Classic Recording Studio Gear

Vintage Digital

Studer J 37 Tape Recorder

The Studer J 37 Tape Recorder is a legendary piece of audio equipment that has etched its name in music history. Renowned for its exceptional sound quality and reliability, the J 37 was the tape recorder of choice at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. This masterpiece of engineering played a pivotal role in recording some of the most celebrated albums in history, including The Beatles' groundbreaking work.

1964
Audio Recorders, Reel to Reel Recorders, Studer

Studer J 37 Tape Recorder Details

Designed with precision and craftsmanship, the Studer J 37 features four channels of pristine analogue recording, allowing for a rich, warm sound that digital formats struggle to replicate. Its robust build and meticulous attention to detail ensure consistent performance, making it a favourite among audio engineers and producers who seek the ultimate in sound fidelity.

The J37’s enduring legacy is highlighted by its use in creating timeless classics. The Beatles utilised this remarkable machine during the recording of albums like “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Abbey Road,” contributing to the unique and enduring sound of their music.

Whether you are a collector, a studio professional, or a music enthusiast, the Studer J 37 Tape Recorder offers a tangible connection to the golden age of music recording. Embrace the heritage of Abbey Road Studios and experience the unmatched audio quality of the Studer J 37.

Thanks to its modern design (for 1964) and meticulous manufacturing, the Studer J 37 studio tape recorder met all the needs of a contemporary recording studio. This machine stands out for its exceptional quality, versatility, and ease of use.

The “building block principle” at the heart of the recorder’s design allows for easy access to any part of the machine, making the replacement of faulty components a matter of seconds. The machine’s wiring is arranged to facilitate adaptation to new requirements, simply by using the appropriate amplifiers and head blocks. This design minimises maintenance and servicing needs.

Using one-inch (25.4 mm) wide tape, the quality of each of the four channels is comparable to that of a quarter-inch full-track machine. The built-in sync-playback amplifiers allow individual tracks to be monitored in sync with existing recordings on other tracks.

Valves and Transistors:

Record Amplifiers: 4 amplifiers, each with 2 x E 188 CC
Replay Amplifiers: 4 amplifiers, each with 3 x E 188 CC and 1 x E 283 CC
Oscillator: 6 x E 188 CC
Sync-Playback Amplifiers: 4 x E 188 CC, 4 x ECC 83, 4 x ECC 81
Power Supply Unit: 2 x E 130 L, 1 x E 283 CC, 2 x E 188 CC, 2 x 85 A 2, 2 x ASZ 18
Power Supply for Sync-Playback Amplifiers: 1 x EL 86, 1 x ECC 83, 1 x 85 A 2

Specifications

Power Consumption: 220 V, 50 c/s, Approximately 500 W
Tape Speeds:
- 15 ips, 7 1/2 ips
- Speed switch automatically selects appropriate amplifier characteristics
Speed Stability: ±0.2% of nominal
Variation in Tape Speed (Slip) for a Change in Spooling Diameter (300 to 100 mm): Less than 0.2%
Wow and Flutter (Peak Value measured with EMT 414/J 60 or EMT 420):
- Unweighted: 15 ips: ±0.1%, 7 1/2 ips: ±0.15%
- Weighted: 15 ips: ±0.075%, 7 1/2 ips: ±0.1%
Tape Run Out after Pressing “Stop” Button from “Playback”: Less than 15 cm (6″)
Stopping Time from “Rewind”: Less than 4 seconds
Rewind Time for 1000 m (3,300 ft) of Standard Tape: Less than 3 minutes
Tape Spools:
- Maximum diameter: 300 mm (12″) for 1000 m (3,300 ft) of standard tape
- Minimum diameter: 100 mm (4″)
Precision Timing Indicator, Tape Driven: 99 minutes, 59 seconds, accuracy 0.3%
Inputs:
- 0.7 to 7 V via gain control, balanced
- Input impedance greater than 15 kΩ between 30 c/s and 15 kc/s
Outputs:
- 0.7 to 7 V via gain control into 200 Ω, balanced
- Output impedance max. 25 Ω between 30 c/s and 15 kc/s
Frequency Response via Tape:
- At 15 ips: 30 c/s – 15 kc/s ± 2 dB
- At 7 1/2 ips: 40 c/s – 12 kc/s ± 2 dB
Frequency Response via Sync-Playback Amplifiers:
- At 15 ips: 30 c/s – 15 kc/s +2, -3 dB
- At 7 1/2 ips: 40 c/s – 8 kc/s ± 2 dB
Max. Permissible Phase Angle between Any 2 Channels: 30°
Distortion:
- Amplifiers: 0.1%
- Via Tape at 1 kc/s: 2% at 200 mM
Signal to Noise Ratio (measured with noise level meter S & H Rel 3 U 33, broadcast coding J 77) with machine running, referred to normal output level at 200 mM:
- 15 ips:
  - R.M.S.: 65 (60) dB
  - R.M.S. Weighted: 76 (60) dB
  - Peak: 62 (56) dB
  - Peak Weighted: 74 (57) dB
- 7 1/2 ips:
  - R.M.S.: 60 (56) dB
  - R.M.S. Weighted: 70 (56) dB
  - Peak: 57 (52) dB
  - Peak Weighted: 67 (53) dB
- Values in brackets are measured via tape, with the machine switched into “record” and the input dummy-loaded
Signal to Noise Ratio via Sync-Playback Amplifiers (measured with noise level meter S & H Rel 3 U 33, broadcast coding J 77) with machine running, referred to normal output level at 200 mM:
- 15 ips: R.M.S.: 50 dB, R.M.S. Weighted: 60 dB
- 7 1/2 ips: R.M.S.: 50 dB, R.M.S. Weighted: 66 dB
Cross-Talk between Two Neighbouring Channels at 1 kc/s:
- Both Channels in “Record”: 45 dB
- Only One Channel in “Record”: 50 dB
Bias and Erase Oscillator Frequency: 80 kc/s
Elapsed Time Indicator: 6 digits, counting only when capstan motor is running
Stray Magnetic Field 2 Inches from Contour of Console: 50 mG
Erase Head: Ferrite
Record and Replay Heads: Vacodur (Alfenol) in all-metal head-block, providing exceptional wear resistance
Track Position: International standard (emulsion inside)
Track Width: 4.5 mm
Distance between Tracks: 2.2 mm
Weight: Approximately 150 kg (330 lbs), including console
Dimensions: 1020mm x 685mm x 645mm

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The details provided above are drawn from historical documents like advertising brochures or user manuals. They’re shared without bias or review. This info is given solely for your consideration, helping you gauge its usefulness to you.

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