ANALOG HAMMER

TASCAM is a professional part of the Japanese company TEAC. Revox has its Studer, Teac has Tascam.

The "122 Mk3" model incorporates all the tape recorder knowledge that the manufacturer has accumulated over more than 50 years of magnetic recording technology development, and is the device that Tascam has built to meet the needs of professionals.

Here is how the manufacturer itself characterizes this cassette recorder:

"When only the best will do, call on TASCAM's 122mkIII. The 122mkIII is the de-facto standard for cassette mastering and playback in studios, broadcast, and live applications, and with good reason. Few products receive this much attention to detail during every aspect of the production. The advanced direct drive motor, Cobalt Amorphous heads, built in test tones and front panel bias and gear/clutch coupled record level controls combine to make the 122mkIII the industry
standard recorder that professionals depend on."

Performance Specifications:
• Track System: 4 track, 2 channel stereo
• Heads: 3 = (1) Erase, (1) Record, (1) Reproduce
• Tape Speed: 1 7/8 ips, 4.76 cm/sec
• Pitch Control: Approx ±12%
• Motors: 1 FG DC servo direct-drive capstan motor; 1 DC reel motor; 1 DC ancillary motor
• Frequency Response: 25Hz-20kHz ±3dB Metal; 25Hz-19kHz ±3dB CrO2; 25Hz-17kHz ±3dB Normal
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 1% (1kHz, 160nWb/m)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: >80dB Dolby C, 1kHz, 3% THD wtd; >70dB Dolby B, 5kHz, 3% THD wtd; >60dB Dolby off
• Wow and Flutter: 0.04% (W RMS); ±0.065 peak (DIN/IEC/ANSI wtd)
• Bias/Erase Frequency: 150kHz
• Headphone Output: 100mW + 100mW, 8 Ohm
• Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz (US/Canada Model); 230V AC, 50Hz (Europe Model); 240V AC, 50Hz (Australia Model)
• Power Consumption: 23W
• Dimensions: 482 x 132 x 356 mm; 19" x 5 1/4" x 14"
• Weight: 8.4Kg, 18.5 lbs.

General Specifications:
• Three Head Design
• Cobalt Amorphous Record and Play Heads
• Advanced FG Servo Direct Drive Capstan Motor
• Gear/Clutch Coupled Input Level Controls
• Dolby B and C with HX Pro Headroom Extension
• ±12% Pitch Control with Clear On/Off Switch
• Two Locate Points and Return To Zero Functions
• Headphone Output with Level Control
• Precision VU Meters with Peak LEDs
• Auto-Input Monitor Selector
• Convenient Front Panel BIAS Calibration Controls
• Built-in Tone Oscillators
• Parallel Control Port
• Fader Start Function
• MPX Filter
• Optional RC-134 Remote Control

The Tascam 122 Mk3 is the essence of a cassette tape recorder - only features needed by a studio or advanced user, fine  performance and natural logic in the arrangement of switches and knobs, rugged construction and reliable operation. Its appearance, especially in a darkened room, is extremely striking. Combined with great sound, it creates an ambience that can impress even people who are not very sensitive to equipment :-)

The deck was used by me alternately with many other tape recorders, it is in working order and in the optical condition shown in the photos (the last one, is a factory advertising photo). It is adapted to 230V voltage. During the technical inspection (2023), the control wheel of the drive mechanism was replaced and the scale illumination was replaced with long-lasting leds. In addition to the recorder, the offer includes the Owner's Manual and Technical Description (a copy in English), a new RCA I/O cable and two new Sony UXS 90 cassettes.

If by now you thought that the analog cassette is dead, listen to how "The Rythm of the Heat", "Sunshine of Your Love" or "Welcome to the Machine" sounds on a 123 MK III reproduced on good equipment. You risk being amazed.

It's a vintage gear and a private offer and the only warranty is that the pictures and description are true (except the last picture which is from Tascam's brochure). If you do not accept it, please refrain from participating.