Philips N4522

The Philips N4522 (including variants like N4522/00) is a late 1970s flagship professional-grade consumer stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder, produced approximately 1978–1983 (manufactured primarily in Austria by Philips Österreich). It was the 2-track (half-track) counterpart to the N4520 (which is the 4-track/quarter-track version). Together, they represent Philips' ultimate open-reel effort—designed to compete with top-tier decks like the Revox A700 series—emphasizing semi-professional or high-end audiophile performance with quartz PLL servo capstan control, three-motor direct drive (reel motors), glass-ferrite heads, variable bias, NAB/IEC equalization switchable (at 38 cm/s), and support for 10.5-inch NAB reels.

The N4522 prioritized per-track fidelity (half-track format allows wider tracks for better signal-to-noise and dynamics compared to quarter-track), making it favored by purists for critical music recording and mastering.

Key Technical Specifications

• Recording/Playback System — 2-track (half-track), 2-channel stereo/mono compatible; records and plays stereo on tracks 1-2 forward (no reverse pair without flip); mono compatible; sound-on-sound/multiplay overdub facilities; no auto-reverse.

• Tape Speeds — Three speeds:3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s)
  7½ ips (19 cm/s)
  15 ips (38 cm/s) (Professional speeds; 15 ips for maximum fidelity and headroom.)
  

• Reel Size — Up to 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) NAB hubs (large professional reels for extended playtime).

• Frequency Response (approximate, within tight tolerances; varies by tape/condition):At 15 ips (38 cm/s): 30 Hz – 26,000 Hz (±2 dB or better)
  At 7½ ips (19 cm/s): 30 Hz – 20,000–22,000 Hz (±2 dB)
  At 3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s): 30 Hz – 16,000 Hz (±0.5 dB or similar) Outstanding bandwidth—among the widest in late-1970s consumer/professional decks.
  

• Wow & Flutter —At 15 ips: <0.05% (often 0.035–0.04%)
  At 7½ ips: <0.08%
  At 3¾ ips: <0.1% Ultra-low thanks to quartz PLL servo capstan and direct-drive reel motors.
  

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — 64–68 dB (DIN weighted; often >60 dB practical with low-noise tape; exceptional for the era).

• Total Harmonic Distortion — <1% (at +3 dB VU).

• Heads — 3 heads: separate record, playback, and erase (glass-ferrite construction for extended life, high-frequency response, and low distortion).

• Drive System — Three motors (1 × quartz PLL servo capstan motor + 2 × direct-drive reel motors); electronic logic transport; variable spooling speed; hydraulic/electronic tape tension stabilizers; fast wind/rewind (~2 minutes 40 seconds for full 10.5" 3600 ft reel); precise dynamic braking.

• Electronics — Fully transistorized; printed circuit board amplifier; variable/stepless bias adjustment; NAB/IEC equalization switchable at 38 cm/s; electronic counter possible in some configs.

• Amplification & Speakers — Deck-focused with line-level preamp outputs (no built-in power amp/speakers in pure deck form; line-level for external hi-fi amplification).

• Inputs —Microphone: ~0.2–0.29 mV (low-level).
  Line/radio/tuner/phono/aux: ~93–100 mV.
  DIN-style connectors standard (often with RCA in export variants).
  

• Outputs —Line out: ~1 V / 50 kΩ (or 675 mV max in some).
  Headphones: ~40 mW at 600 Ω (6.3 mm jack, 8–2000 Ω).
  Monitor output: 0–1 V adjustable / 11 kΩ.
  DIN-style.
  

• Features —Twin illuminated VU meters (needle type; active for record/playback).
  Electronic logic transport (push-button with smooth response).
  Variable bias and equalization.
  Input mixing/attenuators.
  4-digit tape counter (electronic in some).
  Off-tape monitoring (source/tape switch).
  Pause function.
  Optional DIN 5-pin remote control.
  Vertical/horizontal operation; massive "beast" chassis with thick aluminum front panel.
  

• Power — AC mains (110–120 V / 220–240 V switchable, multi-voltage); consumption 75 W.

• Build & Dimensions — Massive tabletop case (often wood/teak or black/silver); approx. 530 × 527 × 230 mm (20.8 × 20.7 × 9 inches); weight 25 kg (very heavy due to motors, heads, and chassis).

• Manufacturing — Primarily Austria (Philips Österreich).

Performance & Legacy Context

The N4522 was Philips' ultimate consumer/professional open-reel machine—renowned for its massive scale (10.5" reels appear modest on it), quartz PLL capstan precision (ultra-low wow/flutter), glass-ferrite heads (long life and superior HF), and wide 30 Hz–26 kHz response at 15 ips. The half-track format (wider tracks than quarter-track) provides even better signal-to-noise, dynamics, and headroom than the N4520 (4-track version), making it preferred for critical stereo mastering or archival use. Serviced examples frequently exceed factory specs and are considered among the best Philips ever made—often compared to Revox A700 or Studer equivalents.

Common issues today: Belt/idler goo (multiple belts need full kits), dried electrolytic capacitors, transistor aging, dirty heads (3-head alignment critical), worn idler tires/clutches, capstan motor (quartz PLL) faults, and electronic counter/logic issues. Restorations are complex due to size/complexity but yield exceptional results. Service/user manuals available (HiFi Engine, Elektrotanya—full schematics, alignment, bias procedures).

Compared to siblings:

• N4520 — 4-track (quarter-track) version (same chassis but narrower tracks for more channels).

• N4450 — Auto-reverse flagship with 6 heads but slower max speed (no 15 ips).

• N4506/N4512 — Earlier high-end models with similar three-motor/3-head setup but less advanced (e.g., no quartz PLL or glass heads).