Thorn DCR 1 Stereo Cassette Tape Deck

This Thorn DCR 1 is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B noise reduction, it was first sold by Thorn in 1974.

The main features of the Thorn DCR 1 are: 2 heads, mechanical 3 digit tape counter and memory stop, manual tape type selection and capable of handling normal, chrome and ferro-chrome tapes with additional manual equalization selection, belt driven single-capstan transport.

Typical of this deck is the 70's top loading layout 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 DCR 1 are analog needle VU reading meters. Mechanical transport controls for reliable DCR 1 transport function selection.

The Dolby-B system reduces tape hiss on tapes recorded on the DCR 1 by as much as 10 dB at the highest frequencies. 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 DCR 1 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.