Technics RS-M45 (1979)
A slim, metal tape-compatible stereo cassette deck with direct-drive motors and digital servo control, released in 1979.
Overview
The Technics RS-M45 is a stereo cassette deck developed around a new concept called Softom, emphasizing smooth operation and precision. Released in 1979, it uses a 4-track 2-channel stereo system and supports normal, XA, and metal tapes. It features an advanced capstan drive with a flat-faced direct-drive motor controlled by a digital FG servo system, ensuring high rotational accuracy. The reel drive uses a DC motor with a magnetic friction mechanism for quick, stable tape handling. Designed for high fidelity, it includes a low-noise recording amplifier optimized for metal tapes and an 18-segment 2-color FL display with peak hold for precise level monitoring.
Specifications
| Track system | 4-track 2-channel stereo |
| Head configuration | Recording : SX Sendust Head; Erasing : double-gap Sendust ferrite head |
| Motor used | For Capstan : Digital FG Servo DD Motor; For Reel : Soft ムリール Screwdriver (DC-Motor with Magnetic Friction Mechanism) |
| Recording bias system | AC bias system |
| Erasing method | AC erasing method |
| Tape speed | 4.8cm/s |
| Frequency characteristic | Normal : 20 Hz to 17 kHz; XA : 20 Hz to 18 kHz; Metal : 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 58 dB (XA tape, peak level) |
| Dolby NR in | 10 db improvement (5 khz or higher) |
| Wow and flutter | 0.035%WRMS |
| Input Mic | Maximum Input Sensitivity 0.25 mv (-72dB) / Applicable Impedance 400 Ω ~ 10k Ω |
| Input Line | Maximum input sensitivity 60 mv (-24dB) |
| Output Line out | Reference output level 420 mv (-7.5 db) / load impedance 22k Ω or more |
| Output Headset (variable) | Maximum power level 125 mv (8 Ω), 520 mv (125 Ω) |
| Semiconductor used | Transistor : 67; IC : 11; Diode : 27 (Including LED); Rectifier : 2 |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 25W |
| External dimensions | Width 430x Height 97.5x Depth 345 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 6.1 kg |
Design
The RS-M45 was developed based on the Softom concept, featuring a direct-drive capstan motor with rotor and stator facing front-to-back, controlled by an all-round integration type digital FG servo for precise rotation. The reel drive uses a newly developed softom reel driver with a DC motor and magnetic friction mechanism for smooth, responsive operation. The control section uses IC logic with feather-touch keyboard switches (0.8 mm stroke, 70g pressure), enabling pure electronic control and direct transition from fast forward or rewind to play. It includes a 4-position tape selector, an 18-segment 2-color FL display with auto-reset peak hold and two-second memory, and an oil dump type tape ejection mechanism. A high-gain headphone amplifier provides variable output volume.
Market
The RS-M45 was sold with the optional remote control box RP-9645, priced at ¥6,000 at launch.
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