Sony 362-B

The Sony 362-B reel-to-reel tape deck is a vintage two-track mono tape recorder introduced around 1962, designed for consumer use with a robust, portable build. It supports three tape speeds: 7 1/2 ips (19 cm/s), 3 3/4 ips (9.5 cm/s), and 1 7/8 ips (4.75 cm/s), allowing recording times of up to 8 hours on a standard 1200 ft tape, depending on speed.

Key technical specifications include:

• Track system: 2-track mono with Permalloy heads for good magnetic recording quality.

• Motor: Synchronous hysteresis motor ensures stable and reliable tape transport across all speeds.

• Frequency response: Ranges from 40 Hz to 15 kHz at 7 1/2 ips, 50 Hz to 9 kHz at 3 3/4 ips, and 50 Hz to 5 kHz at 1 7/8 ips.

• Signal-to-noise ratio: Better than 40 dB at standard recording level, improving to above 50 dB at maximum recording levels.

• Output power: Minimum 2W through a built-in 7-1/16” x 4-3/4” permanent magnet dynamic oval speaker (8Ω).

• Inputs: Two microphone inputs (high and medium level), and outputs include line out and external monitoring.

• Features: Includes a magic eye tube level indicator, tone control, tape index counter, monitor earphone jack, and an external output jack for speakers or amplifiers.

• Electronics: Utilizes tubes including 6BM8, 6AR5, 6ME5 (magic eye), and 6CA4, alongside some early transistors (2SD series), reflecting its hybrid design.

• Power supply: Runs on 100V AC at 50/60 Hz.

• Physical dimensions: 429 mm (W) x 365 mm (H) x 206 mm (D).

• Weight: Approximately 15.47 kg, making it relatively heavy due to its metal chassis and tube components.

This deck is noted for its warm tube-driven sound quality, practical versatility in tape speeds, and solid mechanical reliability, fitting the needs of home enthusiasts and semi-professional users during its era.

The Sony 362-B remains a distinctive model combining vintage tube electronics with versatile analog tape recording features in a portable format.