A look back: maxon DC motors in analogue tape recorders.

1977: The Commodore PET computer is first sold; Atari released its Video Computer system; The Porsche 928 is unveiled at the Geneva Motor show; and Uher-Werke released the SG 630 hi-fi tape recorder (with 4 maxon DC motors inside).

In the late ‘70s, maxon motor were consulted for their innovative DC motors for use in a hi-fi tape recorder. Two brushless DC motors operated the shaft that drove the tape head mechanism. What was considered 39 years ago to be cutting edge technology, was the two maxon DC motors that drove the large 27cm spools of tape. One motor constantly pulled the tape and the second motor slowed the tape down to avoid tangling the ribbon. The “new” ironless windings were praised for having low inertia compared to conventional motors of the time. A servo-gearhead motor was used for the “Omega-loop” of the tape to record the audio. In a few short years, this equipment was superseded by digital technology and eventually dropped off the market altogether. Maxon DC motors are still used in high-end record players, such as the Kronos, that has two maxon DC motors in the turntables.

For more information on maxon DC motors and servo gearheads please call +61 2 9457 7477.

Pictured above:  the Analog tape recorder by Uher-Werke circa 1977 © 2016 maxon motor ag

Pictured below: music technology has come a long way. Maxon DC motors are in the high-end Kronos turntable © 2016 maxon motor ag

Music driven by maxon DC motors.

This unique record player containing maxon DC motors has been designed to counter any vibrations from the turntables and deliver a crystal clear sound with no interference from operating noise.

What started out as a personal quest for music & sound perfection has ended in the development of a commercial high-end vinyl record player, the Kronos. For those who have the means, this is the envy of all players, with a price tag of more than $30k.

What sets the Kronos apart from other superior record players is found in the design. Two turntables are placed on top of each other and counter-rotate. This effectively rescinds even minor vibrations and combined with the four-point suspension guarantees smooth rotations.

Matching the ground-breaking design are the two maxon DC motors that power each disk. Married perfectly to the application, the DC motors are known for their small, adept and powerful performance.

For more information please contact a sales engineer on +61 2 9457 7477.

Kronos record player

the maxon DCX22 motor as featured in the Kronos record player