Nakamichi 1000ZXL Computing Cassette Deck

The Nakamichi 1000ZXL is a stereo cassette deck with double Dolby B noise reduction with connectors for optional external DBX, DNL, Adres, Super-d, Dolby-C or High-ComII noise reduction systems, it was introduced by Nakamichi in 1979 with a manufacturer suggested retail price of USD $3,800 and discontinued 5 years later in 1984.

The main features of the Nakamichi 1000ZXL are: 3 discrete heads and off-tape monitoring, electronic tape counter with 4 digits and memory stop, tape type selection with support for normal, chrome, ferro-chrome and metal tapes with additional manual equalization selection, belt driven dual-capstan transport.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment located on the left side of the deck. Tape eject is operated mechanically and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be played facing forward in the cassette well which is opened by a damped mechanism. Additionally the compartement can be accessed easly for head cleaning by removing the well-cover.

Level meters used on the 1000ZXL are digital FL peak reading meters with peak hold for easy adjustment of optimum recording level. Full-logic transport controls used on the 1000ZXL let it respond to the slightest finger contact for fast and effortless transport function selection. Playback speed may be adjusted with pitch control. Cue and review can be used to easily and quickly locate the beginning of a passage at two speeds.

Record azimuth correction. To ensure the best response from the wide variety of tapes available adjustment of, bias, equalization and sensitivity, to optimum levels can be performed prior to recording.

The Dolby-B system reduces tape hiss on tapes recorded on the 1000ZXL by as much as 10 dB at the highest frequencies. The three-head configuration of the 1000ZXL requires a Double Dolby system, one for recording and one for playback. A Subsonic filter is provided in the 1000ZXL to prevent infrasonic signals generated when playing a warped record. These signals can upset the Dolby system and prevening it from functioning properly. To further maintain recording accuracy, the 1000ZXL incorporates a switchable multiplex filter. When you record FM stereo broadcasts, the MPX filter of the 1000ZXL can be swiched on to prevent the standard 19kHz FM pilot signal from interfering with the noise reduction system.

To make live recordings this deck has 3 microphone inputs (for left, right and center channels) to connect microphones with a jack connector. For undisturbed listening a jack connector for a pair of stereo headphones is supplied. Connection to other audio components for plaback can be achieved by a RCA cable and recording from a source by a RCA cable. All main transport commands can be issued remotely with a wired remote control.

• Diffused-Resonance Transport
• A.B.L.E. (Azimuth, Bias, Level, Equalizer)
• Pressure pad lifter
• Silent Mechanism
• Double Capstan
• RAMM (Random Access Music Memory)
• Digital Fluorescent Display
• Microprocessor Control
• Auto Azimuth Alignment
• Asymmetrical Dual Capstans
• Discrete 3-Head Technology