Philips EL3520
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 EL3520 is a 1957 compact, valve-based mono reel-to-reel tape recorder manufactured by Philips Italy, serving as an evolution of the earlier EL3510 with improved compactness and serviceability.
Design and Transport
Tabletop model in Bakelite/plastic case with elliptical permanent-magnet loudspeaker. Single-speed idler-wheel drive via two smaller replaceable belts (upgrading the EL3510's figure-8 spring belt); electronics relocated to front chassis for easier access and flatter profile. Central rotary control knob handles all functions; supports 5-inch reels max.
Audio Format and Performance
Tracks: Half-track mono (record/playback one direction).
Speed: 9.5 cm/s (3¾ ips).
Heads: 3 Permalloy (erase, record/playback combined).
Frequency response: Not specified, but era-typical ~100–6kHz.
Power output: 3W (5Ω speaker impedance).
Bias: 45 kHz.
Electronics and I/O
4-tube amplifier (EF86 input, ECC83 phase splitter, EL84 output, EM81 magic-eye meter). Inputs: mic (3mV), radio (5mV), pickup (200mV). Multi-voltage AC power (110/127/220V mains), 45W consumption.
Physical Specs
Dimensions: 363 × 165 × 290 mm; weight 10 kg. Built for home speech/music recording with basic fidelity.
Targeted affordable domestic use post-EL3510, emphasizing reliability over pro features.