TEAC C-2X (1981–1982)
A high-end 3-head stereo cassette deck with two tape speeds, Dolby HX, and a rack-mountable design.
Overview
The TEAC C-2X is a professional-grade stereo cassette deck, built from 1981 to 1982 for high-fidelity analog recording and playback. It has 3 heads and 2 motors, with a closed-loop dual capstan mechanism for precise tape control. It runs at standard (4.8 cm/s) and double (9.5 cm/s) tape speeds. With metal tape at high speed, frequency response extends up to 27 kHz. It was the successor to the TEAC C-2, and a range of optional accessories lets it fit into studio or mobile setups.
Specifications
| Tape speed | 4.8 cm/s, 9.5 cm/s |
| Wow flutter (WRMS) | 9.5cm/s: 0.03%; 4.8cm/s: 0.04% |
| Frequency response (metal tape) | 9.5cm/s : 20 Hz to 27 kHz; 4.8cm/s : 20 Hz to 22 kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (overall, 3% distortion level, corrected audibility) | 9.5cm/s : 72 dB (Dolby NR in, 5 kHz or higher); 4.8cm/s : 70 dB (Dolby NR in, 5 kHz or higher) |
| Input Mic | 0.25 mV / -72 dB / 200 Ω |
| Input Line | 60 mV / 50 kΩ |
| Output Line | 0.3 V / 50 kΩ or more |
| Headphone output | 8 Ω |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 31W |
| External dimensions | Width 482 x Height 147 x Depth 353 mm (Without Rack Angle: Width 440 mm) |
| Weight | 12.5 kg |
| Model Rating | Cassette deck |
| Track format | 4-track, 2-channel stereo system |
| Heads | 3 Head |
| Tape used | C-30 ~ C-90 Cassette Tape |
Design
The C-2X uses the same 3-head, 2-motor layout with a closed-loop dual capstan mechanism to keep the tape moving steadily. A Dolby HX system maximizes dynamic range. BIAS/EQ switching is independent and has 3 stages, and the deck takes the plug-in CX-8 adjustment card. Other features are a tape slack removal mechanism, auto-rewind, timer standby, REC MUTE, and a differential-type left/right interlocking volume control. It also has a dedicated test input and a tape monitor with a CAL position. It mounts in a 19-inch EIA standard rack. A remote control unit (RC-90) and a rack handle (AH-50) were sold separately.
Product Family
The C-2X had a long list of optional peripherals: the MX-8 audio mixer (¥39,800), Dbx noise reduction unit RX-8B (¥98,000), portable case CS-8 (¥45,000), fixed rack VX-4 (¥20,000), blanking panel CZ-8 (¥1,000), BIAS/EQ blank card CX-8 (¥3,000), test tone oscillator TO-8 (¥5,500), and remote control unit RC-90 (¥10,500). The CS-8 case holds the C-2X, MX-8, and RX-8B together.
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