vortexion: Vortexion Type 2A Technical Report by P. Wilson, M.A.

ID: 586651
vortexion: Vortexion Type 2A Technical Report by P. Wilson, M.A. 
08.Sep.22 07:03
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Gary Cowans (AUS)
Editor
Articles: 106
Gary Cowans

Reproduced from Wireless World Mar 1954 Page 79

 

The following technical report by P. Wilson, M.A. appeared in the January issue of The Gramophone.

 

Vortexion Tape Recorder, Type 2A

This instrument, though on the heavy side as portable tape recorders go, is so nicely balanced as to be fairly easily carried. It is certainly very convenient.

I collected a sample myself from the factory, took it home, and started a test straight away. It gave no trouble at all during the whole fortnight I had it in operation.
During the period, I recorded test frequencies, radio and record performances and also made direct recordings of speech and music through a Reslo Ribbon Microphone.

I paid particular attention to detect " wow " or " flutter," since these were not mentioned in the maker's specification.  I was aware that the Wearite Tape Deck which is used in this model has a good reputation in this respect, but my sample was even better than the standard: by ear, I detected nothing at all at any part of the test.

In my frequency test on 7½ in. I found that the range of response was as specified, though from input to output (i.e. through the tape twice, once in recording and once in replay) the response was falling above 9 kc. and below about 100 cps. The amplifier has, for playback but not for recording, both bass and treble controls. The treble control can either attenuate or boost; the bass control only attenuates. In playback, I found it best to have a full bass response and a slight treble boost.

At these settings with my external loudspeaker system the response was very satisfactory, and even with the internal speaker, it was quite good. Indeed I found myself more than once listening with delight to the reproduced music rather than getting on with my testing. The maker's claim that the reproduction is " equal to orchestral recording " is fully borne out. For speech, of course, it is practically perfect.

For a medium-priced recorder, I consider this instrument to be wonderful value, and I can thoroughly recommend it.

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