Crown CX/SX 800

The Crown CX/SX-800 refers to the Pro 800 series open-reel tape recorders from Crown International (Elkhart, Indiana, USA), produced from the late 1960s through the mid-to-late 1970s (up to ~1977). This series used the advanced Pro 800 transport (often called the "800 transport") paired with two electronics variants: SX (simpler, more basic solid-state) and CX (deluxe, modular plug-in boards with extra features). Model numbers like SX-822, CX-822, SX-824, CX-824, etc., indicate the transport series (800), electronics type (SX or CX), channels (e.g., 2 for stereo), and track config (e.g., 2 for ½-track, 4 for ¼-track).

The CX-800 electronics were the premium option (more "bells and whistles," plug-in cards for easier service/upgrades, front-panel bias/EQ/bass/treble, echo, 3-speed EQ), while SX-800 was the workhorse/basic version (fixed boards, 2-speed EQ, fewer adjustments). Sonically, they are nearly identical (same transport, heads, core performance), but CX offers greater flexibility for pro/semi-pro use. The 800 transport improved on the earlier 700 series with early TTL logic switching (vs. relays), better tape handling, and modernized design.

These American-made decks were overbuilt tanks for broadcast, small studios, mastering, or serious hi-fi—renowned for gentle handling (no tension arms; torque-controlled reels), low wow/flutter, high headroom, and a warm "tape bloom" sound (slight high-end contour rather than dead-flat). They are collectible "holy grails" today, with restored units fetching high prices.

Key Technical Specifications  

• Tape Speeds: 3.75 ips, 7.5 ips, and 15 ips (CX: full 3-speed equalization with front-panel switching; SX: typically 2-speed EQ, though some configs supported 3).

• Frequency Response (±2 dB typical): 30 Hz–25 kHz+ at 15 ips (record/play); 20 Hz–20/25 kHz at 7.5 ips; slight high-end bump (~3 dB contour) for musical warmth/bloom (real-world often better on premium tape).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 55–60 dB (overall/record-play; strong for era, especially half-track configs).

• Wow & Flutter (RMS wideband): ~0.05% at 15 ips; ~0.09% at 7.5 ips (excellent from massive flywheel, hysteresis capstan, neoprene belt).

• Track Configuration: Varied by model—½-track stereo (e.g., CX/SX-822), ¼-track stereo (e.g., CX/SX-824), full-track mono, or 4-channel (CX-844 sibling); bidirectional on quarter-track for extended/overdub use.

• Heads: 3-head design (erase, record, playback); precision micro-gap permalloy, hyperbolic contour, shock-mounted/removable; off-tape monitoring.

• Reel Sizes: Up to 10.5" NAB professional (HAP adapters standard; supports 2400'+ reels).

• Motors: 3-motor transport (hysteresis synchronous capstan with large flywheel/belt; separate plug-in torque-controlled reel motors—no tension arms; electromagnetic DC braking for smooth ~3-sec stops).

• Timing Accuracy / Speed Stability: ~99.8% (minimal drift; fast wind/rewind ~60 sec for 2400').

• Other Features:CX electronics: Plug-in modular PC cards (record amps, bias oscillators, etc.); front bias/EQ per channel/speed; bass/treble controls; echo/sound-on-sound; mixing inputs (multiple mic/line per channel, unbalanced standard; balanced optional via transformers/XLR); dual VU meters; headphone monitoring; source/tape switching; auto-stop; full logic pushbuttons (feather-touch, buffered); remote record/control optional.
  SX electronics: Simpler fixed boards (all functions on fewer cards); basic inputs/outputs; 2-speed EQ; otherwise similar transport performance.
  Inputs/Outputs: Mic/line (high impedance or optional balanced); line outputs up to 14V+ (600 ohm).
  THD: <1% at 0 VU (1 kHz); high headroom/low distortion.
  Power: ~140–200W, 117 VAC 60 Hz (50 Hz available).
  

• Dimensions / Weight: ~19" W x 17–18" H x ~10" D (rack-mountable; CX slightly taller/heavier due to deluxe boards); ~48–52 lbs typical (varies by config; 800 transport detachable from electronics).

• Original Price: ~$1,495–$2,000+ (SX models lower; CX higher with options—premium pro range).

Design and Build Overview

The Pro 800 transport featured computer-like logic control (preventing tape spills), feather-touch pushbuttons, photocell auto-shutoff, cue lever, and torque-controlled reels (no arms for pantograph-like tension). Electromagnetic braking was padless and gentle. CX electronics added pro flexibility (plug-ins, front adjustments, echo) vs. SX's simplicity (rigid boards, fewer tweaks). Both shared identical core specs/transport for near-identical sonics—warm, blooming, high-headroom "Crown sound."

Built ruggedly (aluminum chassis, field-replaceable parts like motors/heads/belts), they prioritized reliability for "missionary duty" or studio use. Compared to the 700 series (relay-switched, basic), the 800 transport was modernized with logic for smoother operation.

Today, these are sought-after for restoration (common: recaps, bearings, relays, heads). Manuals cover Pro 800 (CX/SX). They represent Crown's tape legacy before shifting to amps ~1977.