Analog Audio Design Introduces The TP-1000 Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck

Vinyl Records have made a solid resurgence in the consumer market, and audio cassettes have also made a mild resurgence. However, did you know that the market for new reel-to-reel tape decks has become rather competitive?

With that in mind, Analog Audio Design, has been getting a lot of attention for its $20,000 TP-1000 reel-to-reel tape deck.

However, there is one very important thing to point out, the TP-1000 is a playback-only deck. No recording capability is provided. 

Tip: A separate reel-to-reel playback and record deck with 15 and 30 ips support targeted to the professional market is expected to become available in late 2023.

TP-1000 Core Features

The TP-1000 is the result of a four-year development plan. It is constructed from new components, utilizing technologies such as computer-aided design and advanced testing tools to optimize tape transport and minimize distortion.

AM Belgium-Made Heads: The heads used in the TP-1000 are sourced from AM Belgium, who also inherited the head technical specs directly from Studer/ReVox when they shut down. The cylindrical head shape with a large contact area reduces head wear and low-frequency head bump. This design supports consistent and resilient headwear that provides better performance. 

Tip: The Playback head on the TP-1000 is the same as used on the Studer A800, A820, A810, A812, and A807.

Motors: The TP-1000 is a three-motor machine that employs DC motors. The motors are coupled by a belt and a flywheel to a modern design. This reduces the cogging and flutter commonly associated with DC motors.

Strain Gauge: The TP-1000 incorporates “strain gauge” tape tension sensors. The sensors measure the tension on the tape during play or fast-wind conditions. Tape tension is held to 0.5 grams and is read/corrected in less than one millisecond. This improves tape handling so that playback quality is optimized. Also, the risk of tape damage is lessened – you don’t want to mess up those master tapes! 

Operational Features: Multiple touchscreens are provided for setup options. The interface handles extensive setting management from spool speed to capstan speed, NAB or IEC, network information, tape tension, headphone output level, calibration settings, autoplay, last play, track repeat, and more.

Tip: The TP-1000 can also be controlled via an iPad or Iphone (no word on Android). 

Firmware Updates: The TP-1000 includes an RJ45 ethernet connector that allows easy installation of firmware updates if needed. 

TP-1000 Specifications

• Tape Format: 1/4 inch (6.35mm) reel-to-reel
• Track Format: 2-track. 2-channel (DIN 0.106 inch, 2.7mm)
• Max. Reel Size: 11.8 inches (30 cm)
• Tape Speeds: Switchable two speeds: 15 ips (38.1 cm/s) and 7.5 ips (19.05 cm/s)
• Tape Speed Accuracy: Within +/-0.05%
• Pitch Control Range: +/-100%, resolution of 0.01 ips
• Wow and Flutter: 15 ips = <0.045% peak, weighted (DIN 45507) 7.5 ips = <0.090% peak, weighted (DIN 45507)
• 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
• 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 519mm x 305mm

Connections

Input 1: (not active)

• Connector = XLR
• Level, selectable = Balanced: +4dBu (in CAL)
• Unbalanced: -10dBV (in CAL)

Input 2: (not active)

• Connector = XLR (powered 48V)
• Level, selectable = balanced -60 dBV (in CAL) -40 dBV (in CAL)

Tip: The reason the TP-1000 has inputs even though it is a play-only deck is because the forthcoming record/play deck will be using the same chassis. Doesn’t quite make total sense unless they are going to offer a recording capability upgrade for the TP-1000, but OK. 

Output:

• Connector = XLR
• Level, selectable = Balanced: +4dBu (in CAL)
• Unbalanced: -10dBV (in CAL)

Other:

• IR Input: Infrared remote control
• Headphone Output: 1.5 W maximum (8-ohm load)
• Ethernet: RJ45 10/100Base-T for remote control and firmware update
• 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

Pricing, Availability, and Deals

The TP-1000 retails for $20,000 in the US and that price includes a hard shell shipping case designed for the deck. The TP-1000 comes with a two-year warranty 

Deal: TP-1000 purchasers can get a free carbon fiber RX reel. 

When you purchase a new TP-1000 from Pro Audio LTD, ask for the “TP-1000 RX Bundle” and it will come with a new carbon fiber reel from RX Reels at no charge!

Click here to inquire about or buy the TP-1000

Where To Buy Pre-Recorded Reel-to-Reel Tape Content

Since the TP-1000 is a player-only tape deck, you need some tapes to play on it. Unless you do your own reel-to-reel recording using another deck, here are some sources to check out. 

• Delmark Records
• 2XHD Fusion
• Acoustic Sounds