Sony TC-788-4 4-Channel Tape Deck

The Sony TC-788-4 is a high-end reel-to-reel tape recorder, known for its robust construction and high-quality sound. It was designed primarily for professional use, including in recording studios and by serious audio enthusiasts.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Type: 4-Track, 2-Channel Stereo Tape Recorder
• Tape Speed:
  • Two selectable speeds: 7.5 inches per second (ips) and 15 ips.
  • The 15 ips speed is particularly valued for high-fidelity recording.
• Reel Size: Capable of handling up to 10.5-inch reels, allowing for extended recording times.
• Heads: Equipped with three heads: Erase, Record, and Playback, allowing for monitoring and overdubbing during recording.
• Frequency Response: 30 Hz to 25 kHz at 15 ips, which provides excellent sound reproduction across a wide frequency range.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Typically around 55 dB, providing a clear and relatively noise-free recording.
• Wow and Flutter: Very low, typically around 0.07% at 15 ips, ensuring stable playback and recording.
• Input/Output: Balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs, catering to various professional audio setups.
• Other Features: Capable of 4-channel recording (quadraphonic), which was a cutting-edge feature at the time for creating surround sound recordings.

Use and Legacy:

• The TC-788-4 was often used in recording studios for mastering and multitrack recording due to its high fidelity and robust features.
• It is still respected among vintage audio enthusiasts and collectors, both for its sound quality and its role in the history of audio recording technology.

This recorder is considered a classic piece of audio equipment, known for its exceptional build quality and sound reproduction, making it a prized item among audiophiles and vintage audio collectors.