1641X

The Tandberg Model 1641X is a reel-to-reel tape recorder from the Tandberg Series 1600X, a line of high-quality audio equipment produced by Tandberg Radio in Oslo, Norway. This model, introduced in 1969, is a quarter-track stereo tape deck known for its transistorized design and advanced features for the era. It was often housed in a teak wood cabinet, reflecting the Scandinavian design aesthetic of the time.

• Track System: Quarter-track stereo (1641X), allowing for stereo recording and playback.
• Heads: Features three heads—erase, record/playback, and a cross-field bias head for improved recording quality.
• Motors: Single 2-pole shadow-pole motor combined with a mains transformer.
• Tape Speeds: Supports three speeds: 7½, 3¾, and 1⅞ ips (inches per second).
• Frequency Response: 40–20,000 Hz (±2 dB) at 7½ ips; 50–16,000 Hz at 3¾ ips; 50–9,000 Hz at 1⅞ ips.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 53 dB, ensuring decent clarity for recordings.
• Wow & Flutter (RMS): 0.07% at 7½ ips; 0.14% at 3¾ ips; 0.28% at 1⅞ ips, indicating stable tape movement.
• Tape Distortion: 5%, typical for the technology of the time.
• Crosstalk: Mono >60 dB; stereo >50 dB at 1,000 Hz, minimizing channel bleed.
• Rewind Speed: Approximately 1 minute 40 seconds for 1,200 feet of tape.
• Inputs: Microphone (200 Ohm, unbalanced, DIN); High In (1 Megohm, 100 mV sensitivity); Low In (57 Kohm, 5 mV sensitivity).
• Outputs: Minimum load impedance of 200 Ohms, with 0.9V output for 0 dB at 400 Hz.
• Maximum Reel Size: 7 inches, suitable for home use.
• Features: Includes a double VU meter with indirect illumination for record level monitoring, a four-digit revolution counter, and Tandberg’s signature joystick control for tape navigation.
• Accessories: Often came with a leather case and a smoked Perspex cover for protection.
• Price: In 1969, it retailed for £89 in the UK, equivalent to roughly £1,600 in 2025 after inflation adjustment.

The 1641X was designed for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity recording and playback in a compact, home-friendly format. Its cross-field bias system improved high-frequency response, making it a standout in its class during the late 1960s and early 1970s.