top of page

Akai GX 77BL

Akai

Japan

Akai GX 77BL

Tape Deck Details

Number of Motors

Number of Heads

Head Configuration

Wow & Flutter

Signal-to-Noise [dB]

Dimensions [mm]

Weight [kg]

Year built

Head Composition

Equalization

Frequency Response

Speed

3¾, 7½

Max Reel [inch]

Price

Additional Information

The Akai GX 77BL is a variant of the Akai GX-77 series, a professional-grade reel-to-reel tape deck produced in the early 1980s, widely regarded for its robust construction, advanced features, and excellent analog performance.


Technical Overview


  • Track System: Auto-reverse 4-track, 2-channel stereo system allowing continuous playback and recording on both tape sides.

  • Heads: Equipped with six heads total — 2 GX recording heads, 2 GX playback heads, and 2 erase heads. These employ advanced permalloy and ferrite/glass materials ensuring long life and consistent magnetic performance.

  • Tape Speeds: Supports 7½ and 3¾ inches per second (ips).

  • Reel Size: Designed for reels up to 7 inches in diameter.

  • Frequency Response:
    At 7½ ips: 25 Hz to 25-33 kHz (±3 dB) depending on tape quality and conditions
    At 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, providing a low noise floor for clean audio reproduction.

  • Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.5% at 7½ ips.

  • Motors: Three DC motors—one servo DC motor for the capstan drive and two DC motors for reel drives.

  • Loading Mechanism: Unique tape loading roller that eases tape threading, combined with tension arms with micro-switches for automatic engagement/disengagement.

  • Capstan Drive: Two capstans turning in opposite directions, enabling auto-reverse with only 0.4 seconds delay.

  • Inputs and Outputs:
    Line input: 70 mV with 47 kΩ impedance
    Headphones output and line-level output: 0.775 V line out, 1.3 mW at 8 Ω for headphones
    Separate left and right line input level controls and a master record level knob

  • Additional features:
    Real-time digital tape counter with minutes and seconds display.
    Three-mode timer/start switch, reverse selector, and bias adjust.
    No integrated microphone input; microphone mixer optional extra (MM-77).

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

  • Weight: Around 17 kg.


Performance and Usage


The GX 77BL maintains the reliable, high-quality tape handling and sonic performance the GX-77 series is known for. Its multi-motor system ensures consistent tape tension and smooth capstan-driven speed regulation, which, combined with the advanced GX heads, offers clean, accurate analog sound reproduction. The quick auto-reverse feature is especially useful for continuous tape operation without manual rewinding.


Though it doesn’t have integrated microphone inputs, the option to add the dedicated Akai MM-77 mic mixer made it flexible for semi-professional recording. Its compact size and ease of use, coupled with robust electronics, placed it among the favored professional and high-end consumer reel decks during its production.


Summary


The Akai GX 77BL is a versatile, well-built tape deck that delivers excellent analog fidelity, mechanical precision, and practical features like swift auto-reverse and easy tape threading. It’s a solid choice for archiving, mastering, or serious home use, competing well with contemporaries like the Revox B77 or Teac models of the early 1980s.

bottom of page