1948 AEG Magnetophon K8 tape recorder

[bob7872]

Nice machine & great that it still works!

[videogamehistorian]

You're quite right. 15ips is the speed most often used in studios but 30ips is used for highest quality in the treble. This speed doesn't give better bass, quite in the contrary. The main reason of the original 77cm/s speed (which the Americans rounded to 30ips when building their own machines) is due to the much larger head gaps of the time (40 microns for the record head, 20 microns for the playback head) and also the larger size of the particles of the magnetic oxide.

[BobWXXI]

30 ips? That was four times the typical tape speed used for standard broadcast recording, whether stereo or mono. Sometimes you'd use 15 ips for critical music recording for broadcast purposes. but you didn't NEED it for decent sound on either AM or FM stereo broadcast appplications.) I think 30 ips has only been used commonly for master recordings in the music industry--sounds marginally better and itt's easier to find the exact spot for edits in the old razor-and-splicing-tape method.

[mkkiani]

Amazing machine (we must note that Germany invented the magnetic tape and the tape recorder) and feel great seeing it in action. You have done a great presentation, many thanks. M Kiani

[videogamehistorian]

@mkkiani Thanks for your comment. A minor correction though: magnetic tape is not a German invention. It is Danish: Poulsen Telegraphones existed in all forms in 1900: steel wire, metal tape and disc. However, the magnetic tape as we understand it nowadays (i.e a plastic tape coated with an iron oxide) is a German invention.

[freethoughtmusic]

What a great old machine. So who needs stereo anyway ;-)

[gonchujam]

Nothing like Analogical Sound

The machine sounds GREAT!

[meloni53]

BELLISSIMO !!!!!!

[Marantzguy]

Nice! What a chunk of electronics that is! BTW, how much money did this machine cost in 1948? Did AEG develop a special bias the way that Ampex engineers did when they brought back the captured Magnetophones after the War?

[berndpfe]

These were used at broadcasting stations and also in classic Recording studios I think since it is a Professional Equipment...

[videogamehistorian]

Yes but the studio versions weren't exactly same. They were housed in specific cabinets and the model numbers were different and started with letter R, like R26 for example (which, as far as I recall, was the studio version of the K8).

[RODALCO2007]

Beautiful machine.

The way the heads are set up it looks that the magnetic side of the tape is facing outwards.

Amazing high speed 76 cm sec.

Very smooth braking too.

Thanks for showing

[videogamehistorian]

Indeed, the original German design had the tape oxide outwards, like audio cassettes, VHS and many digital tape formats. This format is still used nowadays in broadcast services, so much than if you purchase NOS tapes from Germany, they will be wound oxide out. The other format, with the oxide innards, is called International format and is used in most countries. I still happen to find old radio tapes recorded in France with the oxide out. Just flip the tape and you're ready to listen !

[RODALCO2007]

@videogamehistorian Thanks for your reply. It is an enjoyment to see this beautiful machine in working order.

Many thanks, keep it running

[vieuxson]

very beautiful machine in great condition i liked to have a machine of this quality in my collection

[Kaefermicha]

This one still uses the old German tape, right? Or can it be run with smaller international tape?

[videogamehistorian]

Like all German tape recorders from that era, it is set for 6.5mm tape. 6.35mm (1/4 inch) tapes will work without trouble. Actually, I only use 1/4" tapes with this machine.

However, it won't work the other way: I tried to transfer old AEG tapes from the early 40s on a revox but the tapes would eventually block in the roller next to the take-up reel, so I had to adapt both rollers to 6.5mm and this solved the problem.

[btown2011]

i still want one!

[rubblerbullet]

very beautiful machine! complete with the original amplifier unit! These old machines are very hard to find here in germany. I like the song you played on it.

[technikfans]

Great video and a really interesting and amazing recorder... I really would like to hear this...

[CMarkulis]

Hello!

I own an K8 "Koffer" nearly like yours, and an T8 reel to reel drive, both must be restaurated. The T8 is now running again, one reel motor has been repaired, some shortcircuits has been repaired, maybe it would do his job again - when the electronic would be restaurated. In the Box there are missing some parts i don´t know how they look like. Maybe we can share some photos via email? I would be very happy to get it run again in some month/years! I´m very proud to have it :o) .

[btown2011]

i could probably help you.

[clydesight]

That is a fascinating machine! From the 1940's and it still runs! Thanks for the video on this interesting unit!

[Seblington]

Nice looking machine, in good condition too!

[analyzingfunny]

very nice. Interesting. Thank you. I have a Scully 280-8

[oviwolf]

Very nice reel to reel! It seems to be in very good condition for it's age,and it sounds good! Where did you find this machine?

[videogamehistorian]

I got it from a German collector. Problems: it's very expensive (we're talking in $1000s), its shipping is a nightmare (it weights 120LBs) and then you need to restore it. To keep its original aspect I had to empty 3 big capacitors and insert new ones inside. What a pain. The amplifiers are easier, although those German Telefunken aren't the most common ones. The only remaining trouble is how to deal with the heads. They don't wear easily but they still do, and they are almost unreplaceable.

[lrh1966]

I finally get to see and hear this history making recorder that I read about all these years as the forerunner of later analog tape recorders..AWESOME!!...Lloyd.

[ToastmachineIdiot]

I've always wanted to see an AEG Magnetophon in action!

That definitely is a wonderful machine!

[metyuewb]

Could you also just post the music?

[videogamehistorian]

You can buy the CD for $10-$15, it's called ELKO BLUES and there are three volumes, all easily obtainable on eBay and such.

[videogamehistorian]

Boy, this is very rare stuff, so very expensive. It takes years to find this and usually you find them in collections, not in flea markets. For your information there was one 1940 AEG military Magnetophon on eBay, in one of the poorest possible condition (rusted, corroded, etc). It sold for 1200 euros, so over $1600 (I would have not expected that to be honest). The only real way to find such machines is to show that you're ready to pay for them, which is not always easy. Good luck !

[mrbeanchannel]

lol, thats right. your that guys who played magnavox odyssey with Ralph Baer. Champion!