Akai GX-365

The Akai GX-365 is a professional-grade reel-to-reel tape deck produced in Japan in the early 1970s, known for its robust build quality, advanced features, and high-fidelity analog recording and playback capabilities.

• Drive System:
  Three motors (1 capstan motor with belt drive, and 2 eddy current outer rotor reel motors)
  Hysteresis synchronous motors providing stable tape speeds

• Tape Speeds:
  1 7/8 ips (4.75 cm/s)
  3 3/4 ips (9.5 cm/s)
  7 1/2 ips (19 cm/s)
  15 ips (38 cm/s) with adapter

• Track System: 4-track stereo/monaural (2 channels)

• Heads: Three heads (erase, GX record, GX playback) featuring Akai’s Glass & Crystal (GX) ferrite heads known for durability and clarity

• Frequency Response:
  30 Hz to 28 kHz at 7.5 ips
  30 Hz to 23 kHz at 3 3/4 ips
  30 Hz to 12 kHz at 1 7/8 ips

• Wow & Flutter:
  <0.04% at 7 1/2 ips
  0.07% at 3 3/4 ips
  0.14% at 1 7/8 ips

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Better than 48 dB at 7 1/2 ips

• Total Harmonic Distortion: Around 1.5% to 1.7% depending on speed

• Crosstalk: 45 dB

• Tape Reel Size: Up to 7 inches reel diameter

• Special Features:
  Reverse-O-Matic: automatic tape direction change at specified tape lengths
  Compute-o-Matic: automatic recording level control to prevent distortion
  Magnetic brake control adjusts braking force depending on tape thickness
  Remote control socket for optional wired remote
  Built-in amplifier (in GX-365, not GX-365D) powering 15 watts RMS per channel speakers

• Dimensions: 410 mm (W) × 470 mm (H) × 280 mm (D)

• Weight: Approximately 27.7 kg (61 lb)

• Manufactured: Japan, circa 1970-1973

Summary

The Akai GX-365 reel-to-reel tape deck is a classic high-fidelity analog recorder/player combining durable and clear glass & crystal (GX) ferrite heads with sophisticated motor control and automatic functions such as tape direction reversal and level limiting. Its three-motor design ensures smooth tape transport, and its frequency response up to 28 kHz at faster speeds makes it suitable for archival and audiophile applications. The model competed in the top consumer and semi-professional audio markets in the early '70s and continues to be highly regarded among vintage tape enthusiasts.