Nakamichi 550 (1974) - Two Head Portable Cassette System

With the Model 550 Dual-Tracer cassette system, Nakamichi extended their revolution in cassette technology to in-the-field recording. The 550 employs Nakamichi's exclusive Focused-Gap head for extended high frequency response and extremely low distortion. Complete with its own self-contained battery power supply, the Nakamichi 550 may also be operated from a car battery or from a standard AC line (with adaptors supplied). Professional 45dB range, peak level meters attest to the unit's extended dynamic range and are especially useful during live recording sessions. Speed control is absolute. A built-in Super Stabilizer prevents power supply voltage fluctuations and a pulse-controlled DC servomotor maintains absolute speed stability. No matter where you are, under the most rigorous field conditions or in the comfort of your living room, the Nakamichi 550 is the perfect companion. The right channel meter of the 550 can be switched to indicate battery condition, while the left channel meter also indicates elapsed tape time during recording and playback. Despite the unusually wide dynamic range of the Nakamichi 550, there are those occasions, especially during live recording, when tape overload may occur. In such instances, you can switch on the built-in peak limiter. It acts, almost instantaneously, to reduce possible distortion. Its action is so subtle that the resulting signal compression is virtually undetectable. 

The 550 in addition to the standard (L&R) mic inputs, a third blend mic is provided. Each input has its own level control, thus permitting professional quality mixing. The blend mic is particularly helpful in high lighting solo instruments and voices. A built-in extra-power headphone amplifier furnishes more than enough power to drive a pair of 8 ohm headphones, enabling the user to monitor the program being recorded. It is completely independent of the rear panel output controls which are used when the 550 is installed in a home music system. The Nakamichi 550 can be programmed to operate for a predetermined period of time by setting a built-in timing mechanism. At the conclusion of the time period, a front panel light (LED) flashes to alert the operator. Specifications: Frequency Response: 40Hz to 17kHz  (Cr02 tape) | Signal to Noise Ratio: 65dB  (dolby B) | Wow and Flutter: 0.13% | Dimensions: 311 x 89 x 350mm | Weight: 5.1kg | Carry bag HC-550 optional | Original sale price: 1380 DM in Germany.