Yauza tape recorders: history, characteristics, description of models

The tape recorders "Yauza-5", "Yauza-206", "Yauza-6" were at one time one of the best in the Soviet Union. They began to be released more than 55 years ago, leaving pleasant memories for more than one generation of music lovers. What characteristics and features did this technique have? What are the differences in the description of different Yauza models? Let's figure it out.

1958 was a landmark year, began to work fully GOST 8088-56, which introduced general characteristics for models of equipment produced by various enterprises. A common standard has reduced all consumer audio recording equipment to a single denominator. After that, a variety of models began to appear on the market, their quality improved noticeably. It is important that the scrolling speed of the tape has become the same. The first stereophonic tape recorder "Yauza-10" was put into production in 1961. In this model, there were two speeds - 19.06 and 9.54 cm / s, and the frequency ranges were 42-15100 and 62-10,000 Hz.

The reel-to-reel tape recorder and the reel-to-reel tape recorder have no fundamental differences, they have a different layout of the magnetic tape, but the operation scheme was similar. In a cassette tape recorder, the tape is in a container, you can remove the cassette at any convenient time. Cassette recorders were compact, weighed a little, and the sound quality was high. These devices "lasted" until the mid-90s of the last century, leaving a good memory of themselves at once among several generations of music lovers.

Reel-to-reel models are most often found in studios, magnetic tape is able to convey the smallest nuances of sound impulses. Studio units can operate at high speeds and deliver the highest sound quality. In our time, this technique has again begun to be used in record companies. The reel-to-reel tape recorder can have up to three speeds, most often it was used in everyday life.

The Yauza-5 tape recorder was launched in 1960 and had a two-track recording. She made it possible to make recordings from a microphone and a receiver. The transition to different tracks was realized by rearranging the coils. Each reel had 250 meters of film, which was enough for 23 and 46 minutes of playing. The Soviet film was not of the best quality, they preferred to use the products of the Basf or Agfa brands. The sales kit included:

• 2 microphones (MD-42 or MD-48);
• 3 spools with ferrimagnetic tape;
• 2 fuses;
• fixation strap;
• connection cable.

The product consisted of three blocks.

1. Amplifier.
2. Tape drive device.
3. Frame.
4. The tape recorder had two speakers.
5. The resonant frequencies were 100 and 140 Hz.
6. The dimensions of the device are 386 x 376 x 216 mm. Weight 11.9 kg.

Vacuum tube recorder "Yauza-6" began production in 1968 in Moscow and immediately attracted the attention of users. The model was successful, it was modernized several times over the course of 15 years. There were several modifications that did not differ fundamentally from each other.

This model was recognized by users and specialists as one of the most successful. She enjoyed well-deserved popularity and was in short supply in the trading network. If we compare "Yauza-6" with analogues of firms "Grundig" or "Panasonic", then the model was not inferior to them in terms of technical characteristics. The audio signal could be recorded on two droshky from a receiver and a microphone. The unit had two speeds.

1. Dimensions 377 x 322 x 179 mm.
2. Weight 12.1 kg.

The tape drive mechanism was taken from the "Yauza-5", it was distinguished by its reliability and stability in operation. The model was portable, it was a box that looked like a case, the lid was unfastened. The model had two 1GD-18 speakers. The kit included a microphone, cord, two rolls of film. Sensitivity and Input Impedance:

• microphone - 3.1 mV (0.5 megohm);
• receiver 25.2 mV (37.1 kΩ);
• pickup 252 mV (0.5 megohm).

Working frequency range:

1. Speed ​​9.54 cm / s 42-15000 Hz;
2. The speed is 4.77 cm / s 64-7500 Hz.

The noise level for the first speed did not exceed 42 dB, for the second speed this indicator varied around the 45 dB mark. It corresponded to the level of world standards, was evaluated by users at the highest level. In this case, the level of nonlinear deformations did not exceed 6%. The knock coefficient was quite acceptable 0.31 - 0.42%, which corresponded to the level of world standards. Power was supplied from a current of 50 Hz, the voltage could be from 127 to 220 volts. Power from the network is 80 W.

The reel-to-reel tape recorder "Yauza-206" has been produced since 1971, it was a modernized model of the second class "Yauza-206". After the introduction of GOST 12392-71, the transition to the new tape "10" was made, the recording and playback control devices were improved. The sound quality and other important characteristics have improved markedly after such modifications.

A tape counter appeared, the number of tracks was 2 pieces.

1. The speed is 9.54 and 4.77 cm / s.
2. Detonation level 9.54 cm / s ± 0.4%, 4.77 cm / s ± 0.5%.
3. The frequency range at a speed of 9.54 cm / s - 6.12600 Hz, 4.77 cm / s 63 ... 6310 Hz.
4. Nonlinear distortion threshold on LV 6%,
5. Playback power 2.1 watts.

Bass and high frequencies were equally well maintained, the sound was especially good. For example, Pink Floyd's compositions sounded almost perfect in their entirety. As you can see, high-quality tape recorders were produced in the Soviet Union; in terms of their characteristics, they were in no way inferior to foreign counterparts. Traditionally, Soviet audio equipment had a significant drawback in terms of design and design.

You can watch a video review of the Yauza 221 tape recorder below.