FINE LINE F-44 SERIES
New 4-track stereophonic and monophonic recorder/players . each individually adjusted, aligned and tuned . each optimized to its own individual peak of performance to give you a truly customized recorder . another reason why . Ampex is the name for excellence.
FINE LINE
SERIES
1
Each Recorder is brought to its own Peak of Performance
Specifications are used to indicate a recorder's performance characteristics ... but your F-44 is more than a mass-produced recorder manufactured to meet minimum specifications printed on a piece of literature ... each F-44 series recorder has been optimized at every stage of production to obtain its maximum performance characteristics ... each recorder is one of a kind ... it's your recorder.
Optimizing your F-44 to its own Peak of Performance
Begins ... with the inspection, testing and alignment of component parts before they are assembled to insure they meet Ampex design specifications... shown at left (1) a technician adjusts the Bias Oscillator Transformer for maximum second harmonic rejection (minimum harmonic distortion)... even the die-cast frame is re-checked prior to assembly to verify the micro-milling operation, here (2) a plane gauge is used to determine whether the magnetic head mounting and tape guides are within the 1/1000" tolerance required.
Continues ... through every stage of sub-assembly, here (3) the F-44's Channel Selector Switch is inspected and checked for workmanship... then, the very same switch is checked again (4) when it has been assembled in the electronics chassis... the completed electronics chassis is then aligned and tuned (5) following a 33-page, step-by-step procedure that simulates all normal operating conditions with inputs and outputs measured, aligned and tuned to optimum performance.
Includes ... mechanical as well as electrical adjustment and alignment to assure optimum performance from the tape transport system ... after assembly of electrical and mechanical sections, the completed recorder is subjected to a 16-hour "break-in" (6) with the clutch tied into operating mode so that it is stable when finely adjusted (electronics are on during break-in period)... at the end of 16 hours, the transport's mechanical components are once more aligned (brake, clutch, hold-back tension spring, capstan drive, counter, etc.)... here (7) a tension gauge is used to measure (for adjustment, if necessary) the spring on the capstan idler drive to insure proper tension on the capstan, thus eliminating unnecessary pressure on the tape or tape slippage.
Meantime ... the 3 magnetic heads for your F-44 recorder are being inspected and aligned to tolerances so precise they require special. Ampex-designed micro-optical measuring equipment... an optical comparator is used to align the height, azimuth and perpendicularity of the F-44's heads to the tape guides... head gap requirements are held to less than 10 millionths of an inch and here (8) a 50-power microscope is used to align the gap in the center of the area where the tape will make contact with the head (to attain equal distribution of tape wear on both sides of the head gap).
Ends ... at three, final inspection and alignment stations ... one (9) is in a sound-proof chamber where the mechanical function of the tape transport is once more aligned and adjusted for: speed accuracy to within 1%; optimum torque from the hysteresis synchronous motor to operate all functions with a minimum of line voltage; audible mechanical noise... the second station, where: recording and playback response are optimized through 15,000 cps; record bias is adjusted to minimum distortion; the second playback amplification stage is adjusted to optimize the output of the playback head and electronics on each channel ... and the last station, where your F-44's performance characteristics are once more verified to assure you the peak of performance from your F-44.
This Requires... 41 testing, measuring and alignment instruments representing over $156,500... the full time of 13 technicians... and a dedication to make each F-44 the finest quality stereo tape recorder/player money can buy.
You can have your F-44's own Performance Characteristics
Because each F-44 recorder is a one-of-a-kind, an individual record is kept of its performance characteristics. As each F-44 is optimized to its own peak of performance, a record is kept of the important performance characteristics: Overall Frequency Response/Signal-to-Noise Ratio/Flutter-Wow Measurement/Crosstalk Rejection. You will obtain your F-44's own specifications when you return the 1-year Warranty Registration card to Ampex.
At left: Making the frequency response measurement on an F-44 recorder using a Sweep Frequency Generator.
Quality Control assures long-lasting Performance
FINE LINE
RIES
Reliability and durability are important "extra" ingredients that Ampex adds to each F-44 recorder to assure you of continued peak performance year after year after year. That's why random production line models are dropped, bumped, shook, frozen, cooked, inspected, probed, checked, measured and tested by Ampex's Quality Assurance engineers (an independent group charged with the sole responsibility of maintaining the incomparable Ampex standards of quality).
THE AMPEX FINE LINE F-44 SERIES
Records and Plays — 4-track stereophonic and 4track monophonic (also plays ½-track and fulltrack monophonic)
Has 2 Speeds - 71/2 ips and 334 ips
Has Separate Heads — erase, record and playback
Maintains — the tradition of excellence that is part of the Ampex name
Model F-4450 Unmounted, with playback volume control, mike inputs on side — for use in custom installation or optional Walnut Cabinet.
Model F-4452 Unmounted, no playback volume control and mike inputs mounted on top plate — for use in component systems with central volume control.
Model F-4460 Portable, can be removed from luggage case for custom installation or in optional Walnut Cabinet — for on-the-spot stereo recording.
Model F-4470 Portable, with built-in dual-channel amplifier and speakers for on-the-spot recording, monitoring and playback.
Model 2044 Portable, self-contained high fidelity amplifier and speaker system for use with F-44 Series recorders, AM-FM Tuners or as a portable PA system.
YOUR AMPEX FINELINE F-44
A few of the E-44's new features that add to your pride of ownership -make it easier to operate - and more fun to use
New Hysteresis Synchronous Motor (L) - spe cially designed for your F-44 — integral, internal fan is dynamically balanced with the rotor for smooth quiet operation — has babbit bearings, continuous oil feed, needs no oiling under normal conditions.
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Separate Record Level Meters (N) ---- indicator needles are close together allowing quick, accurate comparison of both channels
New, Compartmentalized Mode-To-Mode Controis - 2 knobs (I, O) control all transport actions, permit going from one mode to another ouickly and safely, no separate stop button --use the same knob to stop a function as you used to start it - electronics can be put into "record" mode without tape in motion (to elim-
Record Indicator Lights (I) - one light for each channel for positive indication (to eliminate mistakes in 4-track monophonic recording).
Master Selector Switch (G) — permits: simple changes from stereo to mono; choice of individual track; multiple generation sound-on-sound-on-sound (an Ampex F-44 exclusive that lets you add 1 to 2, 1 and 2 to 3, 1, 2, 3 to 4, etc.)
Level (H) - playback volume control
SPECIFICATIONS: F-44 Series
SPECIFICATIONS: F-444 Gerres PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS: Ampex guarantees that every Fire Line F-44 Recorder/Player will meet those bublished specifications...amc backs this with the Ampex "4-star" One-Year Warranty. But those standards are minimums of year warranty. But those players will exceed those minimums because each has been optimized to its own individual peak of perform-ance buyond those minimums. Measurements are made by professional equipment standards and instruments.
RECORDS 4-track stereophonic/4-track monophonic.
PLAY 4-frack stereophonic/4-track monophonic, half-track monophonic/full-track monophonic. SPEEDS Records and plays at 74/ and 344 (ps.
RECORDING INPUTS (A) Two high impedance line in-outs (pin jacks), 500,000 ohms, requiring approximately (15 waits rms for maximum or normal recording level, located on rear of deck. (B) Two high impedance micro-phone inputs (phane jacks), 2.2 megahns, requiring approximally 0.5 millivalt for maximum normal record-ing level.
Exclusive Unattended Shut-Off (M) ----------------------------------can be turned off (manually) while the tape is still playing, when tape is finished, the auto-set shut off turns off motor, electronics and amplifier (when connected to ac receptacle in rear) — also shuts off recorder if tape should break during unattended recording or playback.
Three, Separate Heads (C) - selective erase head permits increased monophonic flexibility precision record head — improved playback head with less winding, heavier gauge wire and new lamination contour for increased reliability all-metal shielding and narrower channel widths eliminate adjacent channel crosstalk.
Automatic Tage Take-Up (K) - eliminates reel threading, simply wind tape around take-up hub
Improved Constant-Tape-Tension System (D) ----------------------------------eliminates head-wearing pressure pads — is optimized for each recorder to provide proper tension without affecting tape.
Professional Electronics (A: — with separate record and playback, dual-channel electronics — extra stage of amplification in playback sec-tion is optimized for each recorder's own play-back head and electronics, is adjustable within 2-volt range for matching component systems, allows for better, longer-life playback head —
PLAYBACK OUTPUTS Approximately 1.0 volts rms from cathode follower when using tabus recorded to maximum cathode follower when a normal recording level.
OVERALL FREQUENCY RESPONSE Record and Playback - 50-15,000 cps - 2 db at 745 ips; 50-10,000 cps + 2.4
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO Botter than 53 db at 7% ips; better than 48 db at 334 ips.
FLUTTER AND WOW Under C.12% rms at 7½ ips: under C.18% rms at 3% ips (measured according to A.S.A. stancard 267.1-1954).
TIMING ACCURACY ±1.0%
HEADS Manufactured to the same standards of preci-sion that exist in Ampos broadcast and recording studio equipment (see ceta's on page 4).
In U.S.A. all models are U.L. approved. Models F-4450 and F-4460 are also available in Universal voltage ver-sions, giving selection of nine voltages from 105 volts to 265 volts, 50 cycle.
cooler operation and longer component life from new solid-state rectifier — 15-amp moni-tor, micro-switch is good for life of recorder eliminates electrical current from front of re carder.
Die-Cast Frame (R) - extra heavy to eliminate warp - micro-milled for perfect alignment of tape tracking and guidance systems and the head assembly (the exclusive Ampex Fine Line alignment).
Mike Inputs (Q) — are on the top of the deck in the new F-4452 model (on the right side on all other models in the F-44 series) for easy access where unmounted unit is to be part of built-in component system — playback volume control is removed and volume is controlled from centralized audio control center of system also applicable for mounting in new (optional) Walnut Cabinet.
Built-in Mixer (P, P) — separate volume controls for recording of 4 inputs (2 mic, 2 line) for nrofessional recording techniques
New, Separate Power and Monitor Switch (F) ----------------------------------switches recorder on and selects monitoring of
Tane Position Indicator (E) 71/2 and 33/4 IPS Speed Selector (B)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Model 2044 Amplifier/Speaker
DYERALL FREQUENCY RESPONSE 70 cps to better than 13,000 cps, essentially flat adoustically.
POWER OUTPUT 10 watts through push pull amplifier (20 wat's peak) with no audible harmonic distortion. Speakers can use foll sower.
SPEAKER SYSTEM Two speakers — an 8" high compli-ance speaker and horn-type becker with the trassover releast consisting at: 2 inductors, 3 capacitors, 2 ro
| F-4450/4452 | F 4460 | F-4470 | 2044 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13"x15** |
14°×1749°
×934° |
14"x2434"
916" |
14‴s17\/2
x94\\a" |
| Weight | 28 lbs. | 36 bs. | 48 lbs. | 26 lbs. |
|
Power
Requirements |
117 V.
105 watts, 50 cps |
117 V.
105 walls, 60 cps |
117 V,
170 watts, 60 cps |
117 V.
55 watts 60 cps |
* Requires 13%" above deck. 64%" below deck.
FOUR STAR" ONE YEAR MADDANTY All Ampex F-44 Series recorder/ players and 2044 Speaker/Ampli-
fiers are covered with full protection on parts for 1 year - your assurance that Ampex backs its reputation for:
🚖 Quality Performance ✤ Reliability ✤ Leadership
AMPEX CORPORATION 401 Broadway/Redwood City, Calif.
The Fine Line F-44 Series is manufactured in the United States
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