Nakamichi 700ZXL Computing Cassette Deck

This Nakamichi 700ZXL 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 first sold by Nakamichi in 1980 with a list price of USD $3,000 and discontinued 2 years later in 1982.

The main features of the Nakamichi 700ZXL are: 3 discrete heads and off-tape monitoring, digital tape counter with 4 digits and memory stop, manual tape type selection and capable of handling normal, chrome and metal tapes, 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 700ZXL are digital LED peak reading meters with peak hold for easy adjustment of optimum recording level. Full-logic transport controls used on the 700ZXL 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 700ZXL by as much as 10 dB at the highest frequencies. The three-head configuration of the 700ZXL requires a Double Dolby system, one for recording and one for playback. A Subsonic filter is provided in the 700ZXL to prevent infrasonic signals generated when playing a warped record. These signals can upset the Dolby system and prevening it from functioning properly. The 19kHz multiplex pilot slgnal present in FM stereo broadcasts can cause false triggering of the noise reduction system. The switchable MPX filter of the 700ZXL filters out the pilot signal, and assuring proper Dolby processing of FM stereo programs.

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)
• Microprocessor Control
• Auto Azimuth Alignment
• Asymmetrical Dual Capstans
• Discrete 3-Head Technology