AEG/Telefunken Magnetophon M24

The AEG Telefunken Magnetophon M24 is a professional-grade open-reel tape recorder from 1958–1963, produced by Telefunken under AEG's Magnetophon division in Germany. Primarily a dual-capstan mono studio machine with consumer variants, it featured tube electronics and a removable chassis for console integration, bridging AEG's early pro heritage with late-1950s refinement.

Key Technical Specifications

• Track System: Dual-track mono (2-spur); quarter-track stereo (M24KL) and 4-track variants available

• Tape Speeds: 3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s) and 7½ ips (19 cm/s)

• Maximum Reel Size: 8.7 inches (22 cm) — unusual size requiring specific adapters

• Heads: 3 heads (erase, record, playback) — permalloy composition for extended response

• Motors: 3 motors — dual capstan drive + reel motors for precise tension

• Frequency Response: 30 Hz–18 kHz (±3 dB) at 7½ ips

• Wow and Flutter: <0.25% at 7½ ips

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >45 dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion: <4%

• Electronics: Tube amplification (11 valves: 8x ECC81, EC92, 2x EL95; selenium rectifiers B250C150M/B30 series)

• Inputs: 4-channel mini-mixer (selectable mic impedances), radio/aux, phono

• Outputs: 6W (4 speakers: 2x low-frequency, 2x high-frequency permanent-dynamic ovals 17x10.5 cm)

• Equalization: IEC standard

• Features:
  Removable chassis for console/rack mounting
  Integrated 4-input mixer with HF/LF tone controls
  6 push-button transport controls
  Auto end-of-tape detection via tension sensors
  VU meter, mechanical counter

• Power Requirements: 110/127/150/220/237/240 V AC multi-voltage

• Dimensions: 630 x 270 x 530 mm (24.8" x 10.6" x 20.9")

• Weight: 30 kg (66 lbs)

• Build: Tabletop/portable with leather/canvas/plastic case; wooden chassis

Variants and Context

• M24: Base mono model

• M24KL: Deluxe stereo/console version with enhanced speakers/mixer

• M24C: Consumer-oriented variant

• Parallel construction to AEG Magnetophon M24KL; new price ~1,995 DM

The M24 earned studio acclaim for its mechanical stability and tube warmth, with the double-capstan transport minimizing wow/flutter—a rarity in late-1950s consumer gear. The integrated mixer made it ideal for multi-mic recording sessions, while the removable chassis allowed custom furniture integration. Modern restoration addresses capacitor drying, idler wear, and head alignment.

Legacy: Used by pirate radio stations like Radio Veronica and serious home studios; collectible today for its transitional tube engineering and unusual reel size. Successor to M23, predecessor to transistorized M-series—Telefunken's last major tube flagship before solid-state dominance.