TEAC W-1200 double cassette deck

TEAC W-1200 double cassette deck

The W-1200 is a dual cassette deck with two disposable cassette decks, microphone mixing, a USB digital output, and other versatile recording functions. Recently, cassette tapes have captivated even those who have never used them, thanks to their warm, distinctly analog sound, ease of recording, and the ability to create “mix tapes.”

TEAC set out to develop a cassette deck that combines excellent performance with an interface fit for the digital audio age. The W-1200 not only delivers faithful sound reproduction but also boasts a range of versatile features, enabling karaoke, recording of conference minutes, and even digital capture of analog cassettes via a computer.

Both cassette decks support recording and playback on each, as they have independent drives. This means the owner can record on both decks simultaneously to create a pair of identical tapes. And with the microphone input and microphone mix, you can practice your karaoke vocals using a cassette tape or an external audio source (via LINE IN).

TEAC’s decades of experience in building recording equipment are evident in the W-1200, particularly in its noise reduction system. This allows users to play back and accurately hear old cassette tapes originally recorded with Dolby B NR. Furthermore, the pitch control lets you adjust the playback speed to your liking, while the included level meters allow for fine-tuning of recording levels. A timer recording/playback function is also included, enabling compatibility with third-party audio timers.

Furthermore, the W-1200 can transfer digital audio data in CD quality (up to 48 kHz/16-bit PCM) to a computer via a USB cable, enabling the digital archiving of your cassette library. Once digitized on a computer, you can enjoy your old cassette music collection anytime, anywhere via a network player, a DAP, a smartphone, or even in your car.

With its high standard of fidelity as a recording device, combined with advanced digital technologies, the W-1200 sets a new standard for dual cassette decks in the modern age.

Dual cassette decks for REC/PLAY with independent mechanisms

Two simple and reliable one-way cassette mechanisms are used. While TAPE1 is playing back (or recording), the user can change the tape to TAPE2 and prepare it for the next playback (or recording). Because both decks have independent drive units for control, the user can operate the other deck (tape change, fast forward, or rewind) while one deck is playing back (or recording) without interrupting the operation of the first deck, thus ensuring continuity of playback or recording. Both decks support playback of standard (Type I), chrome (Type II), and metal (Type IV) tapes, as well as recording on standard and chrome tapes.

Noise reduction system for playback of Dolby B tapes

The built-in noise reduction system suppresses the noise that occurs when playing back cassette tapes. This allows cassette tapes that were previously recorded with Dolby B NR to be played back with sound quality that closely resembles the original.

Pitch control and RTZ functions

TAPE1 is equipped with a pitch control that allows the playback speed to be changed by ±12% (to reset the playback pitch on older tapes to the original key). The combination of the pitch control and AB repeat playback also allows the user to improve voice clarity when transcribing recorded meetings and speeches at reduced tape speeds. Furthermore, both TAPE1 and TAPE2 feature a Return-to-Zero (RTZ) function, which allows them to be reset to the counter position “0000” with a single button press.

Parallel recording for the simultaneous creation of identical tapes

Parallel recording involves recording two identical tapes simultaneously onto TAPE1 and TAPE2. It’s a convenient way to provide someone with a copy of a tape immediately after recording.

Dual Mode REC MUTE

The dual-mode REC MUTE function allows you to delete unnecessary sections and insert gaps (silence) between tracks during recording. During recording or in record standby mode, pressing the REC MUTE button once on the W-1200 creates a 4-second gap (a standard pause) between tracks. Holding the button down for longer than 4 seconds allows you to create a gap of as much length as needed.

Microphone input and microphone mix for karaoke and public address applications

With the microphone input and mixing function, the user can mix microphone audio and tape/AUX audio and record the mixed audio to a cassette tape. By adjusting the microphone level, the user can enjoy a karaoke performance (useful for announcements) without needing an external mixer. Of course, recording pure microphone audio to a cassette tape is also supported. In combination with the parallel recording function, the user can create two identical tapes simultaneously, which is useful, for example, for creating conference minutes, with one tape serving as the “master” and the other for distribution.

Dubbing tapes with the touch of a button

With just one keystroke, the user can duplicate cassette tapes and create a backup of the original. By pressing the REC MUTE button during dubbing, the user can also create pauses between tracks. This also serves as a simple editing system, allowing unwanted sections to be deleted.

Fluorescent display with level indicators

A high-contrast, high-brightness fluorescent display shows all the information needed to operate the decks in one place, including left and right level meters for full recording, as well as independent tape counters for TAPE 1 and TAPE 2. The dimmer function allows the user to adjust the brightness to the ambient light.

USB digital output for digital recording on PC/Mac

The built-in A/D converter and a USB digital output on the rear panel allow users to digitally archive their cassette libraries at 48kHz/16-bit in CD quality. The sampling rate and bit depth are selectable from 8kHz to 48kHz and 8 or 16 bits, depending on the recording quality of the original tape. Once a digital archive is created, users can listen to it anytime, anywhere with a computer, DAP, smartphone, network player, or even in their car.