About the Company
Leevers‑Rich (often spelled Leevers Rich or Leevers‑Rich Equipment Ltd) was a United Kingdom–based company that designed and manufactured reel‑to‑reel tape recorders from the late 1940s through about the 1980s. It was founded by composer Norman Leevers, who initially developed tape recorder technology closely tied to film production — especially systems that could synchronize sound with motion picture cameras.
Unlike many Japanese consumer brands, Leevers‑Rich focused on heavy‑duty and professional machines, with a reputation in the UK for robust studio equipment, including use by the BBC and British film/TV sound departments.
Historical Timeline
1947–1950s — Origins and Early Tape Machines
Late 1940s: Norman Leevers began developing tape recorder technology, including the Synchropulse recorder — a transportable 2‑track mono unit capable of film sync operation developed around 1947–1948.
1950: Leevers Rich Studios opened on Wardour Street in Soho (London) and the first brand machines — Series C and Series D — were put on the market.
Through the 1950s, heavier duty recorders like C5, D2A, and D2B were built, and early reel tape recorders were already being used in film and broadcast settings.
These early models were generally tube‑based electronics, portable in cases or standalone formats, and featured reel sizes up to ~10.5″ and three‑head designs — typical of mid‑century analog decks.
1960s — Studio and Professional Focus
1961–1964: The Series E line was introduced. These were professional, high‑fidelity machines with full‑track recording, variable speeds (e.g., 7½ and 15 ips), and robust audio performance, often used in broadcast and studio workflows.
Leevers‑Rich machines were used by entities like the BBC, especially in sound and television departments, and were regarded as reliable workhorses for field and studio work in the UK.
In this era the company also built custom tape recorders, including 1″ 8‑track machines for specialized applications (for example, the BBC Radiophonic Workshop).
Late 1960s – Early 1970s — Solid‑State and Portable Series
1967–1970: Leevers‑Rich released Series Q machines — solid‑state, portable recorders designed for field and professional use, which could run on batteries or mains and offered modular servicing design.
Units in this period included models for mono or stereo recording, synch with cameras, and ruggedized builds for location work.
1970s – 1980s — Proline and Studio Machines
1970s: The company continued updating its professional offering, including purchasing designs (such as the Teknik SM2) to expand into more competitive sectors.
1977–1982: The Leevers‑Rich Proline 2000TC emerged as a solid‑state professional mastering machine, with 3 ¾, 7 ½, and 15 ips speed options, four heads, balanced XLR outputs, and performance aimed at studio mastering.
These later machines adopted completely modern (for the time) solid‑state transport and electronics and were positioned to rival international studio decks.
Technology & Market Position
Electronics & Features
Tube Era (1950s–Early ’60s): Early Leevers‑Rich recorders used valve/tube technology, full‑track mono formats, and often heavier builds for broadcast environments.
Solid‑State Era (Late ’60s onward): Later models moved to solid‑state electronics and stereo operation, offering multiple track formats, speeds, and advanced control features for professional use.
Use Cases
Machines spanned studio mastering work, broadcast recording/editing, film sound capture, and field recording.
Unlike many consumer brands, Leevers‑Rich tended to sit between professional and pro‑semipro levels, competing with other British makers of high‑quality tape decks.
Geographic Focus
Entirely UK‑based manufacture and market presence, with some export or custom systems supplied internationally (especially in professional audio circles).
End of Tape Recorder Production
Production of Leevers‑Rich tape recorders gradually declined in the late 1970s and early 1980s, due to market shifts toward cassette formats and intense competition from larger global makers. By the 1980s, the company ceased manufacturing reel‑to‑reel tape machines altogether.
After that, the company shifted into other business areas (e.g., metalwork as M.C.P. Metals) and the Leevers‑Rich name faded from the audio world.