Revox B215 Tape Recorder The B215 has many other features worthy of note - including a circuit
that automatically
sets optimum recording levels, a real-time counter with two memory rewind locations, and
fast-acting meters that show signal levels as accurately as anything a pro could afford.
But what impresses me the most is the Revox B215 's tape transport mechanism, mounted
on its own heavy alloy chassis. To start with, instead of using one capstan to pull the tape
past the heads, the Revox B215 uses two, on each side of the heads. Each capstan is actually
the extended shaft of a separate motor, and each reel hub works the same way. The head
assembly pivots against a set of hydraulic shock absorbers that appear large enough
to support a motorcycle.
The four direct-drive motors provide what is probably the best tape handling of any deck
on the market, with amazingly fast tape shuttling in either direction.
All this would matter little if the deck could not record and play as well as it handles tape.
In tests and subsequent listening sessions, I found the Revox B215 to be unmatched in smooth
frequency response, vanishingly low hiss levels and overall clarity of sound.
Direct comparisons with a $5,000 digital tape recorder showed the Revox to have more
inherent noise and a slight roughness in some sounds, but few other differences were noted.
There was no evidence at all of flutter, a common problem of most cassette decks.
The Revox B215 is a symbol for the harmony of matured mechanics and high-intelligent
electronics.The drive assembly with the four engines. The heart of the B215 is a drive assembly from
substantial pressure pouring with four engines, which propel the two Capstanwellen and the
two tape windings directly.
On which one is proud rightfully with Revox: No other equipment treats the cartridges more
carefully than the Revox B215 . The Sendust ferrite Tonkoepfe proves Revox level by its high quality
and is characterised by outstanding long-term Konstanz.
The intelligence of the measuring computer
in the Revox B215 is singular. The thoroughness and effectiveness of the complex computer program
place all past into the shade. In each kind of volume of each manufacturer the equipment measures
automatically in.
In a complex measuring procedure with eight measurements the parameters for levels bias
are determined. For the input of individual cartridge data six storage locations are intended.
The entire Revox B215 measuring procedure takes only scarcely 20 seconds. Of course with this procedure
the characteristics are considered by Dolby b and C.
Convenient operation
Technology loses much of its fascination, if it remains inaccessible. Functionality, clarity and
simplicity are therefore indispensable conditions. All only conceivable variations of the operation
are spielerisch easy to handle, and all photographs can be controlled automatically or manually
optimally. Soft in and fading out are possible for Fade out function with Fade in/.
Real time volume counter:
A real time volume counter indicates the played time in minutes and seconds. Two additionally
stored Locator positions can be started from each mode of operation. Likewise the possibility of
the endless rendition between two tape locations exists.
2.5 kg drive assembly;
Straight one with the narrow magnetic tape of the Compactcassette is precise mechanics and
band control just as important condition for perfect sound as highly developed electronics. With
Revox all construction units in the own house, important for the tape operation, are
manufactured - with the same highest precision as for the professional coil tape machines
of Studer. For example the Revox B215 goes through a mehrmonatigen aging process,
before they are finalworked on - with tolerances of fractions of a thousandth millimeter. Thus
the mechanics remain also after many years invariably stably and reliably.
Measuring computer:
The measuring computer works with three frequencies:
400 cycles per second (level), 4 kHz (EQ) and 17 kHz (bias). Both channels are separately
measured and adjusted. While the noted measuring clay/tone is read by the read head,
no measuring sound recording takes place - an influence of the measurements by cross
modulation is thus impossible.
The attitude is made in very small steps (256 possible settings) and considers the characteristics
of the Dolby of circuits.
Revox B215 Technical data
Drive assembly 4-Motoren drive assembly
DC engines over microcomputers regulated,
2 individually regulated, directly propelling Capstan engines
Volume counter
Real time announcement in min-sec with consideration of the preselected cartridge play duration
Locator functions
2 addresses freely capable of being set and erasable, possibility for loop enterprise
Volume speed
4,76 cm/s
Usable cartridges
C-46 to C-120 (the technical data are guaranteed to C 90)
Revox B215 Rewinding time
approx. 50 s for C-60/approx. 75 s for C-90
Squelch system
Dolby B/Dolby C switchable (both separated for admission and rendition
Revox B215 Volume local choice
Type I = Fe2 03 (2 storage locations A1, a2)
Type II = Cr02 (3 storage locations A1, a2, A3)
Type IV = metallpigment (1 storage location A1) choice automatically over cartridge coding or manually over key input
Recording level indicator
200 nWb/m with 0 railway mark
Distortion factor (k of 315 Hz/0 railways)
Type I less than 0.8 %
Type II less than 1.5 %
Type IV less than 1.0 %
Frequency response (over volume, aut after. Measuring)
Type I: 30 cycles per second of 18 kHz +2/ 3 railways
Type II: 30 cycles per second of kHz +2/-3dB
Type IV: 30 cycles per second of kHz +2/-3dB
Weighted signal-to-noise ratio related to 3 % rattle/clink with Dolby C in
Type I over 70 railway (A)
Type II over 72 railway (A)
Type IV over 72 railway (A)
Revox B215 Bias and quenching frequency
105 kHz
Delete absorption
over 70dB with 1 kHz Dolby C NR
Entrance sensitivity (for 0 railways rejection)
mV/100kOhm; Level adjustable in 60 stages, max. Dissolution - 1 railways
Revox B215 Max. permissible input voltage
2.5 V
Weight (mass)
9.150 kg
Case dimensions
(BxHxT) 450x153x332mm
