Alpage AL-80 (1981) | Optical Peak Meter

 

The Alpage (Alpine) cassette deck from 1981 features Dolby B & C noise reduction and a 3-Head system for excellent recording and playback performance. Using separate heads for recording and playback offers two distinct advantages: improved recording and playback performance, and the ease of monitoring the newly recorded signal. Combined record/playback heads on 2-Head systems must accept a compromise between the optimum air gaps for recording and playback, but with three heads, the record head can have a wide air gap (5µm) and the playback head a narrow air gap (1µm), each optimized for its own function. Dual Noise Reduction Dolby B & C The AL-80 features both systems: Dolby B and the brand new Dolby C. This allows compatibility with all Dolby B-encoded tapes, while also allowing you to take advantage of the improved Noise Reduction effects of Dolby C for your own recordings. A built-in generator outputs a 400Hz test signal that allows for precise calibration of recording levels. Especially when using Dolby C noise reduction, precise level adjustment allows for optimal recording results. There is also a 4-Digit Digital Counter with Multiple Memory, for Tape or Time. This very practical counter works as a standard tape counter, or as a real-time counter. The counting is done electronically rather than mechanically, and it has four digits that provide seven times the accuracy of three-digit counters. Other Features: Super-sensitive optical peak meters, Automatic Playback and Rewind, Fine Pre-Fuel Adjustment, Switchable MPX Filter, Output Level Control, Optional Wired or Wireless Remote Controls, Optional Rack Mount Kit, Mono Microphone Recording on Both Channels, Illuminated Cassette Slot. Specifications: 3-head system Ferrite head | Motor: 1 belt drive| Wow and Flutter 0,035% | Frequency response 20-21.000Hz Metal (TDK MA) | Dimensions (W/H/D) 435x120x300mm | 5,6kg | Original sale price in Germany 1200 DM

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Alpage and the Clones

The Alpage AL-300 was a cassette deck introduced in 1980 by the Alpine Electronics Inc. which is, in turn, a member of the Alps Electric Group. The Alpage AL-300 was a top-of-the-line model, one of the best 3-head cassette decks on the market. The AL-300 has a 3-head design with Closed Loop Dual Capstan drive mechanism. The AL-300 was designed for use with metal tape (and CrO2, FeCr, Normal) with independent Dolby calibration for left and right channels and also independent BIAS adjustment controls.

A direct clone of this deck was the eumig FL-900 available with both silver or black fascia.

A slightly modified version of this deck was distributed by PHILIPS and several PHILIPS sub-brands accross the world. These versions had instead of the needle type VU meters Fluorescent Tube Peak Level meters and a large bright red LED tape counter.  The following models were availabe: ARISTONA SR3780, ERRES SR3780, LOEWE SR3780, mediator SR3780, PHILIPS N5788, PYE SR3780, SIERA SR3780.

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