Tandberg 12X
Very little is documented about the Tandberg 12X. What survives comes from a single review in Studio Sound (May 1969, p.37). It describes the 12X as a quarter-track transistor stereo tape recorder with crossfield bias. Tandberg used crossfield bias in several models of the era to extend high-frequency response at slower tape speeds.
The measured performance at 19 cm/s showed wow and flutter steady at 0.06%, rising to 0.08% at 9.5 cm/s. Separate wow readings were 0.03% and 0.04% respectively. Playback response followed NAB equalization. The review gave no retail price, no dimensions, and no word on how long the model was produced. No service literature, user manuals, or advertising have turned up in the usual archives. Years of manufacture, number of heads, and the input/output complement all remain unknown.
Known specs from period testing:
- Quarter-track, transistorized stereo tape recorder
- Crossfield bias head
- Speeds: 19 cm/s and 9.5 cm/s (7.5 and 3.75 ips)
- Wow and flutter at 19 cm/s: 0.06% (0.03% wow-only)
- Wow and flutter at 9.5 cm/s: 0.08% (0.04% wow-only)
- NAB playback equalization
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