About the Company
S.I.M.E.A. was a French brand under which at least one consumer reel-to-reel tape recorder model was marketed in the solid-state era (likely 1960s–1970s). The brand appears in specialized vintage tape recorder directories but is not well documented in mainstream audio history, reflecting its limited production and niche presence.
Brand Name: S.I.M.E.A.
Origin: France
Market: Consumer / domestic audio
Era: Mid-20th century (exact dates unclear; known units reflect 1960s–1970s consumer trends)
Technology: Solid-state transistorized electronics
Track Format: 1/2 Rec/PB (half-track mono)
Voltage: 220–240 V (European mains)
The lack of broader brand references and corporate records suggests S.I.M.E.A. was either a small independent French consumer electronics brand or a label applied to rebranded machines made by an OEM manufacturer in France or nearby countries.
Documented Tape Recorder — S.I.M.E.A. Linguabel
Model: S.I.M.E.A. Linguabel
Brand: S.I.M.E.A.
Category: Vintage consumer reel-to-reel tape recorder
Electronics: Solid-state (transistorized)
Tracks: 1/2 Rec/PB (half-track — suitable for mono recording/playback)
Tape Speeds: 3 3/4 ips (standard consumer speed)
Reel Size: Up to 7″
Head Type/Configuration: Full-track (mono) head with permalloy composition
Motor Count: One motor
Intended Use: Basic home recording — voice, radio, or phonograph sources
Voltage Range: 220–240 V for European mains use
This type of design — solid-state, single motor, simple modular transport — was typical of mid-century consumer decks before recorders from larger brands fully dominated the market.
Technology & Market Position
Consumer-Grade Orientation
Unlike major reel-to-reel names (e.g., Revox, Uher, Akai), S.I.M.E.A. was clearly focused on everyday home users with modest performance needs, not on high fidelity or professional audio markets.
Transistor Electronics
The Linguabel model used solid-state transistor technology, which by the 1960s was replacing vacuum tube circuits in consumer devices, enabling compact, more reliable, and lighter tape recorders.
European Market Focus
With European mains voltage and typical design features, S.I.M.E.A. decks were intended for sale primarily in France and nearby European countries rather than as exports to North America or Asia.
Brand Legacy & Rarity
Limited Documentation: S.I.M.E.A. is not widely referenced in major audio manufacturer histories, which typically focus on larger brands. This indicates a small production footprint and likely niche distribution.
Collector Interest: S.I.M.E.A. reels (like the Linguabel) are rare and of curiosity to vintage audio collectors who seek obscure European consumer reel recorders.
Brand Evolution: There is no obvious evidence S.I.M.E.A. evolved into a long-running electronics manufacturer; the tape recorder line appears to be very limited in scope.