Ampex 401
Ampex
USA
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
3
Number of Heads
3
Head Configuration
Full-track-mono
Wow & Flutter
0.2% RMS at 7½
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
65
Dimensions [mm]
Weight [kg]
Year built
Head Composition
Permalloy
Equalization
Frequency Response
30 to 15kHz at 15 ips
Speed
7½, 15
Max Reel [inch]
7
Tracks
1/2 Rec/PB
Price
Additional Information
The Ampex 401 reel-to-reel tape deck is a professional-quality, tube-based audio recorder marketed in the early 1950s as an all-in-one, direct-to-tape recorder. It is recognized for being a highly reliable and capable machine in the Ampex line of that era, optimized for studio and broadcast use.
Key technical highlights include:
Tape format: ¼-inch magnetic tape on reels, with typical reel size around 7 inches.
Tape speeds: Standard operating speed is 7½ inches per second, typical for professional audio with balanced recording time and fidelity.
Heads: Configuration includes separate record and playback heads, typically composed of high-quality permalloy materials to ensure durability and fidelity.
Amplification: Tube-based electronics provide amplification and equalization, delivering clean, warm analog sound characteristic of the tube era.
Controls: Push-button start, stop, rewind, fast forward and record controls to enable safe and efficient operation, often with electrical relay mechanisms for smooth switching.
Mechanical transport: Three motor system including capstan, take-up and rewind motors, enabling steady tape speed and minimal wow and flutter, with precise tape tension controls critical to audio fidelity.
Size and weight: Console-style design, roughly 48 inches high by 29 inches deep and 25 inches wide, weighing approximately 90 to 100 lbs depending on configuration.
The Ampex 401 builds upon the success of earlier models such as the Ampex 400, offering improved control layouts, durability, and consistent audio quality suited for broadcast and recording studios. It was a reliable workhorse capable of producing rich, high-fidelity analog recordings and has remained sought after for restoration by vintage audio enthusiasts.
In summary, the Ampex 401 is a mid-century professional reel-to-reel tape deck delivering excellent analog tape fidelity through robust tube electronics, precision mechanical transport, and user-friendly controls, making it a key component in historic audio production setups.