Ampex 600
Ampex
USA
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
Number of Heads
3
Head Configuration
Full-track-mono
Wow & Flutter
0.25
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
55
Dimensions [mm]
Weight [kg]
Year built
1954 - 1957
Head Composition
Permalloy
Equalization
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 15 kHz
Speed
71⁄2
Max Reel [inch]
Tracks
1/2 Rec/PB
Price
User
Consumer
Additional Information
The Ampex 600 reel-to-reel tape deck is a classic portable professional tape recorder produced between 1954 and 1957, designed to deliver high-quality mono audio recording in a compact and versatile format.
Tape Format and Tracks: Utilizes a full-track mono recording system on 1/2 inch tape, providing high-quality single-channel recording.
Tape Speed: Single-speed operation at 7 1/2 inches per second (ips), a standard speed for quality audio fidelity at the time.
Reel Capacity: Supports up to 7-inch reels, convenient for portable and remote recording applications.
Electronic Design: Tube-based electronics with a valve complement including 3 x 12AU7, 1 x 12AY7, 2 x 5879, 1 x 6F5, and 1 x 5Y3 tubes, ensuring warm and rich audio characteristics typical of tube machines.
Frequency Response and Audio Quality: Covers a range of 40 Hz to 15 kHz with a signal-to-noise ratio over 55 dB and wow and flutter less than 0.25%, providing solid professional audio performance for its time.
Inputs and Outputs: Features one high-impedance microphone input and broadcast line inputs suitable for radio or phono. Outputs include 600-ohm balanced or unbalanced line outputs.
Physical Characteristics: Dimensions approximately 8 x 14 x 16.5 inches, weighing about 28 lbs, which supports portability.
Additional Features: Lacks auto-reverse; designed primarily as a portable field and studio recorder. Machine can be operated horizontally or vertically, with an optional adapter for rack mounting in studios.
Applications: Popular with professional and semi-professional users for remote pickups, custom home installations, and general studio work, praised for its compactness, reliability, and sound quality.
Summary
The Ampex 600 is renowned as one of the earliest semi-professional portable reel-to-reel tape decks, combining tube-based electronics and robust mechanical design to deliver quality mono recordings at 7½ ips tape speed on 7-inch reels. Its warm tube sound, portable form factor, and high-fidelity performance made it a foundational model in the evolution of mobile and studio tape recording equipment.
This overview synthesizes detailed archival technical specs and historical descriptions to present a thorough profile of the Ampex 600.