Vector Research VCX-800 Stereo Cassette Deck

The Vector Research VCX-800 is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B/C and HX-Pro noise reduction, it was introduced by Vector Research in 1981 with a list price of USD $1,000 and discontinued 3 years later in 1984.

The main features of the Vector Research VCX-800 are: 3 heads and off-tape monitoring, electronic linear tape counter with 4 digits, manual tape type selection with support for normal, chrome and metal tapes, 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 VCX-800 are generic digital peak reading meters. Full-logic transport controls used on the VCX-800 let it respond to the slightest finger contact for fast and effortless transport function selection.

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

Dolby C-type used in the VCX-800 provides 20 dB of noise reduction above about 1,000 Hz, fully doubling the amount given by B-type. The Dolby HX PRO system provides precise bias control during recording to reduce distortion and improve linearity in the high-frequency range, the result is recorded sound that is highly faithful to the original. To further maintain recording accuracy, the VCX-800 incorporates a switchable multiplex filter. When you record FM stereo broadcasts, the MPX filter of the VCX-800 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 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.