Philips EL3514
Philips
Netherlands
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
Number of Heads
Head Configuration
Wow & Flutter
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
Dimensions [mm]
Weight [kg]
Year built
Early 1960s
Head Composition
Equalization
Frequency Response
Speed
Max Reel [inch]
Tracks
Price
Additional Information
Philips EL3514 is a portable 1961–1962 consumer mono reel-to-reel tape recorder, known as the "Starmaker" in some markets, built by Philips Austria and Netherlands variants.
Design and Transport
Compact tablemodel with push-button controls and Bakelite/plastic case for home portability. Uses idler/platter drive system with adjustable reel discs (14mm height); supports 4-inch reels (lid on) or 5-inch (lid off). Single-speed transport prioritizes ease over pro specs.
Audio Format and Performance
Tracks: 4-track mono (two tracks forward, two reverse; quarter-track).
Speed: 9.5 cm/s (3¾ ips).
Frequency response: 80–10,000 Hz.
Heads: Combined record/playback (plus erase); Permalloy type.
Power output: 1.5W to 5Ω / 14cm dynamic speaker (AD3700X).
Wow/flutter: Era-typical (~0.3–0.5%, not quantified).
Electronics and Features
Hybrid valve/transistor amp: 3 tubes (ECC83 preamp, EL95 output, DM71 magic-eye meter) + 1 transistor (AC107). Multi-voltage AC power (110/127/220/240V). Inputs for mic/radio/phono; track selector and simple metering via magic eye.
Physical Specs
Dimensions: 340×230/245×120/125 mm; weight ~4.8–5 kg. Export model with push buttons; service notes emphasize belt/reel alignment.
Successor-like to EL3510 but with 4-track and hybrid electronics for better home recording of speech/music on small reels.