Wanted Four-track tape heads

[C.B. - Boudio]

I am thinking of modding a stereo valve Revox (or a transistor Carad) into a four-channel recorder. I've got most of the parts needed (like 2,5 mostly suboptimal Revox 36-series), but the only problem I run into is finding four-track heads.
I only need replay and record heads; erase is welcome too but two quarter-track stereo heads will work there as good as anything else.

Record head specs (original half-track and quarter track Revox heads):
30 mH
DC-resistance is probably around 3 ohms
7,6 micron/3 mil

Playback head specs (original half-track Revox heads):
700 mH
DC-resistance somewhere around 300 ohms
2 micron/0,08 mil

Playback quarter-track
265 mH
2 micron/0,08 mil

This is quoted from online sources (except for the DC resistances which I measured myself).

I'd gladly take anything, even if it doesn't meet these specifications; I believe it's possible to make most things work.

It's a silly project, I know, and I am aware that it might raise some eyebrows. But it's nearly impossible to find a decent four-channel recorder that I can afford (except for a Sony TC288-4, which only has two heads and can only either record two or four channels at a time, afaik), leave alone something with valves, which pairs better with my almost equally silly mixer.

 

[sahib]

I know it won't do, but just in case, I have a number of Teac cassette tape record-replay/erase set.

 

[ruffrecords]

Revox heads are exceptionally good. Finding 4 channel heads anywhere near as good may be difficult but it might be worth looking at the TEAC/Tascam quarter inch 4 track machines on eBay. You often see heads for them for sale there.

There was at one point a 4 channel Revox so there must be 4 channel Revox heads in existence but I bet they are as rare as hen's teeth.

Good luck.

Cheers

Ian

 

[C.B. - Boudio]

Revox heads are exceptionally good. Finding 4 channel heads anywhere near as good may be difficult but it might be worth looking at the TEAC/Tascam quarter inch 4 track machines on eBay. You often see heads for them for sale there.

That's what I'm hoping for, really. Something from a 'parts bin' Teac or anything in that fashion.

There was at one point a 4 channel Revox so there must be 4 channel Revox heads in existence but I bet they are as rare as hen's teeth.

Apparently a C274 was a thing, more for voice logging.

(If I really can't find anything, I might try staggered heads, as staggered stereo used to be something in the fifties and it's something for a one-off anyway. But that's really the very last option.)

I know it won't do, but just in case, I have a number of Teac cassette tape record-replay/erase set.

It really has to be for 1/4". But thanks for the help!