Audio Database
CS-F33R
Commentary

The Quick Reverse Deck is the fifth generation of Akai's Reverse Deck. The use of an infrared tape sensor greatly improves the sound cut when reversing the tape.

The quick reverse mechanism eliminates the need to change the cassette during recording, making it possible to record without sound interruption. It also allows for endless playback from side A to side B and from side B to side A.

The reverse mechanism is equipped with a quick reverse system using an infrared tape sensor developed by Akai.
After the end of the magnetic tape segment, the infrared tape sensor detects the next leader tape and the reverse mechanism is activated immediately, resulting in a smooth inversion time of only 0.5 seconds.

In order to achieve uniform tape travel characteristics in both directions, which is important for reverse decks, AKAI's unique precision mechanism is incorporated.
One is the bi-counter capstan drive system, in which dedicated capstan shafts and pinch rollers are provided for both normal and reverse drives to make the reciprocating characteristics uniform and to improve the start-up when reversing the tape.
Another technology is the linear motion mechanism of the head, and AKAI's unique system that quickly shifts the recording / reproducing head back and forth, so that the head is matched to tracks on the tape that are traced by different heads in the normal and reverse directions.

A microcomputer system control system is used to control not only the motor and plunger in each mode, but also the reverse system, switching between recording and playback in the amplifier section, and detection of tape running.
The precise control of the IC logic eliminates variations in operation timing and reduces the instantaneous load on the tape.

Equipped with a reverse selector, you can select from three positions : one-way recording, one round recording from the normal direction, one-way recording from the reverse direction, one-way recording from the reverse direction, and endless playback or endless playback automatically after one round recording from the normal direction ends.
The direction of tape travel and position of the reverse selector are indicated by indicators.

A highly reliable and simple 2-motor mechanism is used for the drive part.
Since the capstan and reel are each driven by a dedicated DC motor, stable performance can be maintained for a long period of time.

The head is equipped with a newly developed HD head (High Density Metallic Head).

It is equipped with a digital meter with left-right parallel display.

You can enjoy autoplay by combining the normal / reverse run button and the fast forward / rewind button.
This is useful when you want to play back and check the recorded contents or when you want to listen to the tape from the beginning.

Equipped with a 3-position tape selector that can handle each normal chrome metal tape with one touch.

Equipped with Dolby NR system with MPX filter.

Equipped with a mono microphone mechanism that allows simultaneous recording on both left and right channels with a single microphone.

Equipped with remote control terminal and timer standby mechanism, more comfortable operation is possible by using each unit sold separately.

We have a silver model CS-F33R and a black model CS-F33RBL.

Model Rating
Type Quick reverse deck
Wow and flutter 0.04%WRMS
Frequency characteristic 20 Hz to 19 kHz (Metal Tape)
Distortion factor 0.7% (Metal Tape)
Signal-to-noise ratio 60 dB (Metal Tape, Dolby NR off)
Heads Recording / Playback : 1 HD head
Erase : 2 Erase Heads
Motor Capstan Drive : One electronically controlled DC motor
Reel Drive : 1 DC Motor
Power consumption 20W
External dimensions Width 440x Height 118x Depth 270 mm
Weight 7.5kg
Sold Separately Remote Control Unit RC-21