Philips N4416

The Philips N4416 (including variants like N4416/00, /15, /19, /43, or rebranded as Maestro 4416 in some markets) is a early-to-mid 1970s consumer stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder, produced approximately 1971–1975 (primarily manufactured in Austria by Philips Österreich). It was a mid-range model in the N44xx solid-state hi-fi series, positioned below the higher-end N4418/N4419 (with electronic logic controls) but above simpler entry-level decks. The N4416 shared the three-motor chassis design common in the N441x line, providing smoother tape handling and better stability than single-motor siblings (e.g., N440x series).

This was a 4-track (quarter-track) stereo recorder with full stereo recording and playback in both directions, built-in stereo amplification, dual speakers, and features suited for home hi-fi music recording, radio dubbing, overdubbing, and playback of pre-recorded tapes.

Key Technical Specifications

• Recording/Playback System — 4-track (quarter-track), 2-channel stereo/mono compatible; records and plays stereo on tracks 1-4 forward and 3-2 reverse; mono compatible; sound-on-sound/multiplay overdub facilities; no auto-reverse.

• Tape Speeds — Three speeds:1⅞ ips (4.75 cm/s)
  3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s)
  7½ ips (19 cm/s)
  

• Reel Size — Up to 7 inches (18 cm) maximum diameter.

• Frequency Response (approximate, typical tolerances; varies by tape/condition):At 7½ ips: 40 Hz – 18,000 Hz (or similar hi-fi range)
  At 3¾ ips: 40 Hz – 15,000 Hz
  At 1⅞ ips: ~60 Hz – 10,000 Hz Good consumer hi-fi performance, especially at higher speeds.
  

• Wow & Flutter — Approximately 0.15–0.2% at 7½ ips (benefited from three-motor drive for superior stability).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — Better than 45–50 dB (typical for mid-1970s transistor design).

• Heads — 2 heads: combined record/playback (permalloy) + erase head (some sources note a double-slit erase head variant).

• Drive System — Three motors (1 × capstan + 2 × reel motors); belt/idler drive to capstan; electronic or mechanical tension control; fast wind/rewind; smooth tape handling with good braking.

• Electronics — Fully transistorized; printed circuit board amplifier.

• Amplification & Speakers — Built-in stereo amplifiers; dual internal loudspeakers (often clip-on or integrated elliptical types); output power ≈4 watts total (some sources: 2 × 4 W or similar; sufficient for monitoring).

• Inputs —Microphone: ≈0.2 mV (stereo pair possible).
  Line/radio/phono: ≈100 mV.
  DIN-style connectors standard.
  

• Outputs —Line out: ≈1 V (some list 1000 mV).
  Headphones.
  External speakers.
  DIN-style.
  

• Features —Twin illuminated VU meters (needle type; active for record and playback).
  Mechanical push-button transport controls (piano-style; unlike electronic logic on N4418/N4419).
  Separate tone controls (bass/treble).
  Input mixing.
  4-digit tape counter.
  Straight-through amplifier monitoring.
  Pause function.
  Portable/tabletop design with lid/handle; vertical/horizontal orientation.
  

• Power — AC mains (multi-voltage switchable, e.g., 110–240 V); consumption ≈50 W.

• Build & Dimensions — Tabletop case (often wood/teak finish); approx. 515–535 × 380–390 × 200 mm (20.3–21 × 15 × 7.9 inches); weight ≈10–12.5 kg.

• Manufacturing — Primarily Austria (Philips Österreich).

Performance & Legacy Context

The N4416 was appreciated for its three-motor drive (smoother and more reliable than single-motor N440x models), dual VU meters for accurate levels, and solid stereo performance at 7½ ips—making it a capable home hi-fi recorder for the price. It offered good clarity, dynamics, and tape handling when aligned and serviced, with the mechanical buttons providing tactile reliability (though less "modern" than electronic logic on higher siblings).

Common issues today: Belt/idler degradation (goo/melting—kits needed), dried electrolytic capacitors, transistor aging, dirty heads, worn idler tires/clutches, and mechanical adjustments (tape path, brakes). Restorations are common and rewarding—many users report excellent post-service performance. Service/user manuals available (HiFi Engine, Elektrotanya—covers schematics, alignment).

Compared to siblings:

• N4404/N4407 — Single-motor, similar speeds but less stable transport.

• N4418/N4419 — Electronic logic controls, otherwise very close (higher-end refinements).

• N4416 — Balanced mid-range with three motors and mechanical buttons.