Philips EL3530
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
1953
Head Composition
Equalization
Frequency Response
Speed
Max Reel [inch]
Tracks
Price
Additional Information
Philips EL3530 is an early consumer mono reel-to-reel tape recorder from 1953, Philips Austria's first domestic tape machine and predecessor to the popular EL3510 series.
Design and Transport
High-profile tablemodel in leather/canvas-covered wooden case with carrying handle. Single-speed idler-drive system supports 13cm (5") reels; rotary function knob controls play/record/stop/wind. 3-head setup typical of era (erase, record, playback).
Audio Format and Performance
Tracks: Double-track mono (half-track, one direction).
Speed: 9.5 cm/s (3¾ ips).
Frequency response: 30–7,000 Hz.
Hum/noise: -40dB.
Output power: 2.5–5W to permanent-magnet dynamic loudspeaker.
Bias: 50 kHz; rewind ~180s for 180m tape.
Electronics and I/O
5-tube amplifier (EF40 RF/IF, EF42 pentode, EL41 output, AZ41 rectifier, EM34 magic-eye meter). Mixable mic/music inputs (EL3925 mic included); external speaker/headphone outputs. Multi-voltage AC (110/125/145/200/220/245V).
Physical Specs
Dimensions: 400 × 510 × 200 mm; weight 14.5 kg. Price ~880 DM (~€1800 adjusted).
Pricier and larger than later EL35xx siblings, it targeted serious hobbyists with mixing for announcements over music—true 1950s tape pioneer.