Sony EM-1
Sony
Japan
Tape Deck Details
Number of Motors
1
Number of Heads
2
Head Configuration
Mono - Full Track
Wow & Flutter
Less than 0.5%
Signal-to-Noise [dB]
52
Dimensions [mm]
Weight [kg]
Year built
1973
Head Composition
Permalloy
Equalization
NAB
Frequency Response
70 Hz to 8 kHz
Speed
3¾
Max Reel [inch]
5
Tracks
1/2 Rec/PB
Price
Additional Information
The Sony EM-1 reel-to-reel tape deck, also known as the "Newscaster EM-1," was a portable professional tape recorder designed primarily for newscaster reporters. It accepts ¼ inch wide tape and can accommodate reels up to 5 inches in diameter. The tape speed is approximately 3¾ inches per second (ips, about 9.52 cm/sec), which was typical for professional-grade portable recorders in the early 1960s.
This model is known for its rugged and dependable construction, making it suitable for operation in remote and field locations. It uses a spring-powered motor mechanism, which was a compact and convenient solution before widespread use of battery or AC-powered motors in portable recorders. The EM-1 was aimed at users needing reliable portable recording for news and professional audio capture rather than hi-fi audiophile playback.
The most distinctive technical feature of the Sony EM-1 is its motor mechanism, reflecting its design for use in remote locations without reliable power.
Spring-Powered Motor: Unlike most portable recorders of the era, which relied solely on batteries, the EM-1 used a governor-controlled spring motor as its primary drive.
Purpose: This ensured constant speed and precise timing accuracy, which was difficult to maintain with early battery-operated motors.
Operation: A single winding provided approximately five minutes of operation.6 Crucially, the motor could be rewound even while the tape was running without impacting the tape speed or timing accuracy.Power Source: While the motor for the transport was spring-driven, the audio electronics were powered by batteries.
Rewind Mechanism: Rewind was typically hand-cranked, taking about 15 seconds for a full 5-inch reel.
The technical overview highlights:
Tape width: ¼ inch
Maximum reel size: 5 inches
Tape speed: 3¾ ips (9.52 cm/sec)
Spring-powered motor for portability
Designed for professional newscasting and field use
It was built for simplicity, reliability, and portability rather than advanced technical features like multi-speed options or stereo capability found in later or higher-end Sony tape decks.