TEAC C-3 Specifications Teac

TEAC C-3
¥ 99,800 (released in 1979)

Commentary

This cassette deck has been developed following the design philosophy of C-1.

The head section uses a three head system with independent erasing, recording, and reproducing heads. The sound quality is improved by setting the optimum gap for each head. The C-3 has a 4 micron gap for the recording head and a 1 micron gap for the reproducing head with precision processing. It is designed to obtain the best characteristics according to the role.
In addition, the recording head and reproducing head are combined in a single shield case, so that there is no azimuth error (deviation of head verticality), which often occurs in general three head systems, and excellent tape running characteristics are obtained.

Equipped with a tape selector with metal tape position.

It is equipped with a BIAS/REC calibration function. You can adjust the recording bias and recording sensitivity according to the characteristics of the metal tape using an oscillator (sold separately) by pressing the ADJUST switch. You can also return to the original fixed position by setting the switch to PRE-SET.

For metal tape, both erase current and bias current must be strong. For the C-3, the oscillator is strengthened considering the margin of the bias fine adjustment position.

The mechanism section is equipped with a tension servo mechanism to ensure uniform head touch at all times, enabling stable tape travel.

The amplifier circuit uses carefully selected coupling capacitors to minimize leakage current and achieve high sound quality.
In addition, a low-noise transistor (2SC1844 (F)) is used in the microphone amplifier in consideration of full-scale microphone recording, reducing the noise level by 6.

It is equipped with a dedicated test input for tape adjustment. When the input corrector is set to the test position, the meter sensitivity increases by 20 dB, making it suitable for tape adjustment. In this state, connect the optional test tone oscillator TO-8 to record and play back, and adjust the semi-fixed volume of the BIAS/REC CALIBLATION.

It is equipped with a timer mechanism, and by connecting an optional audio timer, you can record messages and play an alarm clock.

The Dolby System is installed as a noise reduction system.

Equipped with a memory counter.
If you set the counter to 000 in advance and rewind the tape, the counter will automatically stop or play at 999.

Equipped with a REC mute mechanism, you can record without a signal by pressing the REC MUTE switch during recording.
Also, if you press the play button, it returns to the original recording state, and if you press the pause button, it becomes recording standby.

Equipped with a peak level meter.

The input volume is a differential-type left-right interlocking type in which the other is interlocked with the rotation of the other.
You can also move only one volume by itself.

It can be mounted in an EIA (19-inch) rack.

Comes with an audio handle.

The C-3 has a system concept and is designed to be upgraded with peripheral devices.

Dbx system (type II) can be supported by using RX-8C (sold separately).
In the dbx system, the dynamic range of the input signal is compressed to 1/2 in decibels for recording, and the dynamic range is expanded twice during playback, greatly improving the dynamic range.
In C-3, the dbx system is designed to work preferentially even if the switch of the Dolby system is IN.

The optional Audio Mixer MX-8 can be connected.
The MX-8 consists of four inputs and two outputs. Each input channel is equipped with a microphone (with a 20 dB attenuator) / line switching mechanism, a low-cut filter (100/200Hz), and a panpot function that determines sound image localization.

It is compatible with the CS-8 portable case with handle and the VX-4 stationary system rack. You can mount C-3, MX-8 and RX-8 simultaneously. The front and rear lids of the CS-8 can be removed and it can be used as a stationary system rack.
In addition, there was a blank panel sold separately in case the mixer or dbx is not used for CS-8 or VX-4.

Compatible with Test Tone Oscillator TO-8.
The TO-8 is a battery-operated oscillator with three selectable frequencies of 400 Hz, 6.3 kHz and 12.5 kHz, and -10dB and -30dB output.

Compatible with optional Remote Control Unit RC-90.

Model Rating

Type	Cassette deck
Track format	4-track, 2-channel stereo system
Heads	Erase, Record / Replay (Combination), 3 heads
Tape used	C-30 ~ C-90 Cassette Tape
Tape speed	4.8cm
Motor	1 FG Servo DC Motor
Wow flutter	0.05%(WRMS)
Early winding time	Less than 90 seconds with C-60 tape
Frequency response (overall)	Metal Tape : 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz (30 Hz ~ 18 kHz ± 3 dB) Chrome Tape : 20 Hz ~ 18 kHz (30 Hz ~ 17 kHz ± 3 dB) Hi-Fi Tape : 20 Hz ~ 16 kHz (30 Hz ~ 14 kHz ± 3 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio (overall)	58 db (3% distortion level, audibility correction) When using Dolby system : 5 db (1 khz), 10 db (5 khz or more) improvement Dbx in : 80 dB when using RX-8C
Input	Mic : 0.25mV/-72dB / Compatible impedance : 200 Ω or more Line : 60mV/50k Ω
Output	Line : 0.3 V / load impedance 50k Ω or more Headphone : 8 Ω
Pwer	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	25W
External dimensions	Width 482x Height 147x Depth 345 mm
Weight	10kg
Attachment	Audio handle
Sold Separately	Dbx Unit RX-8C (¥ 98,000) Audio Mixer MX-8 (¥ 39,800) Portable Case CS-8 (¥ 45,000) System Rack VX-4 (¥ 20,000) Blanking Panel CZ-8 (¥ 5,500) Test Tone Oscillator TO-8 (¥ 5,500) Remote Controller RC-90 (¥ 10,500)