About the Company
ASC (Audio System Components GmbH) was a German manufacturer that evolved from language‑lab systems in the 1960s into a maker of high‑quality semi‑pro reel‑to‑reel decks such as the AS 5000 and AS 6000 series, produced mainly from the mid‑1970s through the 1980s.
Origins and early years
ASC was founded in Germany in 1964, initially focusing on language‑training systems that used Braun tape recorders as the core machines.
Over time ASC shifted from integrating Braun decks to developing its own recorders, retaining clear stylistic and technical kinship with Braun’s minimalist industrial design.
Transition to own tape decks
By the mid‑1970s ASC launched its own reel‑to‑reel line; in 1975 it introduced the AS 5002, described as a HiFi “home studio” machine with 3‑motor drive, electronic braking and tension control, and multi‑speed operation (4.75, 9.5, 19 cm/s).
These machines were aimed at demanding home users, education, and light studio work, and were rigorously tested in professional language laboratories, reinforcing ASC’s roots in that sector.
AS 5000 and 6000 series
The AS 5000 series (including models such as AS 5002 and AS 5004) was produced roughly from 1975 into the late 1980s, with German‑built transports, 3 motors, 3 heads, and features like 4‑channel mixing and advanced cue/echo functions.
The higher‑end AS 6002 two‑track recorder was built from 1977 to 1990 (6002 until 1981, 6002 S from 1981–1990), supporting up to 26.5 cm reels, three speeds (4.75, 9.5, 19 cm/s), and offering retrofit kits for half‑track or quarter‑track playback plus dedicated ASC long‑play tapes (AST 6000/6100 LH).
Position in the market
Contemporary and later commentary describes the AS 6002 as one of the best semi‑professional tape machines of the 1970s/80s, sometimes dubbed the “Rolls‑Royce of semi‑pro R2Rs,” reflecting very solid engineering in a relatively compact format.
ASC decks targeted the upper‑consumer and hobbyist/prosumer segment rather than big broadcast studios dominated by Studer and professional Otari/Ampex machines, but they earned a strong reputation among enthusiasts.
Later developments and Uher link
In 1981 ASC took over Uher’s speech‑training systems division and became sole distributor in 1982, consolidating its position in the educational and language‑lab market while continuing its own recorder line.
Brand summaries indicate ASC produced reel‑to‑reel recorders into the 1980s from its German facilities, after which the company’s presence in the tape‑recorder market diminished as digital and cassette technologies took over.