History of Soviet audio cassettes. Cassette tape recorders of the USSR Cassette tape recorders of the USSR

Now there is a fashion to praise everything that happened in the Soviet Union. It got to the point that on one of the sites they posted pictures from Stalin’s book about tasty and healthy food, while the topic starter stubbornly argued that this is how Soviet people were fed in ordinary canteens. I remembered it for a long time. I remembered how in Soviet canteens semolina porridge was diluted with boiling water from the tap (not even boiled water), I remembered sticky “erasers”, which for some reason were called dumplings, I remember very well how as children we bought coffee concentrate with sugar and nibbled on it, as it was delicious The sweets were "strained", however, and the concentrate then disappeared. I also remember that Soviet food products put me in the hospital twice with dysentery and once with hepatitis. A similar situation occurred with Soviet electronics. Anyone who claims otherwise is simply lying. I had to not only use Soviet electronics, but also repair them and even design some things myself. Of course, there were successful and reliable specimens, but they were very rare.

Origin and elemental base

As a rule, everything that was developed and produced in the Soviet Union from consumer electronics was copied from Western models. The design, operating principle, and original developments were stolen. And this wouldn't be so bad if we could copy well. But the problem is that we made it all much worse, from shitty Soviet parts

Open the lid of this “Lighthouse” and look inside. Do you know what the largest board inside is? You'll never guess! This board switches modes (record, playback, rewind, stop, pause). Where on a foreign tape recorder one microcircuit is responsible for all this (hence the reliability), in the USSR tape recorders had huge circuit boards with a bunch of outdated parts. Please note that for examples I choose the most successful, best examples of Soviet electronics. And all sorts of things were released...

This is where we come close to the Soviet element base. Almost everyone has at least once asked the question: “Why is there a bunch of different radio components in a Soviet TV, but in an imported one, one medium-sized board is responsible for everything?” But this applies specifically to the Soviet element base. The amateur radio circuits of the same, for example, power amplifier were strikingly different from the circuit of a “store” power amplifier. Amateur radio circuits were compact and generally contained few radio components, unlike store-bought ones. Why is that? The answer is simple. Soviet radio components did not meet basic requirements. A radio amateur could choose the right one from a dozen identical parts; such a feint did not happen on the assembly line.

For example, a transistor (triode) has a lot of parameters. One of the main ones is the gain. If we take two similar transistors of Soviet and Japanese production, then for the Japanese one this parameter can be equal to 170-180. I was once lucky - they allowed me to dismantle a broken Japanese synthesizer for parts. The synthesizer was about 15 years old. Old by normal standards, but what was my surprise that half of the parts did not have Soviet analogues. They had not yet been invented in the USSR. Then I started measuring the gain of these old transistors from the synthesizer. It was in the range of 173-178. That is, within normal limits. For a similar Soviet transistor, reference books give gain limits of 40-180. If we measure the real gain of these Soviet transistors, the range will be 20-120. The discrepancy is six times and does not fall within the normal range at all. And I also came across transistors with a coefficient of 0. That is, it seems to be working, but does not amplify.

This is the kind of junk that Soviet electronics were assembled from. And the circuits were cumbersome, because it included multiple additional circuits and cascades designed to compensate for the low quality of Soviet radio components.
There is another interesting nuance here. All the best in the USSR went to the military, the average - to production, the remaining trash - to the sphere of public consumption.

An acquaintance bought a Cometa-212 tape recorder in 1987. A month later he brings it to me - a quiet sound on one channel. I dig around and find a problem - the electrolytic capacitor has dried out. Capacitors are another joke of the Soviet element base: outdated ones, with large sizes and low parameters, are produced by one plant for the entire USSR in Yerevan. Well, you understand. I'm looking at other parts of the tape recorder out of interest. The trend is this: the tape recorder was released in 1987, radio components were released in 1983, radio components were developed in 1969-1975. Imagine that you bought a computer, and inside it is a design from 18 years ago! Welcome to Sovok.

Radios

Perhaps the most successful direction in Soviet electronics. I remember with nostalgia such examples from Soviet industry as “VEF”, “Spidola”, “Riga” (all from the Baltic states), and “Okean-205” has been working for more than thirty years! You will say: “Aha! Here it is! So it wasn’t all so sad!” Alas, everything was sad. We had successful receivers only because they did not require modern radio components; they could be “made from what we had” without loss of quality.
I still remember the Ishim radio with respect. Such a hefty metal box! Its main advantage was that it received ranges that were inaccessible to ordinary receivers. Simply put, you could listen to the Voice of America without jammers. But "Ishim" was an industrial receiver, if not a military one. It was not sold in stores. It could only be stolen.

Vinyl players

Most people probably forgot that the main problem with Soviet players was that they “burned” discs. Somewhere around 1980, Soviet industry found a solution - they began to purchase the entire mechanism in Poland. That is, the result was a Polish turntable "Unitra" in a Soviet wooden case and with a Soviet corrector. This miracle was called "Vega-106". A characteristic feature: when playing a disc, one could only walk around the room on tiptoe, since with every careless step the needle began to jump across the record.

Towards the end of perestroika, around 1988, the Novosibirsk NPO distinguished itself and began producing decent turntables "Electronics". They had good mechanics and completely lacked electrolytic capacitors made in Yerevan. But this is perhaps the only case when Soviet technology came close to world standards.

Tape recorders

This is where there is freedom for the nostalgia of fans of the Soviet Union. And after all, we came across decent devices. I’m still nostalgic for “Kometa-202”, I’m simply touched by the sight of “Nota-M” (my copy fell from the third floor, the fall was slightly slowed down by tree branches, and after that it continued to work for many more years), I remember “Timbre” with respect. . However, I hasten to upset you. "Timbre" was still a professional tape recorder, and ordinary scoops could not buy it. The other tape recorders listed above are tube recorders. That is, we could “lick” more or less well from the West only when the elemental base, damn it, allowed it. What followed was mostly trash. There were some successful glimpses, for example, the ugly but quite reliable “Rostov-102”, the cute “Astra-110” (there was also an “Astra-111”, but I haven’t seen it in stores, only in the picture). Yes, perhaps that's all.

What about Olympus? - you ask. What can I say... Many of my friends had Olympus. And there were also eternal problems: non-identical sound in the channels, failure of the control system (remember one microcircuit in Japanese devices?), eternal clogging of the heads with dirt. And the point here is not at all about the Soviet tape. I bought myself "AKAI 636" here. The tape recorder is 20 years old. I put on a Soviet reel, then another, a third... And what’s strange is that the head doesn’t get clogged, the tape mechanism is generally clean, the dirt from the film only spills onto the shelf in front of the tape recorder. So it's not just about the film.

As for Soviet electronics, I think that everything is clear to you. With rare exceptions, nothing worthwhile was produced in the USSR.

Audio cassettes in the USSR. How it was…

The appearance of audio cassettes and cassette recorders in the USSR occurred during my adolescence. It seemed that just recently I was saving on school lunches in order to buy an extra reel of tape, when audio cassettes, as well as battery-powered portable cassette recorders, burst onto the Soviet music market.
Philophonists, owners of good stationary reel-to-reel tape recorders, looked at the cassettes with contempt. This was a clear step back in terms of sound quality. But portable reel-to-reel cameras, for example, such as “Orbita-1”, “Comet-206”, etc., were buried overnight. And rightly so - they brought more anxiety to their owners than pleasure.

It's funny, but really high-quality portable cassette players never appeared in the Soviet industry. There were successful brands that buyers were hunting for. First of all, this is, of course, the Vesna line of cassette players. For their money, they provided decent sound in their class and fairly good reliability. Later, good clones of “Spring” appeared, such as “Rhythm” and especially “Sonata”. The “Electronics” line was also valued for its reliability, but no matter how many times I saw them, they all suffered from a dull sound when recording. However, we are not talking about tape recorders, but about cassettes.

On the territory of Sovk, one brand of audio cassettes reigned supreme - the Order of Lenin, Sutuloy’s medals, and the famous MK-60 cassettes. The name was simply deciphered - a tape cassette lasting 60 minutes. They were made on the basis of iron oxide, and their quality left much to be desired. They cost 4 rubles for one cassette. Occasionally, chromium-based cassettes came across; they were noticeably more High Quality and were more expensive. However, the price did not play a role here, since I had to hold them in my hands, and even make recordings on them a couple of times at the request of the happy owners of these cassettes, but I have never seen them on sale.

RUN FOR HAPPINESS

However, you had to run around for ordinary MK-60 audio cassettes; they were sold freely in Soviet stores for only a short time. When I bought my first cassette player, I very quickly began to miss the only cassette that came with the tape recorder. I got out of it this way: within a week I went to the opening shopping center, and when the store doors opened, he ran to the counter.
Here we should explain why we run. The fact is that in the USSR there were not enough goods for everyone, and accordingly, the shortage gave rise to corruption (and widespread) in the sphere of trade. Remember Dima Semitsvetov from the film “Beware of the Car”, his role was brilliantly played by Andrei Mironov. This Dima made money by reselling the deficit. The film shows it in a simplistic way, but that's pretty much how it happened. When the goods arrived at the store’s warehouse, the store’s management and merchandiser decided where they could “move” the more expensive batch of goods, for example, to speculators. The remainder, if any, was shared by the sellers - the lowest link in the corruption chain. As for cassettes, directors and merchandisers disdained such trifles, sellers did not take much for themselves (only to all relatives and friends), there simply weren’t enough audio cassettes made. And yet, some things also passed on to buyers.
So!
1. Cassettes were not brought to the store every day.
2. Most Soviet citizens waited for the opening in the hope of getting hold of something more serious, for example, a color TV of a popular brand.
3. The doors in the store were usually opened strictly synchronously, so the defense should be kept at the door that is closer to the department where audio cassettes are sold.
4. You need to run fast.
This time I was lucky, I came in about tenth. Therefore, with all the 20 rubles I had, I bought five brand new MK-60 audio cassettes produced by Svema.

The cassettes didn't last long for me. Either the rollers in the cassettes were crooked, or the tape was cut unevenly... in general, after one or two listenings, the tape jammed in them. The cassettes had to be “kneaded” and tapped, but this did not always help. The solution was found as follows: the cassettes were disassembled (more precisely, they were broken lengthwise, since the Soviet industry glued halves of audio cassettes together, rather than twisting them with bolts, as is common throughout the world), small plates were inserted on the sides to increase the thickness of the cassettes, and then the audio cassettes were glued together with insulating tape. This tape looked creepy, but it still worked for a while.

But this was not the end of the low quality of Soviet audio cassettes. The film in the cassettes often “crumbled,” that is, the working layer crumbled and clogged the heads. The cassette began to creak. The audio cassette clamping mechanism often became deformed or even fell off. Then they tried to make it themselves, and sometimes they simply stuffed cotton wool instead.

DEMAGNETIZE ANNA GERMAN

The most important inconvenience of cassettes made in the USSR was that they were 60 minutes long, while music albums usually lasted 45 minutes, sometimes 90 minutes. Simply put, 60-minute cassettes were in no way suitable for the recordings needed. And considering that they were also in short supply...

Fortunately, ready-made cassettes with recordings were still sold in the USSR. Not the ones you could buy in recording studios, but the ones they sold in stores. These are MK-44 cassettes. Duration - 44 minutes. Usually they recorded the same songs that could be freely bought on gramophone records, but cheaper. And these cassettes themselves, due to recording, were more expensive than similar blank cassettes.

What did you have to do? And it’s very simple - in the absence of normal audio cassettes, these same cassettes with recordings were bought, the original phonogram was erased, and what was needed was recorded on top. These cassettes were almost always on sale, as they were reluctant to take them due to the relatively high price (meaning per minute of recording). These cassettes had one more advantage - they almost never jammed in tape recorders, apparently because they used less tape, or the tape was thicker.
It was all so Soviet-style: make a cassette, record music on it, make at least passable printing for it with a list of songs and put it on sale, so that the recording will then be erased and the list of songs crossed out. This is how the recordings of Anna German, Lev Leshchenko and numerous vocal and instrumental ensembles were recorded and then demagnetized en masse.

THANKS TO THE POLES FOR OUR HAPPY YOUTH

One fine day, the incredible happened - almost overnight, imported audio cassettes appeared in stores in the USSR. And what kind! The shelves were full of ninety-minute Sonjas and Denons. At first they were bought in whole blocks! They recorded only what was dearest and closest to the heart of the Soviet citizen - foreign music and Russian underground thieves. And then the Soviet MK-60 simply “died” for us. They stopped buying them. At all. When they realized that Japanese audio cassettes were serious and for a long time. Before this, imported audio cassettes could only be bought from speculators for 25 rubles per cassette. Now these cassettes were freely sold for 9 rubles. It turned out that it is easy to fight speculators, you just need to overcome the deficit.

Where did these audio cassettes come from on the territory of the USSR, and in such quantities? Oddly enough, I did not hear many rumors on this matter, as is usually the case, but only one, but from a variety of sources. And you know, I’m inclined to believe him, I think that’s how it was. Although let everyone draw their own conclusions. And that was the rumor.

Poland has traditionally purchased imported goods and in large quantities. But then the Solidarity trade union appeared, and strikes swept across the country, which significantly undermined the country’s economy. And then Poland turned to the leadership of the Soviet Union: “We signed a bunch of contracts here, ordered imported goods, but after all this we are not able to pay. Buy up our contracts." And the USSR helped fraternal socialist Poland. And a flood of imports poured into our homeland, including audio cassettes. I still remember the rows of American cigarettes in every grocery store. In music stores there are stacks of imported audio cassettes, for which there is no queue!!! Eight types of branded jeans in a haberdashery store and a stunned look from the saleswoman, as if saying: “How can this be? For what? How to live without deficit? She can be understood; entering a trade institute was more difficult and more prestigious than entering any technical university.
This is how the Polish proletariat fought for the happiness of the Soviet people.

Victor Zolotukhin

In the 1980s, a tape recorder was the main attribute of a cool guy who could easily throw a party or take the equipment with him on a camping trip. With a “cassette player” you could go out into the yard or take a walk with friends around the area. “The cassette player” was the dream of all the boys of those years...

The tape recorder was a vital part of the non-state culture and non-state economy of the Soviet Union. State culture was conveyed through radio stations, Record televisions and Aurora telephones.
The tape recorder, thanks to the possibility of re-recording, distributed what was not released on records and was not heard on TV - from Vysotsky and Galich to Arkady Severny and Pink Floyd, covering the entire spectrum of music not covered by the Melodiya company.
Household appliances were not cheap. Not cheap - to put it mildly. The average Soviet family prepared for the purchase of a cassette recorder with no less trepidation than, say, for the birth of their first child.


Money for a shabby cassette player was saved for months, during which all family members, without exception, were engaged in a painful process, which I once described with the strange word “look after.” This process boiled down to regular visits to radio stores.
Although, process is a slightly different word that defines all the action that unfolded in these stores. If you think about it, it was much easier for buyers of those years to make the right choice - the number of products offered at the same time never reached even a dozen.
Nevertheless, in the sales areas of stores, you could always and at any time meet a crowd of gloomy men who huddled around the counter, silently looking at angular radios, massive record players and cassette decks.


As a rule, each of the men was mentally aimed at one or another product, which he came to look at every day. The whole process took 10-15 minutes, after which one “sort of buyer” was replaced by another. People came and went, but the crowd of curious people almost never thinned.
The seller dominated this exhibition of unfulfilled desires, of course. Salespeople in radio stores of those years were quite an interesting type: dressed in the latest fashion in hundred-ruble imported jeans, they radiated around them a charge of greatness, uniqueness and awareness of their own superiority over mere mortals.
Not paying any attention to the “stayers”, the seller majestically looked through the crowd, examining fragments of trolleybuses, grain vans and panel trucks, barely visible above people’s heads, steadily making their way along the city streets


Of course, this was not always the case. Occasionally, the doors of the store were opened by yesterday's "stayer", and he did this not cautiously and ingratiatingly, as usual, but in a businesslike manner, confidently and proudly looking at those around him. And immediately everyone around understood that this person would definitely buy something now...


Portable cassette monophonic tape recorder of the third class "Electronics-302"
Tape recorder "Electronics-302" produced until 1984. The main plant that produced this model was the Moscow TochMash. The Elektronika-302 tape recorder is designed for recording and playing back sound on a 3.81 mm wide magnetic tape placed in an MK-60 cassette.
It was developed on the basis of the unified model "Electronics-301" differing from it by the use of a new dynamic head 1GD-40 instead of 0.5GD-30, slider volume and tone controls, more modern appearance. Due to claims from warranty workshops for poor quality slide controls, they were soon replaced by conventional angular ones.
The tape recorder has undergone many changes over the years of production electrical diagram, transistors and a microcircuit were installed in the output stage of the amplifier, and the entire circuit was adjusted.


Portable cassette recorders "Electronics-321" and "Electronics-322.
The tape recorders were developed on the basis of the tape transport mechanism of the Vesna-305 apparatus. In the new tape recorders, the clutch drive of the receiving unit has been modernized, guide posts for small-sized cassettes and clamps for the magnetic head unit in the vertical direction have been installed.
The "321" series tape recorder uses a built-in electronic microphone, manual and automatic recording level adjustment, fine-compensated volume control, and a 1GD-40 type loudspeaker.


Cassette tape recorders “Electronics-323/1” and “Electronics-324/1”.
Novovoronezh plant Aliot. 1981 and 1987 models
Household wearable monophonic cassette recorders "Electronics-323" and "Electronics-324"- designed for recording and playback of audio tracks in any conditions. Built-in network block power supply, autonomous power supply from batteries or a car battery makes tape recorders universal in use. Among the service amenities, the models have an ARUZ and a signal output.
According to the electrical circuit and general design, the devices are the same, the only difference is the absence of a built-in microphone in the Elektronika-324 tape recorder.


Portable tape recorder “Electronics-211 stereo”.
Novovoronezh plant "Aliot". Issued since 1983.
Portable stereo cassette recorder ""Electronics-211 stereo"" designed for recording or playing sound programs from a microphone, receiver, audio pickup, TV or other tape recorder.
It provides manual and automatic adjustment of the recording level, an auto-stop, a noise reduction device, separate tone controls, and a flax consumption meter.
you, two built-in microphones.


Tape recorder "Electronics-311-S"
Novovoronezh plant "Aliot" - Production since 1977
Tape recorder "Electronics-311-S" provides tone control for high and low frequencies, automatic and manual control of the recording level of all inputs, a temporary pause in tape movement, erasing recordings, and the ability to visually and audibly control the recorded signal.
For high-quality listening and expanding the stereo base, the device is equipped with two external speaker systems. The tape recorder was produced in four configuration options: 1. With a power supply and a microphone. 2. Without power supply and microphone. 3. With a microphone but without power supply. 4. Without power supply and microphone. In configuration No. 1, the price of the “Electronics-311S” tape recorder is 289 rubles.


Portable cassette recorder "Spring-202"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Serial production of the model began in 1977.
Second class monophonic cassette recorder "Spring-202" (UNM-12) Unlike the produced cassette tape recorders of the second and third classes, it has an increased output power of the low-frequency amplifier, a noise reduction system, and manual and automatic adjustment of the sound recording level.
Price - 200 rubles.


Stereo cassette recorder "Spring-201-stereo".
Zaporozhye EMZ Iskra. Production of the model since 1977.
Record player "Spring-201-stereo" works on its own loudspeaker as monophonic, and on external speakers as stereophonic. Playback strip audio frequencies on external speakers 63...10000 Hz. Nominal output power amplifiers for own speakers - 0.8 W, for external speakers 2x3 W.
In anticipation of the 1980 Olympic Games, from the beginning of 1978 the attribute “Olympic” was added to the name of the tape recorder. The cost of the tape recorder has increased accordingly. Until 1978, the plastic case of the tape recorder was covered with decorative wood-like film on the sides and back at the top, and since 1978 it began to be produced only in plastic, with the addition of aluminum design.


Portable cassette recorder "Spring-202-1"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Production of the tape recorder began in 1983.
Cassette monophonic tape recorder ""Spring-202-1"" type UNM-12 has increased output power, noise reduction system, manual and automatic recording level adjustment. The level is controlled by a dial indicator, and the magnetic tape consumption is carried out by a three-decade mechanical counter.
The operating audio frequency range of the tape recorder is 63...12500 Hz. The tape recorder is powered by 6 373 elements.
Price 195 rubles.


Portable cassette recorder 2nd class "Spring-207-stereo"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Vol. 1982
The tape recorder has a switchable noise reduction system, automatic translation LPM to stop mode when the power is turned off and when the tape in the cassette runs out or due to a cassette malfunction.
There is automatic level adjustment when recording. There are peak overload indicators, an electret microphone, a magnetic tape consumption meter with a memory device, and a magnetic tape type switch.
The device is powered by 6 373, 7 A-343 batteries or from a 220 V network. via built-in rectifier.


Second class stereo cassette tape recorder “Spring-211-stereo”. Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Issued since 1978.
A tape recorder similar in appearance, design and parameters under the brand ""Russia-211-stereo"", produced since 1979 by the Chelyabinsk Production Association - "Flight".
The tape recorder was developed on the basis of the “Spring-201-stereo” model and differs from it in its external design and the presence of such operational amenities as; complete auto-stop, as well as control of the recording level using peak indicators on LEDs. There is a noise reduction device and a tape consumption counter.
The tape recorder can operate on the built-in loudspeaker "2GD-40" or on external loudspeakers "6AS-503", each of them has 2 heads of the 4GD-35 type. Powered by mains power or eight 373 elements.


Portable cassette recorder "Spring M-212 S-4"
Production has been established since 1989 by the Zaporozhye Vesna tape recorder plant and the Iskra electrical machine-building plant.
The tape recorder was also called ""Spring-212-4S"" and ""Spring-212 S-4"". It allows you to record onto magnetic tape and play back music and speech programs from various sources of sound programs through the built-in speaker.
It has an auto-stop when the tape in the cassette runs out or is jammed, control of the recording level using dial indicators, as well as peak indicators, control of the supply voltage using a dial indicator, a switchable ARUZ system, a tape type switch, a three-decade tape consumption counter in the cassette, with a device memory, a switchable noise reduction system and a device for expanding the stereo base, improving sound quality. The tape recorder is powered by mains power or 8 373 elements.
Price 365 rub.


Cassette stereo tape recorder "IZH-303-stereo"
Izhevsk Motor Plant (JSC Aksion). Issued since 1986.
In the tape recorder "IZH-303-stereo" Provides manual and automatic adjustment of the recording level, auto-stop when the tape in the cassette breaks or ends, there is a tape consumption meter with a memory device, dial indicators of the recording level, and a noise reduction system.
You can connect external speakers and headphones TDS-9, TDS-6 to the device. The power supply is universal: from 6 A343 Salyut-1 elements or from the mains. Rated output power - 2x1 W. The operating range of sound frequencies is 63...10000 Hz.
Price 285 rub.


Portable cassette recorder on the substation "Elegy-301"
Voronezh plant Elektropribor. Issued since 1986.
In the tape recorder "Elegy-301" There is a built-in electret microphone, an ARUZ system, a switchable noise reduction system, and tone controls for low and high frequencies.
Using the same electrical circuit and design, but with a slightly different design of the front panel, tape recorders of the "Agidel-301" and "Legend-301" brands were produced by different factories in the country.
The price of the “Elegy-301” model is 184 rubles.


Portable cassette recorder "Tom-303"
Tomsk Radio Engineering Plant. Serial production since 1982.
In the tape recorder "Tom-303" A switchable noise reduction device is provided to reduce the noise level during playback.
The "Tom-303" tape recorder allows you to record and playback while moving, when carrying and during transportation. This ensures the preservation of the basic electrical parameters and sound quality.
The tape recorder is powered from the mains, through the built-in power supply, or from batteries. Since 1985, the plant has produced the Tom M-303 tape recorder with a different front panel design and a wide range of case colors.


Cassette tape recorder "Belarus-301"
Record player "Belarus-301" allows you to record phonograms from a microphone, receiver, TV, broadcast line, recorder, electric player or other tape recorder. The recording level is controlled using a dial indicator.
You can connect an external amplifier with a speaker system or a small-sized speaker system with a resistance of about 4 ohms to the tape recorder.
The range of recorded and reproduced frequencies is 63...10000 Hz. The rated output power when operating on an external speaker is 0.8 W. Duration of operation from a set of elements is 15 hours. Power consumption from the network is 5 W.


Portable cassette recorder "Karpaty-202-1"
Prykarpattia radio plant. PA "Karpaty". Ivano-Frankivsk Tape recorder production has been established since 1977
Class 2 monophonic cassette recorder ""Karpaty-202-1"" (UNM-12) was produced simultaneously with the model "Spring-202-1" and according to its electrical circuit and design, nothing from
it is no different.
In turn, both tape recorders are a modernization of the “Vesna-202” and “Karpaty-202” tape recorders, differing from them only in the loudspeaker grille and minor changes in the electrical circuit. The range of audio frequencies of the tape recorder at the linear output is from 63 to 10000 Hz, and those reproduced by the loudspeaker are 100...10000 Hz.
The tape recorder is powered by six 373 elements. The rated output power of the amplifier is 1 W, the maximum is 2 W.
Price 200 rubles.


Portable cassette recorder "Karpaty-205-1"
Prykarpattia radio plant. Production since 1987.
The tape recorder was produced on the basis of the model “Spring-205-1” and, with minor changes in the circuit, is completely similar to it.


Cassette tape recorder "Parus-201-stereo"
Saratov plant "Banner of Labor". Production started in 1983.
Record player "Parus-201-stereo" has the following functions: recording and listening to stereo and mono programs through an external amplifier in stereo and mono modes, or through the built-in monitor speaker in mono mode; the ability to connect stereo phones and an external speaker or speaker; built-in noise suppressor; autostop of all modes; three-decade tape consumption counter.
The tape recorder has universal power supply: from a 220 volt network via a built-in power supply, from external source direct current 12 volts or from 8 A-343 elements. Frequency range: 40...14000 Hz; Maximum amplifier output power 2.5 W:


Stereo cassette recorder - "Parus M-213S". Saratov plant "Banner of Labor". Production since 1991.
Record player "Sail M-213S" can work in a stand-alone version as a monophonic one for playing back soundtracks through its own built-in speaker, or in a stationary version as a stereophonic one with two speakers. The range of recorded and reproduced sound frequencies on chrome oxide magnetic tape is not less than 63...14000 Hz.
Rated output power for own speakers is 1 W, for external speakers 2x1 W, maximum output power is 2x3 W.


Portable cassette recorder "Proton-401", "Proton-402" and "Proton-402MT". Kharkov radio plant "Proton" Production since 1980.
In the tape recorder "Proton-401", "Proton-402" and "Proton-402MT" ARUZ, auto-stop at the end of the tape in the cassette, a dial indicator of the recording level and a built-in microphone are provided. Powered by 6 A-373 elements and the network, in this case the output power doubles.
The device has automatic system recording level, tape type switch, high-frequency tone control. The range of operating audio frequencies at the linear output is 40...12500 Hz, at the loudspeaker 200...7000 Hz. Rated output power - 1.2 W.
Since the beginning of 1985, on the basis of this tape recorder, a two-speed, four-track tape recorder of the Proton-402MT type was produced. It is designed to play “Talking Book” phonograms for people with vision loss. The electrical circuit and design of the model, except for the track switch and the second speed - 2.38 cm/sec - are similar.


Tape recorder "Proton M-412"
Kharkov radio plant Proton. MG production since 1988.
Portable cassette recorder class 4 "Proton M-412" assembled on transistors and microcircuits. It is designed for recording or playing back phonograms on magnetic tape A-4207-3B or similar in standard MK-60 cassettes. Number of recording tracks - 2.
The range of sound frequencies effectively recorded and reproduced through the LV is 63-10000 Hz, the frequency range reproduced by the internal loudspeaker 1GDSH-3 is 150...7000 Hz. The power supply is universal, from a 220 volt network or from 4 A343 elements. Rated output power 0.5 W. Power consumption from the network is 8 W.
The price of the model is 125 rubles.

Portable cassette transistor tape recorder class 4 - “Legend-404” Arzamas Instrument-Making Plant named after. 50th anniversary of the USSR. Class of 1981
""Legend-404""- Class IV portable cassette recorder with universal power supply. The tape recorder can be used as a voice recorder. The range of recorded and reproduced sound frequencies at higher speeds is 63...10000 Hz, and at lower speeds 80...3150 Hz. Power supply voltage is 9 volts from 6 A-343 batteries or from the mains via a separate power supply.
The rated output power of the amplifier is 0.5 W, maximum 0.8 W. The tape recorder has a built-in electret microphone, an ARUZ system, connectors for installing a special radio cassette operating in the range of only LW or only MW and allowing you to turn the tape recorder into a radio tape recorder.
Since 1989, the tape recorder has been produced under the name "Legend M-404". In general, the model was a long-liver; production of the tape recorder was completed in March 1994.
The price of the tape recorder "Legend M-404" is 139 rubles.




Portable stereo cassette recorders “Spring M-310S”, “Rus M-310S”, “Rus M-310-1S”, “Spring M-310S1”
Zaporozhye plant Iskra (“Spring M-310S”, “Spring M-310S-1”)
Ryazan Instrument Plant (Rus M-310S", "Rus M-310-1S")
Production of the M-310S models since 1987, M-310S-1 since 1990.
All tape recorders have the same design and are built on the basis of the " "Spring-310-stereo"". The difference is in the external design and minor changes in the electrical circuit.
The tape recorder has the ability to: automatically stop the tape recorder when the magnetic tape in the cassette runs out or the cassette malfunctions; automatic recording level adjustment; recording level control using peak indicators on LEDs; stereo balance adjustments; separate tone control for higher and higher lower frequencies; use of two types of magnetic tapes; automatic switching of tape type.
The noise reduction system reduces the level of noise during playback. Nutrition; from 6 elements 343 or from an AC mains via an external power supply. The cassette recorder is made of impact-resistant polystyrene. The set includes 2 cassettes of the "MK-60" type.


Portable cassette recorder "Rus-207-stereo"
Ryazan State Instrument Plant. Serial production of the device began in 1985.
Cassette recorder ""Rus-207-stereo"", was produced on the basis of the “Spring-207stereo” model produced in 1982. Different factories of the USSR, according to the same design and electrical circuit then
Similar cassette recorders were produced with the names:
""Tarnair-207-stereo"" and ""Rhythm-203-stereo"".
Playback in monophonic mode through the built-in speaker, in stereophonic mode - through external UCU and external speakers Operating frequency range at the linear output - 40...14000 Hz, when using magnetic tape - A-4312-3B. The nominal output power of the speaker is 1 W, maximum 2 W.
Retail price 265 rubles


Cassette tape recorder "Sonata-211"
Velikolukskoye PA Radiopribor. Released in 1980.
The model has an ARUZ and separate HF and LF tone controls, a tape consumption meter, and a dial indicator of the recording level
and power status, built-in electret microphone, pause mode. For the first time in domestic tape recorders of this class, a tape type switch was used, and the possibility of recording on chrome dioxide tape was provided. The tape recorder is equipped with a retractable carrying handle.
The speaker model has a 2GD-40 loudspeaker installed. You can connect an external speaker with a resistance of 4 Ohms to the device. Power is supplied from the mains, through a built-in stabilized power supply or from batteries.
Rated output power is 0.7 W, when operating from the mains or from a car battery 1.5 W. The operating frequency range at the linear output is 63...12500 Hz, when recording on chrome dioxide tape 63...14000 Hz. The frequency range reproduced through the loudspeaker is 100...10000 Hz. Power consumption from the network is 10 W.
Price 260 rubles.

Portable stereo cassette recorder-set-top box “Sonata MP-213S”. Velikolukskoye PA Radiopribor. The production of the set-top box tape recorder began in 1989.
Stereo pre-line output tape recorder ""Sonata MP-213S"" designed for recording and playback of stereo and monophonic phonograms. In standalone mode, the model works with the built-in loudspeaker as monophonic, and with the connection of stereo phones or a stereo amplifier with speakers as stereophonic.
The tape recorder is powered from six A-343 elements, or from the mains through a built-in power supply. The first releases of tape recorders were called “Sonata-213-stereo”

Cassette portable monophonic tape recorder - “Romantic-306”
Gorky plant named after Petrovsky. Model production since 1979.
The model was produced for a short time by the Petropavlovsk Plant named after. Kirov but without the index ""M"". The carrying handle was either rigid, made of duralumin and plastic, or like a shoulder strap.
Operating frequency range at the linear output is 63...10000 Hz, loudspeaker - 100...10000 Hz. Rated output power 0.5 W, maximum, when operating from the mains 4 W.
In 1985, the Petrovsky plant began production of a modernized model - "Romantic M-306-2"

The audio cassette standard first appeared in the world in 1963 in Japan, then in the USA and Europe.

The first stray tape recorders with audio cassettes appeared in the USSR in the mid-60s, as a foreign curiosity.

With the establishment of the production of domestic audio equipment, by the end of the 60s, Soviet audio cassettes also appeared, but until the end of the 80s, buying an “imported” tape cassette in the USSR was problematic, but still possible.

The production of Soviet cassettes began simultaneously with the release of cassette recorders, according to historical data in 1967.

The Kharkov plant "Proton" produced the first Soviet tape cassette in 1967, and then the domestic cassette player officially rolled off the assembly line of this plant in 1969 and was called "Desna".

The cassette was intended for audio recording and was called a “small-sized cassette,” with a playing time of 40 minutes and a cost of 4 rubles 50 kopecks.

All Soviet audio cassettes had the designation MK (Tape recorder cassette) and the playing time and modification number were indicated, for example MK-60-1 or MK-60-2.

In the USSR, tape cassettes containing music recordings were produced at the All-Union Recording Studio "Melodiya" and also in the former Soviet Baltic republics.
Raw materials, that is, tape for Soviet audio cassettes, were purchased from Eastern European countries, including the GDR.

In the USSR, for many years we did not have the opportunity to make high-quality recordings on domestic tape cassettes until the early 80s. Although stereo cassette players had already been produced in the USSR since the early 70s, they were a hot commodity.

In addition, stereo cassette players and audio cassettes for them in the USSR were of low quality. It was possible to purchase imported products in Vneshposyltorg stores and in second-hand stores, as well as from the “farmers”, but these were very non-budgetary expenses that not every honest citizen of the USSR could afford.

For the first time, imported audio cassettes were “thrown out” on Soviet shelves in 1980, the year of the Olympics. Their price was more than twice the cost of a Soviet audio cassette.

For example, a SONY audio cassette was sold for 9 rubles. But then, according to eyewitnesses, they were “swept away” from the shelves by lovers of good music and, of course, by “farmers”, who held on to the goods and managed to sell them at an even higher price a little later.

The boom of tape cassettes in the USSR occurred in the 80s-90s, when the replication of pirated audio products brought huge income, much more than the domestic publishing show business.

Sales were carried out in all cooperative stores, stalls, and train stations. CD media, which appeared at the end of the USSR in the early 90s, at first could not compete with the huge number of audio cassettes being sold out.

Cassettes have not disappeared as a class even today; many still carefully store their audio recordings from the “post-Soviet” era, having the opportunity to play them in old audio tape recorders and even radio tape recorders in cars of the previous generation.

Victoria Maltseva

Portable cassette monophonic tape recorder of the third class "Electronics-302"
The Elektronika-302 tape recorder was produced until 1984. The main plant that produced this model was Moscow TochMash, but I think that the tape recorder was produced by some other
plant, its logo on the third tape recorder. The "Electronics-302" tape recorder is designed for recording and playing back sound on a 3.81 mm wide magnetic tape placed in an MK-60 cassette.
It was developed on the basis of the unified model “Electronics-301”, differing from it by the use of a new dynamic head 1GD-40 instead of 0.5GD-30, slider volume and tone controls, and a more modern appearance. The rated output power of the tape recorder amplifier is 0.8 W, the operating audio frequency range is 63...10000 Hz. The tape recorder is powered by six 343 A elements through a power supply inserted into the battery compartment and from an alternating current mains voltage of 127/220 V. The dimensions of the tape recorder are 315x225x90 mm, weight 3.5 kg. Due to claims from warranty workshops about the poor quality of the slider adjusters, they were soon replaced with conventional angle adjusters.
Over the years of production, the tape recorder has undergone many changes in the electrical circuit; transistors and a microcircuit were installed in the output stage of the amplifier, and the entire circuit was adjusted.

Cassette tape recorder IZH-302.
Izhevsk Motor Plant. Released in 1982. The tape recorder was created on the basis of the Elektronika-302 tape recorder, taking into account modernization. It is designed for recording or playing back sound using magnetic tape placed in an MK-60 cassette. The IZH-302 tape recorder consists of 3 main components housed in a plastic case: a tape transport mechanism, an amplifier and a plug-in power supply. The tape recorder allows you to: record from an MD-64M microphone, radio or television receiver, audio amplifier, radio broadcast line, electrophone and other tape recorder; playback through the built-in speaker, audio amplifier, external speaker, headphones - TDS-3. The recording level is controlled using a dial indicator. During playback and rewinding, the indicator shows the supply voltage. The tape recorder provides a temporary stop of the media during recording or playback, which is carried out by pressing the temporary stop key; when the same key is pressed again, the movement of the media is resumed. Turning off recording or playback is done by pressing the stop key and raising the cassette until the pressed keys are reset; when you press the same key again, the cassette is raised. The button located on the microphone allows you to remotely control the tape recorder on and off, which makes it possible to use it for reporting purposes. The duration of operation from one set of fresh elements of type A-343 is at least 10 hours, with cyclic operation no more than two hours a day.

Portable cassette recorders "Electronics-321" and "Electronics-322.
The tape recorders were developed on the basis of the tape transport mechanism of the Vesna-305 apparatus. In the new tape recorders, the clutch drive of the receiving unit has been modernized, guide posts for small-sized cassettes and clamps for the magnetic head unit in the vertical direction have been installed. The "321" series tape recorder uses a built-in electronic microphone, manual and automatic recording level adjustment, fine-compensated volume control, and a 1GD-40 type loudspeaker. The devices can be powered from an alternating current network, from the vehicle’s on-board network, and from seven A-343 elements. The Elektronika-322 tape recorder differs in that instead of a built-in one, it uses an external microphone of the MD-64M type. Main technical characteristics of MG: Magnetic tape - A4203-3. Belt speed - 4.76 cm/s. Detonation coefficient ±0.35%. Maximum output power, W - 1.8. Operating frequency range on the LV, Hz 40...10000, loudspeaker 100...8000. Dimensions, mm - 296x220x75. Weight, kg 3.8."

Cassette tape recorders "Electronics-323/1" and "Electronics-324/1".
Novovoronezh plant Aliot. 1981 and 1987 models
Household wearable monophonic cassette recorders "Electronics-323" and "Electronics-324" are designed for recording and playing audio tracks in any conditions. The built-in mains power supply, autonomous power supply from batteries or a car battery makes the tape recorders universal in use. service amenities, the models have an ARUZ and a signal output. According to the electrical circuit and general design, the devices are the same, the only difference is the absence of a built-in microphone in the Elektronika-324 tape recorder. The plant has been producing modernized Elektronika-323-1 models since 1987. "" and "Electronics-324-1" differ little from the basic ones in certain series of modernized MGs. preamplifiers installed the microcircuit - "K118UN". Sometimes the models were partially similar to tape recorders - "Electronics-321/322".

Portable tape recorder "Electronics-211 stereo".
Novovoronezh plant "Aliot". Issued since 1983.
The portable cassette stereo tape recorder "Electronics-211 stereo" is designed for recording or playing sound programs from a microphone, receiver, pickup, TV or other tape recorder. It provides manual and automatic adjustment of the recording level, an auto-stop, a noise reduction device, separate tone controls, and a flax consumption meter.
you, two built-in microphones. The model's power supply is universal: from 8 A-373 elements, the vehicle's electrical system or an AC voltage of 220/127 V.

Tape recorder "Electronics-311-S"
Novovoronezh plant "Aliot" - Production since 1977
The tape recorder complies with GOST-30838-76 and TU-838.005. It is designed for recording and playing stereo and mono phonograms on standard MK-60 cassettes from any source of low-frequency signals. The tape recorder provides tone control for high and low frequencies, automatic and manual control of the recording level of all inputs, a temporary pause in the tape movement, erasing the recording, and the ability to visually and audibly control the recorded signal.
For high-quality listening and expanding the stereo base, the device is equipped with two external speaker systems. The tape recorder was produced in four configuration options: 1. With a power supply and a microphone. 2. Without power supply and microphone. 3. With a microphone but without power supply. 4. Without power supply and microphone. In configuration No. 1, the price of the “Electronics-311S” tape recorder is 289 rubles.
The low-frequency power amplifier is assembled using GT-703 transistors or K174UN-7 microcircuits

Portable cassette recorder "Spring-202"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Serial production of the model began in 1977.
The monophonic cassette recorder of the second class "Vesna-202" (UNM-12), in contrast to the cassette tape recorders of the second and third classes produced, has an increased output power of the low-frequency amplifier, a noise reduction system, manual and automatic adjustment of the sound recording level. The recording level is controlled by a dial indicator, and the remainder of the magnetic tape is monitored by a three-decade mechanical counter. The operating audio frequency range of the tape recorder is 63-10000 Hz. The Vesna-202 tape recorder is powered by six elements - 373. Recording and playback can be done when the supply voltage changes within 5.1...9.3 V. The rated output power is 1 W, the maximum is 2.2 W.. Detonation coefficient - 0.4%.
The external dimensions of the tape recorder are 296x276x81 mm, its weight is 4.2 kg. Price - 200 rubles.

Stereo cassette recorder "Spring-201-stereo".
Zaporozhye EMZ Iskra. Production of the model since 1977.
The Vesna-201stereo tape recorder (UPM-14) is a stationary and portable cassette sound recording device of the second class with universal power supply. The tape recorder operates on its own loudspeaker as monophonic, and on external speakers as stereophonic. The band of reproduced sound frequencies on external speakers is 63...10000 Hz. The rated output power of the amplifiers for their own speakers is 0.8 W, for remote speakers 2x3 W. Power supply 12 volts from 8 elements 373 or from an AC mains 127/220 V through a separate power supply. Power consumption 30 W. The dimensions of the tape recorder are 367x224x100 mm. Its weight is 4.7 kg. In anticipation of the 1980 Olympic Games, from the beginning of 1978 the attribute “Olympic” was added to the name of the tape recorder. The cost of the tape recorder has increased accordingly. Until 1978, the plastic case of the tape recorder was covered with decorative wood-like film on the sides and back at the top, and since 1978 it began to be produced only in plastic, with the addition of aluminum design.

Portable cassette recorder "Spring-202-1"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Production of the tape recorder began in 1983.
From July 1, 1983, GOST 24863-81 was applied to the Vesna-202 tape recorder, or, to put it simply, the tape recorder became not the second class, but the second group of complexity, and therefore it was renamed the Vesna-202 model -1"". It did not undergo any noticeable design or circuit changes, except that the brushless electric motor was replaced by a commutator one, although both were subsequently installed. The monophonic cassette recorder "Vesna-202-1" type UNM-12 has increased output power, a noise reduction system, manual and automatic
How to adjust the recording level. The level is controlled by a dial indicator, and the magnetic tape consumption is carried out by a three-decade mechanical counter. The operating audio frequency range of the tape recorder is 63...12500 Hz. The tape recorder is powered by 6 elements 373. Recording and playback is carried out when the supply voltage changes from 5.1 to 9 V. The maximum output power is 2 W. Detonation coefficient 0.4%. Dimensions of the tape recorder 296x276x81 mm, weight 4.2 kg. Price 195 rubles.

Portable cassette recorder 2nd class "Spring-207-stereo"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Vol. 1982
The tape recorder is designed for recording stereophonic speech and music programs and their subsequent playback in monophonic mode through a built-in amplifier with a loudspeaker and in stereophonic mode through a speaker. The LPM uses a contactless electric motor BDS-0.14M. There is a switchable noise reduction system, automatic switching of the LPM to stop mode when the power is turned off and when the tape in the cassette runs out or due to a cassette malfunction. There is automatic level adjustment when recording. There are peak overload indicators, an electret microphone, a magnetic tape consumption meter with a memory device, and a magnetic tape type switch. The device is powered by 6 373, 7 A-343 batteries or from a 220 V network. via built-in rectifier.

Second class stereo cassette recorder "Spring-211-stereo"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Issued since 1978.
A tape recorder similar in appearance, design and parameters under the brand name "Russia-211-stereo" has been produced since 1979 by the Chelyabinsk Production Association - "Polet".
The "Vesna-211-stereo" tape recorder was developed on the basis of the "Vesna-201-stereo" model and differs from it in its external design and the presence of such operational amenities as; complete auto-stop, as well as control of the recording level using peak indicators on LEDs. There is a noise reduction device and a tape consumption counter. The tape recorder can operate on the built-in loudspeaker "2GD-40" or on external loudspeakers "6AS-503", each of them has 2 heads of the 4GD-35 type. Power supply from the mains or from eight elements 373. In 1979, the tape recorder was produced with the name Spring-211-1-stereo, no different from the base one.

Portable cassette recorder "Spring M-212 S-4"
Production has been established since 1989 by the Zaporozhye Vesna tape recorder plant and the Iskra electrical machine-building plant.
The tape recorder was also called "Vesna-212-4S" and "Vesna-212 S-4". It allows you to record onto magnetic tape and play back music and speech programs from various sources of sound programs through the built-in speaker. It has an auto-stop when the tape in the cassette runs out or is jammed, control of the recording level using dial indicators, as well as peak indicators, control of the supply voltage using a dial indicator, a switchable ARUZ system, a tape type switch, a three-decade tape consumption counter in the cassette, with a device memory, a switchable noise reduction system and a device for expanding the stereo base, improving sound quality. The tape recorder is powered by mains power or 8 elements 373. Price 365 rubles. "

Cassette stereo tape recorder "IZH-303-stereo"
Izhevsk Motor Plant (JSC Aksion). Issued since 1986.
The tape recorder is designed for recording speech and music sound programs on A4205-ZB tape in the MK-60 cassette and their subsequent playback. It provides manual and automatic adjustment of the recording level, auto-stop when the tape in the cassette breaks and runs out, has a tape consumption meter with a memory device, dial indicators of the recording level, and a noise reduction system. You can connect external speakers and headphones TDS-9, TDS-6 to the device. The power supply is universal: from 6 A343 Salyut-1 elements or from the mains. Belt speed 4.76 cm/s. Detonation coefficient: ±0.35%. Rated output power - 2x1 W. The operating range of sound frequencies is 63...10000 Hz.
The relative level of noise and interference with UWB is -56 dB. Dimensions 442x217x116 mm. Weight 5 kg. Price 285 rub.

Stereo tape recorder "Agidel MP-302-S"
Ufa Instrument-Making Software Production of the tape recorder began in 1990. The tape recorder is monophonic up to the line output. Stereo programs can be listened to on stereo phones. By design and technical specifications The tape recorder is similar to the Elegy-301 tape recorder, but their circuits are different.

To be continued...

Old audio cassette recorders

Cassette recorders- everyone is familiar with it. The width of the film (3.81 mm), the size and shape of the plastic container are standard; Tape length and type may vary.
The most inexpensive and common is film coated with iron oxide (Fe2O3). Chromium dioxide (CrO2) tapes have superior dynamic range; best quality provide Metal type tapes (discontinued in the 1990s). Multilayer films (“ferrochrome”), introduced in the 1970s, soon fell out of use. Depending on the type of tape, during recording the parameters of the bias current are set during playback - frequency compensation of high frequencies.
Low (compared to reel-to-reel tape recorders) tape advance speed inevitably generates a high level of noise. To suppress noise, compander noise reduction systems are used, which compress the dynamic range signal, “raising” quiet fragments of the recording above the noise of the tape, and during playback, expanding the dynamic range to the original. Cassettes recorded with noise reduction should be played back with the same noise reduction system selected during recording.

Third class portable cassette monophonic tape recorder Electronics-302"
The Elektronika-302 tape recorder was produced until 1984. The main plant that produced this model was Moscow TochMash, but I think that the tape recorder was produced by some other
plant, its logo on the third tape recorder. The "Electronics-302" tape recorder is designed for recording and playing back sound on a 3.81 mm wide magnetic tape placed in an MK-60 cassette.
It was developed on the basis of the unified model “Electronics-301”, differing from it by the use of a new dynamic head 1GD-40 instead of 0.5GD-30, slider volume and tone controls, and a more modern appearance. The rated output power of the tape recorder amplifier is 0.8 W, the operating audio frequency range is 63...10000 Hz. The tape recorder is powered by six 343 A elements through a power supply inserted into the battery compartment and from an alternating current mains voltage of 127/220 V. The dimensions of the tape recorder are 315x225x90 mm, weight 3.5 kg. Due to claims from warranty workshops about the poor quality of the slider adjusters, they were soon replaced with conventional angle adjusters.
Over the years of production, the tape recorder has undergone many changes in the electrical circuit; transistors and a microcircuit were installed in the output stage of the amplifier, and the entire circuit was adjusted.

Cassette recorder IZH-302.
Izhevsk Motor Plant. Released in 1982. The tape recorder was created on the basis of the Elektronika-302 tape recorder, taking into account modernization. It is designed for recording or playing back sound using magnetic tape placed in an MK-60 cassette. The IZH-302 tape recorder consists of 3 main components housed in a plastic case: a tape transport mechanism, an amplifier and a plug-in power supply. The tape recorder allows you to: record from an MD-64M microphone, radio or television receiver, audio amplifier, radio broadcast line, electrophone and other tape recorder; playback through the built-in speaker, audio amplifier, external speaker, headphones - TDS-3. The recording level is controlled using a dial indicator. During playback and rewinding, the indicator shows the supply voltage. The tape recorder provides a temporary stop of the media during recording or playback, which is carried out by pressing the temporary stop key; when the same key is pressed again, the movement of the media is resumed. Turning off recording or playback is done by pressing the stop key and raising the cassette until the pressed keys are reset; when you press the same key again, the cassette is raised. The button located on the microphone allows you to remotely control the tape recorder on and off, which makes it possible to use it for reporting purposes. The duration of operation from one set of fresh elements of type A-343 is at least 10 hours, with cyclic operation no more than two hours a day.

Portable cassette recorders" Electronics-321" And " Electronics-322.
The tape recorders were developed on the basis of the tape transport mechanism of the Vesna-305 apparatus. In the new tape recorders, the clutch drive of the receiving unit has been modernized, guide posts for small-sized cassettes and clamps for the magnetic head unit in the vertical direction have been installed. The "321" series tape recorder uses a built-in electronic microphone, manual and automatic recording level adjustment, fine-compensated volume control, and a 1GD-40 type loudspeaker. The devices can be powered from an alternating current network, from the vehicle’s on-board network, and from seven A-343 elements. The Elektronika-322 tape recorder differs in that instead of a built-in one, it uses an external microphone of the MD-64M type. Main technical characteristics of MG: Magnetic tape - A4203-3. Belt speed - 4.76 cm/s. Detonation coefficient ±0.35%. Maximum output power, W - 1.8. Operating frequency range on the LV, Hz 40...10000, loudspeaker 100...8000. Dimensions, mm - 296x220x75. Weight, kg 3.8."

Cassette recorders" Electronics-323/1" And " Electronics-324/1".
Novovoronezh plant Aliot. 1981 and 1987 models
Household wearable monophonic cassette recorders "Electronics-323" and "Electronics-324" are designed for recording and playing audio tracks in any conditions. The built-in mains power supply, autonomous power supply from batteries or a car battery makes the tape recorders universal in use. service amenities, the models have an ARUZ and a signal output. According to the electrical circuit and general design, the devices are the same, the only difference is the absence of a built-in microphone in the Elektronika-324 tape recorder. The plant has been producing modernized Elektronika-323-1 models since 1987. "" and "Electronics-324-1" were little different from the basic ones. In some series of modernized MGs, a microcircuit was installed in the pre-amplifiers - "K118UN". Sometimes the models were partially similar to tape recorders - "Electronics-321/322". "".

Portable tape recorder" Electronics-211 stereo".
Novovoronezh plant "Aliot". Issued since 1983.
The portable "Electronics-211 stereo"" is designed for recording or playing sound programs from a microphone, receiver, pickup, TV or other tape recorder. It provides manual and automatic adjustment of the recording level, has an auto-stop, a noise reduction device, separate tone controls, and a line consumption meter
you, two built-in microphones. The model's power supply is universal: from 8 A-373 elements, the vehicle's electrical system or an AC voltage of 220/127 V.

Record player " Electronics-311-S"
Novovoronezh plant "Aliot" - Production since 1977
The tape recorder complies with GOST-30838-76 and TU-838.005. It is designed for recording and playing stereo and mono phonograms on standard MK-60 cassettes from any source of low-frequency signals. The tape recorder provides tone control for high and low frequencies, automatic and manual control of the recording level of all inputs, a temporary pause in the tape movement, erasing the recording, and the ability to visually and audibly control the recorded signal.
For high-quality listening and expanding the stereo base, the device is equipped with two external speaker systems. The tape recorder was produced in four configuration options: 1. With a power supply and a microphone. 2. Without power supply and microphone. 3. With a microphone but without power supply. 4. Without power supply and microphone. In configuration No. 1, the price of the “Electronics-311S” tape recorder is 289 rubles.
The low-frequency power amplifier is assembled using GT-703 transistors or K174UN-7 microcircuits

Spring-202"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Serial production of the model began in 1977.
The monophonic cassette recorder of the second class "Vesna-202" (UNM-12), in contrast to the cassette tape recorders of the second and third classes produced, has an increased output power of the low-frequency amplifier, a noise reduction system, manual and automatic adjustment of the sound recording level. The recording level is controlled by a dial indicator, and the remainder of the magnetic tape is monitored by a three-decade mechanical counter. The operating audio frequency range of the tape recorder is 63-10000 Hz. The Vesna-202 tape recorder is powered by six elements - 373. Recording and playback can be done when the supply voltage changes within 5.1...9.3 V. The rated output power is 1 W, the maximum is 2.2 W.. Detonation coefficient - 0.4%.
The external dimensions of the tape recorder are 296x276x81 mm, its weight is 4.2 kg. Price - 200 rubles.

Stereo cassette recorder" Spring-201-stereo".
Zaporozhye EMZ Iskra. Production of the model since 1977.
The Vesna-201stereo tape recorder (UPM-14) is a stationary and portable cassette sound recording device of the second class with universal power supply. The tape recorder operates on its own loudspeaker as monophonic, and on external speakers as stereophonic. The band of reproduced sound frequencies on external speakers is 63...10000 Hz. The rated output power of the amplifiers for their own speakers is 0.8 W, for remote speakers 2x3 W. Power supply 12 volts from 8 elements 373 or from an AC mains 127/220 V through a separate power supply. Power consumption 30 W. The dimensions of the tape recorder are 367x224x100 mm. Its weight is 4.7 kg. In anticipation of the 1980 Olympic Games, from the beginning of 1978 the attribute “Olympic” was added to the name of the tape recorder. The cost of the tape recorder has increased accordingly. Until 1978, the plastic case of the tape recorder was covered with decorative wood-like film on the sides and back at the top, and since 1978 it began to be produced only in plastic, with the addition of aluminum design.

Portable cassette recorder" Spring-202-1"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Production of the tape recorder began in 1983.
From July 1, 1983, GOST 24863-81 was applied to the Vesna-202 tape recorder, or, to put it simply, the tape recorder became not the second class, but the second group of complexity, and therefore it was renamed the Vesna-202 model -1"". It did not undergo any noticeable design or circuit changes, except that the brushless electric motor was replaced by a commutator one, although both were subsequently installed. The monophonic cassette recorder "Vesna-202-1" type UNM-12 has increased output power, a noise reduction system, manual and automatic
How to adjust the recording level. The level is controlled by a dial indicator, and the magnetic tape consumption is carried out by a three-decade mechanical counter. The operating audio frequency range of the tape recorder is 63...12500 Hz. The tape recorder is powered by 6 elements 373. Recording and playback is carried out when the supply voltage changes from 5.1 to 9 V. The maximum output power is 2 W. Detonation coefficient 0.4%. Dimensions of the tape recorder 296x276x81 mm, weight 4.2 kg. Price 195 rubles.

Portable cassette recorder 2nd class" Spring-207-stereo"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Vol. 1982
The tape recorder is designed for recording stereophonic speech and music programs onto magnetic tape and their subsequent playback in monophonic mode through a built-in amplifier with a loudspeaker and in stereophonic mode through a microphone. The LPM uses a contactless electric motor BDS-0.14M. There is a switchable noise reduction system, automatic switching of the LPM to stop mode when the power is turned off and when the tape in the cassette runs out or due to a cassette malfunction. There is automatic level adjustment when recording. There are peak overload indicators, an electret microphone, a magnetic tape consumption meter with a memory device, and a magnetic tape type switch. The device is powered by 6 373, 7 A-343 batteries or from a 220 V network. via built-in rectifier.

Second class stereo cassette recorder" Spring-211-stereo"
Zaporozhye electrical machine-building plant Iskra. Issued since 1978.
A tape recorder similar in appearance, design and parameters under the brand name "Russia-211-stereo" has been produced since 1979 by the Chelyabinsk Production Association - "Polet".
The "Vesna-211-stereo" tape recorder was developed on the basis of the "Vesna-201-stereo" model and differs from it in its external design and the presence of such operational amenities as; complete auto-stop, as well as control of the recording level using peak indicators on LEDs. There is a noise reduction device and a tape consumption counter. The tape recorder can operate on the built-in loudspeaker "2GD-40" or on external loudspeakers "6AS-503", each of them has 2 heads of the 4GD-35 type. Power supply from the mains or from eight elements 373. In 1979, the tape recorder was produced with the name Spring-211-1-stereo, no different from the base one.

Portable cassette recorder" Spring M-212 S-4"
Production has been established since 1989 by the Zaporozhye Vesna tape recorder plant and the Iskra electrical machine-building plant.
The tape recorder was also called "Vesna-212-4S" and "Vesna-212 S-4". It allows you to record onto magnetic tape and play back music and speech programs from various sources of sound programs through the built-in speaker. It has an auto-stop when the tape in the cassette runs out or is jammed, control of the recording level using dial indicators, as well as peak indicators, control of the supply voltage using a dial indicator, a switchable ARUZ system, a tape type switch, a three-decade tape consumption counter in the cassette, with a device memory, a switchable noise reduction system and a device for expanding the stereo base, improving sound quality. The tape recorder is powered by mains power or 8 elements 373. Price 365 rubles. "

Stereo cassette recorder" IZH-303-stereo"
Izhevsk Motor Plant (JSC Aksion). Issued since 1986.
The tape recorder is designed for recording speech and music sound programs on tape A4205-ZB
in the MK-60 cassette and their subsequent playback. It provides manual and automatic
recording level adjustment, automatic stop when the tape in the cassette breaks or ends, there is a dispense counter
tape progress with memory device, dial indicators of recording level, noise reduction system. TO
The device can be connected to external speakers and headphones TDS-9, TDS-6. Universal food:
from 6 elements A343 Salyut-1 or from the mains. Belt speed 4.76 cm/s. Detonation coefficient:
±0.35%. Rated output power - 2x1 W. The operating range of sound frequencies is 63...10000 Hz.
The relative level of noise and interference with UWB is -56 dB. Dimensions 442x217x116 mm. Weight 5 kg. Price 285 rub.

Stereo tape recorder Agidel MP-302-S"
Ufa Instrument-Making Software Production of tape recorder began in 1990
The tape recorder is monophonic up to the line output. Stereo programs can be listened to on stereo phones. The design and technical characteristics of the tape recorder are similar to the Elegy-301 tape recorder, but their circuits are different.

Portable cassette recorder on p/p " Elegy-301"
Voronezh plant Elektropribor. Issued since 1986.
Portable cassette recorder "Elegy-301" of the third complexity group, household, wearable, single-speed, monophonic with universal power supply, designed for recording and playback of sound tracks on magnetic tape in cassettes of the "MK-60" and "MK-" types 90"". The tape recorder has a built-in electret microphone, an ARUZ system, a switchable noise reduction system, and tone controls for low and high frequencies. Using the same electrical circuit and design, but with a slightly different design of the front panel, tape recorders of the "Agidel-301" and "Legend-301" brands were produced by different factories in the country. The price of the “Elegy-301” model is 184 rubles.

Portable cassette recorder" Tom-303"
Tomsk Radio Engineering Plant. Serial production since 1982.
"Tom-303" is a portable cassette monophonic two-track tape recorder of the 3rd complexity group and is designed for recording and playing back sound on magnetic tape 18 microns thick. The tape recorder provides recording of phonograms from the built-in and external microphones, electric player, radio, TV. radio broadcast line, another tape recorder and playback through the internal speaker. The tape recorder has a switchable noise reduction device that allows you to reduce the noise level during playback. The tape recorder remains operational at temperatures from 0°C to 45°C. The "Tom-303" tape recorder allows you to record and playback while moving, when carrying and during transportation. This ensures the preservation of basic electrical parameters and sound quality. The tape recorder is powered from the mains, through the built-in power supply, or from batteries. Since 1985, the plant has produced the Tom M-303 tape recorder with a different front panel design and a wide range of case colors.

Cassette recorder " Belarus-301"
The tape recorder is designed for recording and playing back sound using magnetic tape type A4203-3 or similar, enclosed in a unified cassette type MK-60. It allows you to record phonograms from a microphone, receiver, TV, broadcast line, recorder, electric player or other tape recorder. The recording level is controlled using a dial indicator. You can connect an external amplifier with a speaker system or a small-sized speaker system with a resistance of about 4 ohms to the tape recorder.
The tape recorder is powered by six elements of type A-343 or from an alternating current network. The speed of the magnetic tape is 4.76 cm/sec. Number of recording tracks - 2. Recording/playback time
with cassette MK-60 - 2x30 min. Forward and rewind time - 120 sec. The range of recorded and reproduced frequencies is 63...10000 Hz. Coefficient nonlinear distortion at the linear output - 4%. Relative interference level -44 dB. The range of tone control for high frequencies is 10 dB. The rated output power when operating on an external speaker is 0.8 W. The rated voltage at the linear output is 250 mV. Duration of operation from a set of elements is 15 hours. Power consumption from the network is 5 W. Dimensions - 280x252x82 mm. Weight 2.6 kg

Portable cassette recorder" Karpaty-202-1"
Prykarpattia radio plant. Software "Karpaty". Ivano-Frankivsk Tape recorder production has been established since 1977
Electrical circuit of the tape recorder "Spring-202-1" (Tape recorders according to the circuit are exactly the same)
The 2nd class monophonic cassette recorder "Karpaty-202-1" (UNM-12) was produced simultaneously with the model "Spring-202-1" and in its electrical circuit and design, nothing from
it is no different. In turn, both tape recorders are a modernization of the “Vesna-202” and “Karpaty-202” tape recorders, differing from them only in the loudspeaker grille and minor changes in the electrical circuit. Tape recorder audio frequency range
at the linear output from 63 to 10000 Hz, and reproduced by the loudspeaker 100...10000 Hz.
The tape recorder is powered by six 373 elements. Recording can be done at a supply voltage from 5.1 to 9.3 V. The rated output power of the amplifier is 1 W, the maximum is 2 W. The detonation coefficient is no more than 0.4%. Dimensions 296x276x81 mm, weight 4.2 kg. Price 200 rubles.

Portable cassette recorder" Karpaty-205-1"
Prykarpattia radio plant. Production since 1987.
The tape recorder was produced on the basis of the model “Spring-205-1” and, with minor changes in the circuit, is completely similar to it.

Cassette recorder " Parus-201-stereo"
Saratov plant "Banner of Labor". Production started in 1983.
Stereo cassette recorder - "Parus-201-stereo" is designed for recording and playing programs on cassettes with magnetic tape MK-60 or MK-90. The tape recorder has the following functions: recording and listening to stereo and mono programs through an external amplifier in stereo and mono modes, or through the built-in monitor speaker in mono mode; the ability to connect from stereo phones and an external loudspeaker or speaker; built-in noise suppressor; autostop of all modes; three-decade tape consumption counter. The front panel of the tape recorder contains the following controls: LPM control buttons; volume control; tone controls for low and high frequencies, combined recording level controls for the left and right channels; battery discharge control button; squelch and stereo buttons
phones on the side left wall: jacks for external speakers, stereo headphone output and external 12 V power supply on the side right side: jacks for connecting a microphone, a pickup, a recording receiver, a mono and stereo mode switch for recording and a line output jack. The tape recorder has universal power supply: from a 220 volt network via a built-in power supply, from an external 12 volt DC source or from 8 A-343 elements. Technical parameters: Tape pulling speed: 4.76 cm/sec; Frequency range: 40...14000 Hz; Knock 0.3%: Maximum control amplifier output power 2.5 W: Weight: 2.4 kg.

Stereo cassette recorder - " Parus M-213S"
Saratov plant "Banner of Labor". Production since 1991.
The "Parus M-213S" stereo cassette tape recorder is designed for recording and subsequent playback of stereophonic phonograms. It is possible to play and record monophonic soundtracks. The tape recorder has universal power supply, battery or via
wearable network unit. The tape recorder can operate in a stand-alone version as a monophonic one for playing back soundtracks through its own built-in speaker, or in a stationary version as a stereophonic one with two speakers. The magnetic tape advance speed is 4.76 cm/sec. The range of recorded and reproduced sound frequencies on chrome oxide magnetic tape is not less than 63...14000 Hz. Rated output power for own speakers is 1 W, for external speakers 2x1 W, maximum output power is 2x3 W. Dimensions of the tape recorder - 343x283x115 mm, weight 4 kg.

Portable cassette recorder" Proton-401", "Proton-402" And " Proton-402MT"
Kharkov radio plant "Proton" Production since 1980.
The tape recorder is designed for recording and playing back soundtracks from a microphone, receiver, pickup and other sources of low-frequency signals. It is equipped with ARUZ, auto-stop at the end of the tape in the cassette, a dial indicator of the recording level and a built-in microphone. Powered by 6 A-373 elements and the network, in this case the output power doubles.
The Proton-402 tape recorder was created on the basis of the Proton-401 model and is intended for recording speech and music programs from various sources of low-frequency signals with their subsequent playback. The device has an automatic recording level system, tape type switch, and high-frequency tone control. Magnetic tape speed 4.76 cm/s. Detonation - 0.3%. The range of operating audio frequencies at the linear output is 40...12500 Hz, at the loudspeaker 200...7000 Hz. Rated output power - 1.2 W. The level of interference in the recording/playback channel is -50 dB. The tape recorder is powered from six elements of type A343 or from electrical network AC 220 V. Dimensions of the tape recorder - 260x205x73 mm. Weight - 3 kg. Since the beginning of 1985, on the basis of this tape recorder, a teflotechnical two-speed, four-track tape recorder of the Proton-402MT type was produced. It is designed to play “Talking Book” phonograms for people with vision loss. The electrical circuit and design of the model, except for the track switch and the second speed - 2.38 cm/sec - are similar.

Record player " Proton M-412"
Kharkov radio plant Proton. MG production since 1988.
Portable cassette recorder class 4 "Proton M-412" is assembled on transistors and microcircuits. It is designed for recording or playing back phonograms on magnetic tape A-4207-3B or similar in standard MK-60 cassettes. Number of recording tracks - 2. Magnetic tape pulling speed - 4.76 cm/sec. LPM detonation - 0.4%. The range of sound frequencies effectively recorded and reproduced through the LV is 63-10000 Hz, the frequency range reproduced by the internal loudspeaker 1GDSH-3 is 150...7000 Hz. Universal power supply, from 220 volts or
from 4 elements A343. Rated output power 0.5 W. Power consumption from the network is 8 W. MG dimensions - 157x254x55 mm, weight - 2.4 kg. The power supply kit includes UVIP-1. The price of the model is 125 rubles.

Portable cassette transistor tape recorder class 4 - " Legend-404"
Arzamas Instrument-Making Plant named after. 50th anniversary of the USSR. Class of 1981
"Legend-404" is a class IV portable cassette recorder with universal power supply. It is designed for recording music or speech programs on magnetic tape in MK60 cassettes and also for playing them back. The tape recorder can be used as a voice recorder. The range of recorded and reproduced sound frequencies at higher speeds is 63...10000 Hz, and at lower speeds 80...3150 Hz. Power supply voltage is 9 volts from 6 A-343 batteries or from the mains via a separate power supply. The rated output power of the amplifier is 0.5 W, maximum 0.8 W. The tape recorder has a built-in electret microphone, an ARUZ system, connectors for installing special
new radio cassette operating in the range of only LW or only MW and allowing you to turn the tape recorder into a radio tape recorder. The price of the tape recorder "Legend M-404" is 139 rubles.
Since 1989, the tape recorder has been produced under the name "Legend M-404". In general I can
del was a long-liver, the production of the tape recorder was completed in March 1994.

Portable stereo cassette recorders" Spring M-310S","Rus M-310S","Rus M-310-1S","Spring M-310S1"
Zaporozhye plant Iskra ("Spring M-310S", "Spring M-310S-1")
Ryazan Instrument Plant (Rus M-310S", "Rus M-310-1S")
Production of models "M-310S" since 1987, "M-310S-1" since 1990
All tape recorders have the same design and are built on the basis of the "Spring-310-stereo" model. The difference is in the external design and minor changes in the electrical circuit. The tape recorder provides recording of mono or stereophonic music and speech programs, with subsequent playback of the tape through external Acustic systems or stereo phones. It is possible to: automatically stop the operation of the tape recorder when the magnetic tape in the cassette runs out or the cassette malfunctions; automatic recording level adjustment; recording level control using peak indicators on LEDs; stereo balance adjustments; separate tone control for higher and lower frequencies; use of magnetic tapes of two types
pov; automatic switching of tape type. The noise reduction system ensures less noise during playback. Nutrition; from 6 elements 343 or from an AC mains via an external power supply. The cassette recorder is made of impact-resistant polystyrene. The set includes 2 cassettes of the "MK-60" type.