Pioneer RT 1011

The Pioneer RT-1011 (and RT-1011L variant) is a 1973–1978 mid-high fidelity, 10.5-inch, 3-motor, 3-head, 4-track/2-channel stereo reel-to-reel deck aimed at serious home recording and playback, with a belt-driven transport emphasizing stability for larger reels.

Transport and tape handling

• Format: Quarter-inch tape, 4-track stereo, no auto-reverse (forward-only record/play).

• Heads: 3 total – 1 hard permalloy record head, 1 hard permalloy playback head, 1 ferrite erase head; hyperbolic design for optimal tape contact and short tape path.

• Motors: 3 – 1 capstan drive (4/8-pole two-speed hysteresis synchronous with 100 mm tuned flywheel), 2 reel motors (6-pole inner-rotor induction for high torque/tension).

• Speeds: 3¾ ips (9.5 cm/s) and 7½ ips (19 cm/s), ±0.5–0.8%; NAB/IEC equalization.

• Reels: Up to 10.5-inch (26.5 cm) NAB hubs; fast wind/rewind ~90–110 sec for 740–1200 ft tape.

Performance specifications

• Frequency response (±3 dB):
  7½ ips: 40 Hz–20 kHz.
  3¾ ips: 40 Hz–12 kHz.

• Wow/flutter: <0.08–0.10% WRMS (7½ ips), <0.10–0.13% (3¾ ips).

• S/N ratio: >55 dB; THD: <1% (7½ ips); crosstalk >60 dB; separation >50 dB; erase > unspecified but typical >60 dB; 125 kHz bias.

Electronics and connectivity

• Inputs: Mic (0.25–0.316 mV nominal / 80–100 mV max, 20–27 kΩ, 6 mm jacks); Line (50 mV / 25 V, 50 kΩ RCA).

• Outputs: Line (316–900 mV / 50 kΩ RCA); Headphones (40–50 mV / 8–16 Ω).

• Features: 2-stage bias/EQ switching, solenoid controls, lockable pause, mic/line mixing, auto-record timer mode, large meters.

Physical and production details

• Dimensions: ~428 × 431 × 227 mm (16.9 × 17 × 8.9 in) W×H×D.

• Weight: 18.6–21 kg (~41–46 lb).​

• Power: 100–115 W AC (110–120/220–240 V versions); ~28 transistors, 2 ICs, 2 FETs, 46 diodes.​

• Build: Die-cast frame, 5 mm suspension front panel; silver face with walnut sides on some exports.

Audiophile context

As Pioneer's more affordable 10.5-inch deck from the mid-1970s (before the RT-90x series), the RT-1011L offers strong value with 3-head monitoring, large-reel capacity, and solid transport stability, though belt drive requires periodic maintenance—ideal for archival playback or home dubbing at 7½ ips.