Ampex 1450
Ampex
USA
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
1
Number of Heads
3
Head Configuration
Stereo
Wow & Flutter
0.15% at 7½ ips
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
Dimensions [mm]
Weight [kg]
Year built
1969 - 1972
Head Composition
Permalloy
Equalization
NAB
Frequency Response
15-15kHz at 7½ ips
Speed
3¾, 7½
Max Reel [inch]
7
Tracks
1/4 Rec/PB+1/2PB
Price
User
Consumer
Additional Information
The Ampex 1450 reel-to-reel tape deck is a fully solid-state three-head stereophonic tape recorder produced in the late 1960s (circa 1968-1969). It represents Ampex’s consumer-focused high fidelity tape deck with advanced automation features for the era.
The Ampex 1450 is a fully solid-state stereophonic 3-head open-reel tape deck. Reel to Reel+1
It features automatic threading, automatic reversing, and automatic replay — making it more “hands-off” than many contemporaries.
The unit was produced circa 1968-69 (based on the dates in the service / schematic listings).
Track Configuration: ¼ inch, 4-track (two-channel stereo) operation.
Tape Speeds: 7½ and 3¾ inches per second (ips).
Tape Heads: 3 heads for erase, record, and playback with tape monitoring capability, allowing users to monitor the actual recorded signal.
Automatic Functions: Includes automatic threading of the tape, automatic tape reverse for continuous playback, and automatic replay.
Electronics: Fully solid-state design—no vacuum tubes—for improved reliability and reduced maintenance.
Inputs/Outputs: Preamplifier inputs and outputs allowing integration into larger stereo systems; likely standard RCA connectors.
Additional Features: Pause control, tape monitor, multi-speed selector.
Build Quality: Robust consumer-grade build with cabinetry designed for home hi-fi integration.
Unique Features
Automatic Tape Handling: The deck offered user-friendly features such as automatic threading and reversing playback, which were quite sophisticated for consumer decks at the time, enabling near hands-free operation.
Tape Monitor Capability: By using a separate playback head, users could monitor recordings live for accuracy and quality control.
Pause Control: Allows temporary interruption of tape transport without losing play/record mode settings, useful for editing purposes or timing adjustments during recording.
Fully Solid State: Marked an important step from tube electronics to solid-state, providing more durable and compact operation.
The Ampex 1450 is noted for its combination of automation, sound quality, and usability, making it a significant model in Ampex's consumer tape deck history just before the widespread emergence of fully integrated hi-fi systems