Tape recorders "Olympus": history, characteristics, description of models

Music has always occupied and occupies a special place in the life of any person. Modern sources of music give clear sound. But retro technology also has its fans. Tape recorders from the times of the Soviet Union are a valuable rarity that is perfect for lovers of music in the style of the past.

Unlike other models, the appearance of the "Olympus" tape recorder did not cause much furore among consumers. Indeed, in addition to foreign radio tape recorders, in stores it was already possible to buy Soviet cassette and reel devices in the public domain. They began to produce tape recorders of the Olympus brand for several reasons. So, in 1980, permission was obtained to expand the trade of radio tape recorders.

The existing factories could not cope with such a large order. For this reason, marriage began to appear. So that the Soviet people did not suffer from this, some developments of tape recorders were transferred to the Lepse radio engineering plant. A number of modernizations were carried out here, as a result of which new "Olympus" were born.

Reel-to-reel tape recorder brand "Olympus" has the following technical and functional characteristics.

• First of all, this model is equipped with microcontroller software control.
• All outputs are electronically commutated.
• It is possible to adjust the bias current.
• With the help of a quartz system, the speed of the magnetic tape can be stabilized.
• The recording level has a luminescent indication.
• Also, the reel-to-reel tape recorder "Olympus" is equipped with an auto-reverse and an electronic tape counter.

Today you can buy tape recorders of the Olympus brand either in specialized stores that buy such things, or you can find it on the Internet. To understand what they are, you need to consider a few of the most common options.

The appearance of this model dates back to 84 of the last century. It happened at the Lepse Kirov Electric Machine Building Plant. This device is a desktop reel-to-reel tape recorder weighing 27 kilograms.

If we talk about technical characteristics, then they are as follows:

• the tape moves at a speed of 19 centimeters per second;
• the frequency range is 22 thousand Hertz;
• works from a network of 220 volts;
• the frequency of the bias current is within 107 kHz.

This model was released in 1985 at the Lepse Kirov Electric Machine Building Plant. It is intended for recording stereo and monophonograms, as well as their playback through the UCU.

As for the technical characteristics, they are as follows:

• there is a "hitchhiking" function;
• LPM tape drive mechanism, which moves at a speed of 19 centimeters per second;
• it is possible to use a remote control unit;
• the frequency range is 2 thousand Hertz;
• such a device weighs at least 28 kilograms.

Literally a year after the appearance of the Olimp-004S tape recorder, another model of the Olimp-005S tape recorder was produced at the same Kirov plant.The device was intended for recording, as well as reproducing sounds as part of a large radio complex.

If we talk about technical characteristics, then they are as follows:

• the magnetic tape moves at a speed of 19 centimeters per second;
• the frequency range is 25 thousand Hertz;
• the tape recorder has an auto-reverse;
• the weight of the model is 20 kilograms.

In 87 of the last century at the Kirov plant named after Lepse released another model of "Olympus". The tape recorder had a top class MP. It is also worth noting that several developments were invented at once. However, only 15 tape recorders were produced, and it was never put on the serial conveyor.

Another model, which was created on the basis of the "Olymp-005S" tape recorder. Its release dates back to 88 of the last century.

If we consider the technical characteristics of this model, then they are as follows:

• speed stabilization has a quartz system;
• electronic commutation is available at all inputs;
• there is an auto-reverse;
• there is a bias adjustment;
• there is a timer for turning on the radio;
• the frequency range is 25 thousand Hertz;
• the model weighs 20 kilograms.

This model was also created on the basis of "Olimp-005C" at the same Kirov plant named after Lepse. The tape recorder is also equipped with an auto-reverse, there is an adjustment of the bias current. The technique works perfectly and without failures.

As for the technical characteristics, they are as follows:

• the weight of the model is 21 kilograms;
• the frequency range is 35 thousand Hertz;
• the magnetic tape moves at a speed of 19 centimeters per second;
• works from a network of 220 volts.

Summing up, we can say that Olimp tape recorders have been produced for several years. And if initially they had many shortcomings, then the latest models have been improved. Therefore, if you buy such a retro technique now, it is better to pay attention to what was created in the last years of the brand's existence.

Below is a video review of the "Olympus MPK-005 S-1" tape recorder.