About the Company
Magnecord, Inc. was founded in 1953 in Chicago, Illinois, USA as a manufacturer of magnetic tape recorders. The company specialized in professional and semi-professional reel-to-reel audio tape recorders, primarily aimed at broadcast, educational, and industrial markets rather than consumer hi-fi.
Founder: John R. Millman and associates
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Primary Market: Professional audio, broadcasting, field recording, educational institutions
Era of Reel-to-Reel Production: ~1953 through the 1980s
Magnecord became known for high-quality, rugged, and reliable tape decks, often used in radio stations, schools, churches, and field applications.
Production History
1950s — Early Tube-Based Decks
1953–late 1950s: Magnecord began with vacuum tube reel-to-reel tape recorders designed for professional and educational applications.
Early models were mono, full-track or half-track, supporting 3¾ and 7½ ips tape speeds.
Machines were portable for field use, often battery-powered or mains-operated, designed to record lectures, interviews, and broadcasts.
Notable early models:
Magnecord PT-6: Portable, tube-based, 1/4 track mono, used in schools and radio field recording.
Magnecord PT-7: Slightly larger, more robust transport for studio or educational environments.
1960s — Transition to Solid-State
With transistor technology emerging, Magnecord introduced solid-state tape recorders, increasing reliability and reducing weight.
Machines like Magnecord PT-4 and PT-6 solid-state variants became popular for broadcast field recordings.
Tape speeds varied from 3¾, 7½ to 15 ips depending on model, and track formats included half-track stereo or full-track mono.
The company was also among the first to offer portability combined with professional-grade tape heads, making it ideal for field reporters and educational institutions.
1970s — Professional Field and Industrial Machines
Magnecord focused on portable reel-to-reel recorders for professional use, including broadcast field units and interview recorders.
Machines included Magnecord PT-5, PT-6, and later PT-7 series, designed for rugged field conditions.
Some models incorporated time-code features, dual-speed recording, and external microphone preamps.
Notable applications:
Radio stations’ outside broadcasts
Church sermon recording
School and educational media recording
Industrial and corporate training audio
1980s — Late Analog Era
The rise of cassette and portable audio recorders reduced demand for professional reel-to-reel machines.
Magnecord continued producing field and semi-professional decks, but production volumes declined.
By the mid-1980s, the company’s tape recorder production was largely replaced by cassette-based solutions.
Technology & Product Highlights
Electronics:
Tube-based early models (1950s) → Solid-state (1960s onward)
Tape heads: Permalloy or ferrite cores, professional grade
Track formats: Full-track mono, half-track stereo
Tape speeds: 3¾, 7½, 15 ips
Ruggedized chassis for field, school, and industrial environments
Portability & Features:
Many units had carrying handles or suitcase-style housings
Mains and battery operation for remote recording
Some models offered monitor speakers, line-level outputs, and tape counters
Target Markets:
Broadcast field recording
Education (schools, universities)
Industrial/training audio
Churches and religious organizations
Decline & Legacy
By the mid-1980s, Magnecord’s traditional reel-to-reel tape recorders were largely replaced by cassette-based systems.
Magnecord remains remembered for durable, professional field recorders, often still used in vintage analog setups or collected by audio enthusiasts.
The company occasionally supported spare parts and service for legacy units, maintaining a niche professional reputation.