Crown CX-722

The Crown CX-722 (also listed as Crown CX-722 or part of the Pro 700 series with CX electronics) is a high-end, solid-state open-reel tape recorder from Crown International (Elkhart, Indiana, USA), produced from approximately 1967 to the early 1970s (peak in late 1960s–early 1970s). It belongs to the Pro 700 series (often called the 700 series), where "CX" denotes the deluxe electronics package with plug-in circuit boards, front-panel bias/EQ adjustments, bass/treble controls, and three-speed equalization—making it more feature-rich than the simpler SX variants (e.g., SX-722). The "-722" indicates a 2-channel (stereo) configuration with ½-track (half-track) stereo record/playback.

This was a professional/semi-pro deck aimed at broadcast, small studios, mastering, or serious audiophiles—renowned for exceptional tape handling (no tension arms; torque-controlled reels), rugged overbuilt construction, and a warm, dynamic "tape magic" sound (slight high-end contour/bloom for musicality rather than ultra-flat response). It shared the same transport as other 700 series models but with premium CX electronics for added flexibility (e.g., echo/sound-on-sound in some configs, better mixing). Surviving units are rare collectibles, often restored (e.g., by specialists like Chuck Ziska) and valued at $3,000–$6,000+ in excellent condition, sometimes in custom cabinets.

Key Technical Specifications 

• Tape Speeds: 3.75 ips, 7.5 ips, and 15 ips (three fully equalized speeds with front-panel or switch selection; NAB/CCIR equalization switching).

• 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 contour (~3 dB bump) for warmth/bloom (real-world often strong on premium tape like Scotch 207/406).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 55–60 dB (overall/record-play; excellent for ½-track stereo due to low-noise design and quality heads).

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

• Track Configuration: ½-track stereo (half-track two-channel record/playback; wider tracks for superior SNR and dynamics vs. quarter-track; some variants like CX-722-P4C added ¼-track playback compatibility for 4-channel tapes).

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

• 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 deluxe electronics: Plug-in modular PC cards (easy service/upgrades); front-panel bias/EQ per channel/speed; bass/treble controls; echo/sound-on-sound; mixing inputs (multiple mic/line per channel, unbalanced standard; balanced XLR via optional transformers); dual VU meters; headphone monitoring; source/tape switching; auto-stop; full logic pushbutton controls (feather-touch, buffered); remote record/control optional.
  Inputs/Outputs: Mic/line (high impedance or optional balanced); line outputs up to 14V+ (600 ohm balanced/unbalanced).
  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" H x ~10" D (rack-mountable; detachable transport/electronics); ~47 lbs (sturdy aluminum chassis; some listings note 47–52 lbs).

• Original Price: ~$1,495 (premium pro positioning; higher with options—e.g., CX-722-P4C variant for added ¼-track playback).

Design and Build Overview

The CX-722 used the Pro 700 transport (mechanical pushbuttons, no full logic memory like 800 series; 3-speed capable in CX configs). Electromagnetic braking ensured gentle, consistent stops/starts. CX electronics were Crown's premium solid-state offering: modular plug-in boards, front adjustments, and pro features (e.g., better mixing, echo) vs. SX's simpler fixed boards/2-speed EQ. It was monaural-constructed per channel (mirror-imaged) with shared power supply for reliability.

Built ruggedly for longevity (aluminum chassis, field-replaceable parts), it prioritized professional use—broadcast/TV standard, audiophile mastering—with warm, blooming sound (dynamics/headroom from slight contouring). Compared to the SX-722 (entry-level sibling: simpler electronics, often 2-speed, ~$1,100 new), the CX-722 added deluxe refinements for ~$1,495.

Today, these are sought-after by vintage enthusiasts. Common restoration needs: electrolytic recapping, bearings, relays, head relapping/alignment. Manuals cover Pro 700 series (CX/SX). Crown exited tape production ~1977 for amplifiers.