Sony TC-630 Tape Recorder (1968-74)

"The compact, but incredibly powerful stereo music control center TC-630 consists of an amplifier using quality Sony silicon transistors, a precision three head tape deck and high performance speaker systems.

Silicon transistors and selected power transistors ensure the lowest possible audio distortion and uniform gain characteristics throughout its operating ranges and also improve the signal to noise ratio.

Four pairs of stereo inputs, phonograph, tuner, microphone and auxiliary, correspond to the settings of the source selector on the front panel. Line outputs and stereo headphone jacks are provided for versatility.

The tape transport mechanism is designed to provide flutter-free, stable tape drive either in vertical or horizontal operation. The symmetrically arranged slide volume levers and the precise VU meters will be convenient for record volume setting.

Other features are automatic sentinel shut off device, retractable pinch roller for easy tape threading, instantaneous comparison of source and tape, noise suppressor for undesirable high frequency noise, sound on sound and echo effect for the professional recording techniques."

"Reel to reel recorder available as such (TC-630D) or as "stereo center" with a power amplifier strip added and dedicated loudspeakers which serve as enclosure as well (TC-630).

The mechanical part is strictly equivalent but the bare 630D does retain the input selector of the 630: phono, tuner, aux and mic...

The headphones' terminal is doubled on the 630: the one on the 630 allows record monitoring (...after the heads), the one on the added output strip allows listening (...after the amp).

The best feature of the 630 was its sound-on-sound feature to start recording like the pros in two takes only: this isn't a 4-channel recorder.

Three heads, three speeds (up to 19cm/s), hysteresis sync motor (belt-driven), and, as proudly touted on the front, "solid state electronics!"

The echo mode allows to drown everybody in a church the size of Florida, while the "noise suppress" wasn't yet a Dolby nor a Philips DNL...

I believe the TC-630 (D or not) to have been export-only and unavailable in Japan.

A big stack of 1960s silver. And very reliable, too, even if sans F&F heads yet."