Akai GX 77

The Akai GX-77 is a professional-grade reel-to-reel tape deck produced from around 1981 to 1985, recognized as Akai’s top-of-the-line auto-reverse model from that era. It was designed to deliver high-quality analog tape performance in a compact form factor suitable for both professional and serious home use.

Technical Overview

• Track System: Quarter-track stereo (4-track, 2-channel) allowing stereo recording and playback in both directions with auto-reverse function.

• Heads: Six heads total, including 2 GX recording heads, 2 GX playback heads, and 2 erase heads, utilizing advanced permalloy and ferrite/glass compositions for optimal magnetic characteristics.

• Tape Speeds: Two standard speeds of 7½ inches per second (ips) and 3¾ ips.

• Tape Size: Supports reels up to 7 inches in diameter.

• Frequency Response:
  7½ ips: 25 Hz to 25 kHz (±3 dB)
  3¾ ips: 25 Hz to 15 kHz (±3 dB)

• Wow and Flutter:
  Less than 0.03% WRMS at 7½ ips
  Less than 0.04% WRMS at 3¾ ips

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Better than 63 dB at 7½ ips, delivering a low noise floor.

• Total Harmonic Distortion: Under 0.5% at 7½ ips.

• Motors: One servo DC motor for the capstan drive and two DC motors for reel drive.

• Rewind Speed: Approximately 80 seconds for a 1,200 ft tape.

• Inputs:
  Line input at 70 mV with 47 kΩ impedance
  Optional microphone inputs are external (no mic jacks on the deck itself)

• Outputs:
  Line output: 0.775 V at 0 VU
  Headphone output: 1.3 mW / 8 Ω

• Dimensions: 440 mm (W) x 244 mm (H) x 227 mm (D)

• Weight: Approximately 17 kg

• Special Features:
  Auto-reverse with only 0.4 seconds direction change time, enabled by dual capstans spinning in opposite directions.
  Unique tape threading system via a loading roller that simplifies tape loading.
  Separate line input level controls for left and right channels plus a master record level.
  Digital counter for precise tape position monitoring.

Performance and Comparison

The Akai GX-77 is praised for its mechanical reliability and solid sound quality. Its six-head design allows seamless switching between directions with dedicated record and playback heads, reducing wear and maintaining consistent quality. The servo-controlled capstan and high motor count provide excellent speed stability and tape handling, comparable to respected professional decks like the Revox B77 or Teac models of the time.

While it lacks integrated microphone inputs and external mixer options provided by other high-end recorders, the GX-77's compact size and relatively lower cost made it a favorite among semi-professionals and hobbyists seeking high-quality reel-to-reel performance.

Its frequency response reaches up to 25 kHz at 7½ ips, placing it well within professional standards. The very low wow and flutter and a high signal-to-noise ratio contribute to clean, faithful tape reproduction.

Summary

The Akai GX-77 stands out as a precise, reliable, and feature-rich reel-to-reel tape deck for professionals and serious tape enthusiasts alike. With advanced heads, quick auto-reverse, and excellent frequency response and wow/flutter specs, it competes well with other contemporaries and remains sought after in vintage tape equipment circles for mastering and archival applications.