Ampex 4470

The Ampex FF 4470 is a professional-grade reel-to-reel tape deck known for its robust build and high-fidelity performance suited for broadcast and studio use.

Ampex FF 4470 Technical Overview

• Tape Format & Tracks: It is a quarter-track stereo machine, designed for use with 1/4-inch tape.

• Tape Speeds: Supports 7.5 and 3.75 inches per second (ips), typical for professional and semi-professional tape decks.

• Electronics: Tube-based amplification and recording electronics, characteristic of high-quality vintage tape machines, aimed at delivering warm, natural sound.

• Frequency Response: Approximately 50 Hz to 15 kHz ±2 dB at 7.5 ips, offering clear and defined audio performance.

• Motors: Uses a hysteresis motor for tape transport, noted for smooth and reliable tape movement and improved speed stability compared to older induction motors.

• Head Configuration: Three ferrite heads configured for stereo recording and playback, with permalloy materials offering durability and high fidelity.

• Max Reel Size: Accommodates up to 7-inch reels, balancing portability and tape length.

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Around 53 dB, providing decent noise performance for its class and intended use.

• Wow and Flutter: Measured at 0.15% at 7.5 ips, which is competitive for tube-based machines of this era.

• Physical Size & Weight: Approximately 13 x 15 x 7.5 inches, weighing 28 pounds—portable relative to other professional tape decks.

• Audio Output Power: About 1.5 watts per channel, suitable for monitoring and professional applications.

This deck was among the last of Ampex’s tube-powered portable professional stereo recorders, produced briefly from the mid-1960s. It marked advancements like the implementation of hysteresis motors and the introduction of dual meters versus previous models' single meters. The design favored high-quality audio capture with a reputation for reliability and sound quality in professional settings.