Play it open: Akai GXC-46D Tape deck (1973-75) - Look inside, Function demo with captions

The Akai GXC-46D is a classic tape deck from the early 70s in the console design that was common at the time. The unit was built from 1973-75. It has an extremely heavy and stable construction, which makes it very durable. Frequency response: Chromium tape use: 30Hz - 18000Hz and Low noise tape use: 30Hz - 16000Hz. GX (tone) head which the Akai was original and developed is adopted as a head. This head is using special hard glass for low noise single crystal ferrite and a carrier at core material, it is adopting it as a magnetic recording reproducing head, and recording by the outstanding head touch and the sharp focal field is realized. I show here a video of the unit playing open after restoration and later in a reassembled state. This has been annotated with many notes.
A.D.R (Automatic Distortion Reduction) system is carried, and with the level of an incoming signal, a recording equalizer is changed automatically and it is recording in accordance with the dynamic range of a tape. Since the recording in a portion with the linearity of a high region sufficient thereby always is attained and reduction of the record signal by a previous distortion and demagnetization action etc. is lost, degradation of the frequency response in high level, distortion, and a beat are stopped.
The Dolby system is carried as a noise reduction system. When the case of only compass lower than a fixed level with an incoming signal when recording on a tape theoretically, and the whole volume are small and noise is conspicuous, volume is raised automatically and the whole volume difference is made to compress.
And only the quantity automatically reinforced at the time of a play is decreased, and noise of quantity returned also decreases by returning as before.
In order to solve the problem of the low cassette of the saturation point compared with an open reel, the O.L.S. (Over-Level Suppressor) circuit is carried. If a switch is switched, even if the time of making a level excess and a momentarily big input should enter, sound will not be distorted but will be held down to 2% or less of a distortion.
It is possible to carry the tape changeover switch, to change suitable bias and the amount of frequency compensation on a tape, and to pull out the engine performance of a chromium tape.
The direct function change mechanism is carried, and only by pushing the manual operation button of hope directly in the state of recording / play / fast forward / rewinding, even if it does not push a stop button, it goes into the mode chosen automatically.
The hysteresis synchronous motor is carried in the motor. VU meter and a triple figure index counter are carried.
Extract and technical data from hifiengine.com:
The most perfect cassette recording in the world today is attained with the GXC-46D.
It combines Akai's exclusive automatic distortion reduction system ("ADR" System) with Dolby to eliminate all high frequency distortion above 8kHz.
Fully equipped with tape selector switch, over level switch for high volume recording, automatic stop, pause control and two heads, including Akai's exclusive GX recording/playback head.
Specifications
Type: 2-head, single compact cassette deck
Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed: 4.8 cm/s
Heads: 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase
Motor: hysteresis synchronous outer rotor type
Tape Type: type I, CrO2
Noise Reduction: B
Frequency Response: 30Hz to 18kHz (Cr02 tape)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 58dB (dolby B)
Wow and Flutter: 0.12%
Total Harmonic Distortion: 2%
Input: 50mV (line), 0.2mV (mic)
Output: 0.775V (line)
Dimensions: 410 x 132 x 294mm
Weight: 7.2kg
There was also the model GXC-46 which is identical in construction but additionally had a built-in 2x5 watt amplifier, loudspeaker connections and a tone control.
My tip: See here my video "photo show" about the restore of the color on the VU meter pointers on this Akai GXC-46D tape deck: • VU Meter - Pointer res...

[@safaahabs2659]

The best deck. Best device, never forget pure sound through its speakers .

[@kennethrossfeld5532]

I just finished cleaning up the same deck and was pleasently surprized

[@jamesdrake6200]

Great video. I just wish you showed us how to take the unit apart because I'm trying to fix one😁

[@hifiboy3896]

This is now really relatively simple and easy to service. Above all, it is robust and durable. Only the counter belt can drive you to despair. As it can have many faults/problems in many places, a single video is never of any use.

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Saludos

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Tenian mui buenos cabezales

[@halitmarmaris]

Thank you 🎵

[@dezain.home.recording]

I have exactly like this..

[@limelightstudio9694]

picking up the same unit this week, this unit will be 50 years old in a few years!

[@takeiteasy6154]

Wow, i need to adjust the head, which head screw to adjust the head azimuth please?

[@mattiabelgio7854]

Hello, I got a GXC-41D which has an issue, after some time the playback start to slow down. Also in recording, I can record just left channel and nothing on right one even if the audio pass between two channels and I can hear it stereo while recording with the headphones. Also, how did you remove the upper cover? I can remove the bottom part but now upper one to perform cleaning. Could you help me on that?

[@destijl7414]

Excellent, thanks for the true “open boxing”. Anyone know the difference between the Akai GXC-46D and the GXC-46?

[@mikesaunders4694]

The D stands for Dolby…..so one has it and the other doesn’t.

[@kerorin1100]

いいえ。DはD eckのDです。RCA端子のみ。 GXC-46は、アンプ内蔵しています。直接スピーカー🔈を接続できます、

[@pablobaldomir9430]

Mui bueno

[@gc9111]

i was given 1 together with a pioneer sx-737 receiver. don't think the previous owner played those much, need to service the deck

[@bodietitan557]

I know Im asking randomly but does anybody know a way to log back into an instagram account?? I was stupid lost the password. I love any tricks you can give me

[@jaxonpeyton9513]

@Bodie Titan Instablaster ;)

[@bodietitan557]

@Jaxon Peyton I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@bodietitan557]

@Jaxon Peyton It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@jaxonpeyton9513]

@Bodie Titan happy to help xD

[@johannharrissulaiman5366]

I have a GXC-45D which looks very similar to this..however the motor is not working..any ideas where i can source for one?

[@hifiboy3896]

Did you check the motor? Usual thoose motors very robust. Any fuse defect or others? Best is to look for a cheap bad looking piece of a GXC-45D with motor ok and then replace it with it.

[@hifi.david.]

I have one

[@mikesaunders4694]

Check the motor run capacitor.

[@EARART]

Song name ?

[@hifiboy3896]

See video description for all 3 songs. Even with direct links to them inside YT...