Optonica RT-3838 Electronic Tape Processor

This Optonica RT-3838 is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B noise reduction, it was first sold by Optonica in 1980.

The main features of the Optonica RT-3838 are: 2 heads, digital tape counter with 4 digits, tape type selection and capable of handling normal and chrome tapes with additional manual equalization selection, belt driven single-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.

Level meters used on the RT-3838 are analog needle VU reading meters with peak indicator for easy adjustment of optimum recording level. Mechanical transport controls for reliable RT-3838 transport function selection.

The Dolby-B system reduces tape hiss on tapes recorded on the RT-3838 by as much as 10 dB at the highest frequencies.

To make live recordings this deck has 2 microphone inputs 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.

• APLD (Auto Program Locate Device)