	0.04%WRMS
Distortion factor	1.0% (Metallic, DUAD tape)
Signal-to-noise ratio (off/Dolby B/Dolby C)	BHF tape : 54dB 61dB 67dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (off/Dolby B/Dolby C)	JHF tape : 57dB 64dB 70dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (off/Dolby B/Dolby C)	DUAD Tape : 59dB 66dB 72dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (off/Dolby B/Dolby C)	Metallic Tape : 59dB 66dB 72dB
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz ~ 17 kHz (BHF Tape)
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz ~ 18kHz/30Hz ~ 16 kHz ± 3 dB (JHF Tape)
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz ~ 19kHz/30Hz ~ 17 kHz ± 3 dB (DUAD Tape)
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz ~ 19kHz/30Hz ~ 17 kHz ± 3 dB (Metallic Tape)
Noise reduction system	Dolby NR / B type, Dolby NR / C type
Tape selector	4-stage tape selector with simultaneous switching of bias and equalizer
Counter	digital linear electronic counter that displays the running time of the tape
Features	memory function, AMS (automatic music sensor), repeat function
Meter	double indication system Longs scale peak program meter
Volume control	100 mm long stroke slide Rec volume
Recording head	metal tape-compatible S & F head
Erasing head	4-gap F & F head
Other features	MPX filter, direct coupling between the playback amplifier and the head, dedicated headphone volume, Rec Mute function with auto space, Line/Mic input automatic switching mechanism
Remote control compatibility	wireless or wired remote control (sold separately), synchronized play is possible by using the separately sold synchronized unit
Timer compatibility	timer (sold separately) allows continuous recording and alarm clock playback

Design

The Dolby C system in the TC-FX6C starts at approximately 180 Hz. Dolby B starts at 460 Hz. Dolby C reduces noise by 20 dB using a sliding band method that varies with input signal level, so it suppresses noise without causing audible artifacts. An anti-Dolby circuit improves tape saturation by recording high-level signals at reduced levels and restoring them during playback. Damping of the flywheel keeps resonance down.

Context

The Sony TC-FX6C was the first generally available cassette deck to use Dolby C noise reduction.

Market

Listings show current prices ranging from $40.00 to $213.00. Some users report a recurring problem with right-channel static and playback distortion during recording, even though playback itself works.

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