2024 Golden Ear: Analog Audio Design TP-1000 Tape Player
TP-1000 Open Reel Tape Deck: Analog Audio Design in France has been making waves with its brand-new tape player, the TP-1000. Blending modern technology with tried-and-tested methods from the past, this high-tech audio device is the result of four years of intensive development.
The AAD TP-1000 is a 1/4-inch 2-track reel tape player not a recorder, though AAD does offer one (the TR-1000) and it supports 15ips and 7.5ips speeds, with switchable NAB or IEC EQ curves. The unit offers a “completely new” DC motor, sports a belt-drive design with a microprocessor for precision mechanical control, and it boasts a more modern-looking touchscreen display and user interface.
All of the TP-1000’s mechanical parts are made in the company’s own facilities, and “all units” are assembled in their HQ in the northern region of Bretagne in France. The belt-driven reels and capstan using low-torque, Swiss-made DC motors “in the best Studer Digitec tradition,” as AAD puts it. The constant tape tension is microprocessor-controlled, in combination with a “unique” strain-gauge design that is said to maintain voltage within 1ms and with an accuracy of 0.5g.
Besides the touchscreen indicators for all of its playback parameters, the TP-1000 also features two classic VU meters. AAD supplies an optional infrared remote for the player, but the TP-1000 itself sports an RJ45/Ethernet interface so that it can be controlled via Wi-Fi on a smartphone or tablet. The integrated web server also enables internal firmware updates and external maintenance.
Analog Audio Design TP-1000 Tape Player Specifications:
Mechanical • Tape : 1/4 inch (6.35mm) Track Format : 2-track. 2 channel (DIN 0.106 inch, 2.7mm) Max. Reel Size : 11.8 inch (30 cm) Tape Speed : Switchable two speeds : 15 ips (38.1 cm/s) and 7.5 ips (19.05 cm/s) Tape Speed Accuracy : Within +/-1% Pitch Control Range : +/-100%, resolution of 0.01 ips Wow and Flutter : 15 ips = +/-0.05% peak, weigthed (DIN 45507), 7.5 ips = +/-0.10% peak, weigthed (DIN 45507) Wind Speed : Switchable three speeds = 2 m/s, 6 m/s, 10 m/s Wind Speed Control : 1 m/s to 12 m/s, resolution of 1 m/s Capstan Motor : DC servo motor, belt drive Reel Motor : 2x DC motor, belt drive Dimensions (WxHxD) : 466mm x 524mm x 269mm Weight : 61.73 lbs (28 kg)
Power Supply: Connector = IEC 3-pole, Voltage Range = 90 to 264 VAC, Frequency Range = 47 to 63 Hz Power Consumption = 40 W maximum Input 1 : Connector = XLR, Level selectable = Balanced = +4dBu (in CAL), Unbalanced = -10dBV (in CAL) Input 2 : Connector = XLR (powered 48V) Level selectable = -60 dBV (in CAL), -40 dBV (in CAL) Output : Connector = XLR, Level selectable = Balanced = +4dBu (in CAL), Unbalanced = -10dBV (in CAL) Headphone Ouput : 1.5 W maximum (8 ohm load) Ethernet : RJ45 10/100Base-T for remote control and firmware update IR Input : Infrared remote control
Audio • Equalization : NAB or IEC, switchable Reproduce Record Level : 320 nWb/m or 514 nWb/n, switchable Frequency Response : 15 ips = 30hz to 22kHz (+/-2 dB) at 0 VU , 7.5 ips = 30hz to 20kHz (+/-2 dB) at 0 VU Signal-To-Noise Ratio : (THD-N, in CAL) / A-Weighting = 15 ips = 71 dB / 78 dB, 7.5 ips = 70 dB / 77 dB Distortion : 0.8% or less at 1kHz, 15 ips Channel Crosstalk : 60 dB or more
Made in France for audiophiles with the passion to tape recording.
The Absolute Sound Golden Ear Award: Analog Audio Design TP-1000 Tape Player
Analog Audio Design - 48 B Rte De Trébeurden, 22560 Pleumeur-Bodou, France
