CHANNEL GX400DSS Akai Reel Recorder Channels 2/4

( Brand: Channel ), ( Part Type: Reel Recorder )

Review CHANNEL Akai Reel Rare Recorder

The Akai GX400DSS Channel Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder is a remarkable piece of audio equipment that harkens back to the golden age of recording. This device exudes a vintage charm while offering modern functionality, making it an ideal choice for both professional audio engineers and passionate hobbyists.

The GX400DSS boasts a robust construction, with a solid metal chassis that ensures stability and durability. Its sleek design, with its retro-inspired knobs and buttons, provides a tactile and satisfying user experience. The machine features four independent channels, each equipped with its own level control, high and low-cut filters, and a dedicated output for easy routing and monitoring.

The heart of this recorder is its high-quality tape transport system. Capable of handling 1/4" and 1/2" reel-to-reel tape, the GX400DSS delivers exceptional playback and recording quality. The machine boasts a wide frequency response, low noise floor, and low distortion, ensuring that every note, every lyric, and every sound is captured with crystal-clear clarity.

The GX400DSS Channel Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder also comes with a variety of connectivity options to suit a wide range of applications. It features balanced XLR outputs for each channel, as well as unbalanced RCA outputs for easy connection to mixing consoles or other recording devices. Additionally, the machine includes a headphone output for private listening and a dedicated line input for external sources.

Included with the GX400DSS is a comprehensive set of accessories, including a pair of high-quality headphones, a set of reel-to-reel tape cassettes, and a user manual to guide you through the machine's operation.

In conclusion, the Akai GX400DSS Channel Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder is a versatile and high-performance audio recording solution that combines the warmth and character of analog recording with the convenience and connectivity of modern technology. Whether you're a seasoned audio professional or a budding musician, this device is sure to provide you with countless hours of creative satisfaction.

1. Analog Sound Quality: The GX400DSS uses analog tape for recording, which can produce a warm and rich sound that digital recorders often struggle to replicate.

2. Vintage Feel: The reel-to-reel format and physical operation of the GX400DSS can provide a satisfying and authentic recording experience, evoking the nostalgia of older recording methods.

3. Flexibility: The GX400DSS allows for overdubbing and layering of tracks, giving musicians and producers more creative control over their recordings.

4. Durability: Tape recorders are often considered more durable than digital recorders, as they have fewer moving parts and are less susceptible to damage from power surges or hardware failures.

1. Limited Capacity: Tape recorders have a limited recording capacity compared to digital formats, which can be a limitation for projects that require a large amount of audio data.

2. Maintenance and Cost: Tape recorders require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing parts, which can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, tape itself can be expensive, especially if high-quality tapes are required.

3. Limited Portability: Reel-to-reel recorders are larger and heavier than digital recorders, making them less portable and more difficult to transport between recording locations.

4. Limited Editing and Processing: Tape recorders do not offer the same level of editing and processing capabilities as digital recorders, which can limit the amount of control a musician or producer has over their recordings.

The Akai GX400DSS Channel Reel Tape Recorder is a great option for musicians and producers who value the warm sound and vintage feel of analog recording. However, its limited capacity, maintenance requirements, and lack of editing and processing capabilities may be limiting factors for some users. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the GX400DSS will depend on an individual's specific recording needs and preferences.

If you are a musician or producer who is looking to add a unique and authentic sound to your recordings, the Akai GX400DSS Channel Reel Tape Recorder is a worthwhile investment. However, be prepared to invest time and money into maintaining the tape recorder and purchasing high-quality tapes. Additionally, consider whether the limitations of the GX400DSS will impact your recording workflow and if digital recording options would better meet your needs.

Details:

Up for sale is a great working condition akai GX400DSS reel to reel tape deck. The only thing not stock on the face of the deck is that someone has replaced the tape size lever with a 1/4 phone plug as shown.

Also, when the deck came in, it was missing some screws in the case, and it had no rubber feet. If it sits in a wall unit however, the front edges of the case display well.

It functions fine, and it actually adds a bit of whimsy to the deck, so we left it alone.

As the deck has glass heads, they never wear out, and the deck has amazing frequency response. There's some gray paint splatter on the top, and there are some chips in the veneer as shown. When we got this deck in, the only function that worked was rewind and stop, no other function showed signs of life.

That brought all functions back to life in the transport. I own all of the equipment and calibration tapes needed to bring reel to reel units back to life, and to make them sing. All Channels are balanced within 1db of each other for flawless recording. We then cleaned all switches and controls, as they were all noisy and intermittent, standard with any 40 year old reel to reel deck.

What is in poor fair shape is the wood en case. For those that don't know, this particular model of akai suffers from the nylon tape shutoff lever snapping over time, rendering the deck inoperable. It sounds wonderful.

It was one of akai's few entry's into the semi pro market, and is one of the very rare reel to reels that has three speeds, ideal for pro or consumer use. We were pleased to see that the pinch rollers were in good shape, and they show little signs of use. This is a semi pro, 4 Channel, 4 track recorder that runs at 3/3 4, 7/1 2 and 15 UPS.

Electronically, the deck is excellent. Ignore the shipping calculator, it is incorrect. Two original akai nab hubs are included, the tapes are not.

We found a couple of bad transistors on the transport logic board, so we replaced 10 of them with Japanese quality replacements. Re soldering them brings the transport board back to life and ensures a long life span as well. We then ran the deck for 24 hours in play and record mode on all 4 Channels, and are continuing to run the deck for another 24 hours to make sure there are no hidden flaws.

Even at 3/3 4, the frequency response is flat to 18khz, and well beyond that at and 15 UPS. I am one of the few reel to reel techs that has worked on 100s of reel to reels, from entry level tube mono consumer machines, to high end track studio units, such as MCI and apex, staider etc.

All decks are tested for 24 hours in both play and record modes to ensure long term reliability. The motor is stable, and all meter lights and tape function bulbs work, as do the direction lights.

part #: gx400dss prices

• $274.42-$850.00

specifications theatereceiv:

• brand: Channel
• part type: Reel Recorder

Ratings:

1. Good Seller quick shipping. 05-16-16
2. Hope to deal with you again. Thank you. 05-15-16
3. Super fast payment great AAA+++ thank you 05-19-16
4. Hope to deal with you again. Thank you. 05-18-16
5. Great customer! Highly recommended. 05-18-16

Seller theatereceiv:

• city: Blaine, Washington
• zipcode: 98230

Returns theatereceiv:

• policy: no returns

Shipping theatereceiv:

• handling: 3 days
• type: Calculated

General theatereceiv:

• Consumer Electronics > TV, Video & Home Audio > Home Theater Receivers
• condition: Used
• in stock: Yes

Offer theatereceiv:

• quantity: 1
• min. bid: $1,200.00
• Started: May 30, 2016, 10:10 am
• best offer: false
• # Sold: 0
• # bids: 0

Payments theatereceiv:

• PayPal

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