Stephens Electronics 40-track

Stephens Electronics' signature curiosity - the only 40-track 2-inch analog recorder ever produced commercially (from 1973), pushing track density well beyond the 24-track industry norm by using a narrower track pitch (trading signal-to-noise for far more channels per reel). Configuration: 40 tracks on 2-inch tape, 15/30 ips, the same iso-loop transport platform as the 821-B, a custom 40-track head block, and independent electronics per track. Very few were made (used on early Cars and Queen recordings); it is a footnote in mainstream studio history but an icon for analog completists.