Akai 4000DB Tape Deck

This is a Akai 4000DB Reel-to-Reel tape deck. It uses 7 inch reels and 1/4 inch tape. It's capable of 7 1/2 and 3 3/4 inches per second tape speeds. For being so old this thing is in great condition.

[@deboetruss6385]

This is the best tutorial I’ve ever watched, you’re an absolute legend mate

[@thetuberoaster8321]

Thanks Man!

[@standbytogo123]

I have an Akai 4000DS that I bought in 1974 for around 73 Pounds (UK). My machine does not have Dolby but does have the option of running at 60 Cycles per second electrical supply or 50 Cycles per second electrical supply. Handy if you move between countries with differing electrical supplies. I was working at sea at the time and ships electrical supply was 60 Cycles per second. There is a switch on the back of the machine that slides between the two supply options. Firstly though you have to take a screw driver and adjust the screw on the front of the machine. This cleverly switches the drive belt from one size pulley to another inside the machine, depending which cycles per second your supply is at.

[@stewartpalmen6898]

This one also has that feature but you have to manually move a belt internally. So if you moved to the USA you could do that.

[@stevengray5970]

Well done with that I love how you are young and have all those buttons and nobs to mess around with just like I was I say was I'm a bit more chilled with it since the children arrived 😬 and we needed the room lol

[@joecorner1314]

Just picked one up today. Couldn’t figure it out lol….this vid did the trick! Thanks

[@soflarockson]

Nicely done! Very informative!

[@Mjrm-99]

Great video, very useful to me because I have the same tape deck

[@paulgosling1961]

Regret giving mine away to a charity shop some time ago but it sat collecting dust hopefully made someone happy.

[@swingmanic]

Good video. I have the same machine which works well considering its age. I'm just awaiting a new pinch roller tyre due in the mail any time soon!

[@FUNKYSTATORS]

Have this One, till 1982, make me fell so happy when making moosik, rec on rec, such a pleasure ✨👆🇫🇷🙏🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Excelente sonido

[@krikorhadidian897]

I will give the professional way how to put the leader tape to the Take-up reel. Once you take the leader tape to wrap it, make a small LOOP at the tip and insert it in the notch and turn the take-up reel but meanwhile turn the tape reel with your left hand to loosen the recorded tape. I learned this back home when I visited US cultural center and an American guy teach me.

[@thetuberoaster8321]

That makes sense, I think I remember seeing somebody load it that way once now that you mention it.

[@johnlomasney]

Interesting informative

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Muy buen equipo

[@stevegray5643]

Very informative, how to change speeds so simple. But without a manual, very confusing with that switch labeled 7 1/2 and 3 3/4

[@thetuberoaster8321]

Ya true that, there are a couple things about this tape deck that made little sense when I first got it. Luckily I found user and service manuals from the HiFiEngine website. Now I know this thing inside and out.

[@leathandrubb]

I'VE GOT ONE OF THESE ON HERE.MY SWITCH IS JUST ON AND OFF. WHEN IT IS RUNNING IT STILL STOPS AT THE END OF THE TAPE WHEN THE AUTO STOP BAR IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED BY THE TAPE.

[@stevengray5970]

WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT HIM lol

[@leathandrubb]

JUST GOT ONE OF THESE AND IT IS GREAT.I HAD A 4000DS ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO BUT THE CLUTCHES WORE OUT SO SOLD IT ON.HAVE A LOOK AT MY VIDS IF YOU WANT ESP THE GRAMDECK ONE.PHILIP.

[@leathandrubb]

I am very glad your source/tape sounds more or less exact.my 4000db that I cost me about £280 drops about a quarter of the quality when switching to tape even if I record in dolby and switch dolby off when playing back.the heads are clean so is it the tape and I have tried several or is it the 4000db that is at fault?

[@thetuberoaster8321]

I could be a number of things doing that. The Dolby NR mode can take out a bit of the top end at least in my experience. If it's really bad there might be some electrolytic caps going out in the recording amplifier. The heads might be misaligned as well. If the tape doesn't ride squarely past the heads and make full contact it will sound really dull.

[@leathandrubb]

yes I know the dolby does dull the sound but turned it off during playback.it was a little better but not much. if it is some caps or the alignment I would rather have an expert have a look at it.thank you for your reply.

[@gregmallozzi9420]

Hi! Was hoping for some help here. I have this machine, everything works fine, however, the play and record functions do not work. The problem is, the pinch roller and tension arm seem to be very loose -- when I go into play or record mode, the pinch roller does not pop into place.... however, rewind and FF work just fine. Is this a belt issue? Please let me know, Id love to do some recording on this thing!! thank you!

[@thetuberoaster8321]

I've only had this thing apart once or twice so it's hard to remember. It's quite unlikely to be a belt since the belts only go to the reel tables If I remember correctly. Especially if it works for FF and RW. I think the play/record actuator sits on a shaft with a cam that pushes the pinch roller into position. The cam has a setscrew and if that comes loose it won't move anything. It's possible one of the linkages going to the pinch roller could be disconnected or missing a spring. There's a website called HiFiengine.com that has service manuals for lots of machines including this one. Just make an account and you'll be able to download pdfs of anything on there.

[@kamillop.7842]

Nice video. On some models I noted they have third roll for 38cm/sec, is it optional ?

[@thetuberoaster8321]

No unfortunately, at least not that I know of.

[@josecastejon8428]

i got. one of these 4000ds the swith for the speed. only worth one way

[@keithsandulak2292]

Any idea where I might find a replacement sleeve and nut for speed adjustment?

[@thetuberoaster8321]

I don't know, you can try the usual places but usually for that sort of thing you have to buy a donor machine to harvest parts from. This is probably the worst part of owning a tape deck. You basically have to buy them broken and harvest other tape decks to make one perfect unit. Some people who have machine shops can rebuild these things. However, it's very rare to find someone who actually knows what they are doing since these things are so complicated and the technology is so antiquated.

[@keithsandulak2292]

@@thetuberoaster8321 I found the diameter so I can machine make the sleeve and modify a nut to tighten it on. Fingers crossed. Thanks for your reply.

[@leathandrubb]

HI THERE.IV'E GOT ONE OF THESE ON HERE.THEY SOUND GREAT DON'T THEY?

[@thetuberoaster8321]

Ya I quite like it!

[@JammyCrackcorn]

When using the Din on the tape deck and the Din on the stereo Amplifier, my understanding is that you don’t need RCA Cables to record , right?? Show how you would use erase…

[@thetuberoaster8321]

I've never used the DIN connection, all I know is that the DIN is equivalent to both input and output RCA cables, so you won't need them.

[@EelboDominique]

Where do we connect the preamp?

[@thetuberoaster8321]

There are RCA connectors on the back for input and output left and right channels.

[@alexmoldovan7249]

Great video man! What's the value of this reel to reel? I am asking this as I would like to buy one, and also what about audio quality? Thanks :)

[@thetuberoaster8321]

Thinking back on it, I payed probably a bit much for this one. It was claimed to be fully restored electrically and mechanically and it cost me $300 on Ebay. However, I've discovered that you can get a much better sounding and more useful tape deck for $300-$400. This one is only a two-track machine, which limits its capabilities to a master deck or some kind of stereo recorder. At 7 1/2 IPS (the fastest speed), it sounds warm and solid, not unlike a cassette Portastudio running at double speed. The "air" or 18-19kHz really doesn't record too well. It sort of lacks that "snap" that either faster tape (15 IPS) or a digital system would do. Also, as with most tape decks, the bass response rolls off at around 40Hz, which still gives you bass, but it's not thunderous. If you plan on using a deck like this for tape delay, try to get one that does 15 IPS because while this one does work, the echo is a bit too slow for slapback. If you're interested in using it for tape compression/distortion, it does work, but it's hard to set up and get right. If you plan on buying one, they basically come broken. Try to get one that hasn't been played to death. Check the heads and make sure the wear pattern is even and not very noticeable. Before you buy, make sure you can get your hands on the service manual from HiFiEngine or something. I did for mine and I found it so helpful. You may have to get a donor deck to get parts from if your's has mechanical problems. Proceed cautiously, it may end up costing quite a bit.

[@deropol05]

Be careful....lots of cheaters on ebay. Be sure you get a guarantee, or they offer a return policy. I recommend Gary from Houston Texas. He's not cheap .....but less than buying then rebuilding a deck. Just my 2 cents. Best wishes.

[@alexmoldovan7249]

Father to goldador 1 hello, thank you for your advice. I just got it a couple of days ago, I had the chance to see it first and besides dirt it was in mint condition, I just had to clean it and lube all its moving parts, apart that it looks and works like a brand new unit 😊

[@deropol05]

Alex Moldovan right on man ! Enjoy till your hearts content then repeat daily. Right now I'm going to learn how to record on separate tracks on the tape. I'm over 50 and never really learned much more than basic play/ record. These machines are a great hobby, and living as the only male in the house......we'll you get the picture. Best wishes from the central valley California.

[@alexmoldovan7249]

Father to goldador 1 awesome!!! Thank you! You to enjoy your hobby! I am 32, I am new to reel to reel players but I have a passion for turntables and started building my audio system 7 years ago 😊 but still I have so much to learn Greetings from Italy! Wish you the best 😊