The W-1200 is a double cassette deck featuring two, one-way cassette decks, mic mixing, a USB digital output and other versatile recording features. In recent times, cassette tapes have fascinated those whom have never used them, thanks to their warm, distinctly analogue sound, not to mention the ease of recording and the ability to create 'mix-tapes'.
We set out to create a cassette deck that combined an excellent level of performance with an interface that suits the digital audio era. Not only does the W-1200 offer sound that’s close to the original, it also has a wide range of versatile facilities that allow karaoke singing, the recording of conference minutes, and even the digital recording of analogue cassettes via a computer.
The two cassette decks support recording and playback on each as they have independent drive mechanisms... owners can record on both decks simultaneously to make a pair of identical tapes at the same time. And mic input and mic mixing allow you to practice your Karaoke singing over a cassette tape or an external sound source (via LINE IN).
TEAC's decades of experience in making recording equipment are self-evident in the W-1200, particularly where the noise reduction system is concerned. It allows users to play back legacy cassette tapes originally recorded with Dolby B NR and hear them correctly. Moreover, the pitch control allows you to change playback speed to whatever’s considered appropriate while the level meters provided enable fine-tuning of recording levels. A timer REC/PLAY function is provided to allow use with a third-party audio timer.
Furthermore, the W-1200 can deliver digital audio at CD-quality (up to 48kHz/16-bit PCM) to a computer via a USB cable, allowing digital archiving of your cassette tape library. Once you've digitised them on a computer, you're able to enjoy your old tape-based music library anytime anywhere via a network player, DAP, smartphone or even in your car.
Delivering a high standard of fidelity as a recording device, combined with advanced digital technologies, the W-1200 sets a new standard for double cassette decks in the modern age.
Deck section
Tracking system 4-track, 2-channel Stereo
Head configuration
REC/PLAY head one each for TAPE1 and TAPE2
ERASE head one each for TAPE1 and TAPE2
Tape speed 4.8cm/sec.
Pitch control ±12% (TAPE1 PLAYBACK only)
Fast rewinding time approximately 120 seconds (C-60 tape)
Wow and flutter 0.25% (W.RMS)
Frequency response
Chrome tape (Type II) 30 to 15k Hz（±4dB）
Normal tape (Type I) 30 to 13k Hz（±4dB）
Total S/N ratio 59dB (at max recording level input, A-weight)
Input/Output
Analog audio input
Connectors RCA × 1 pair
Nominal input level 0.28V
Input impedance 33k ohms
Mic input
Connector Standard 6.3mm (1/4") stereo jack
Nominal input level 0.38mV
Input impedance 3k ohms or more
Analogue audio output
Connector RCA × 1 pair
Nominal output level 0.46V
Output impedance 1k ohms
Headphone output
Connector Standard 6.3mm (1/4") stereo jack
Output power 15mW (at 32 ohms loaded)
USB digital output
Connector USB Type-B
Protocol USB2.0 FULL SPEED
Sampling frequency 8k / 11.025k / 16k / 22.05k / 32k / 44.1k / 48k Hz
Bit-depth 8 / 16bit
General
Operating power
US / Canada AC 120V, 60Hz
UK / Europe AC 230V 50Hz
Power consumption 22W
Dimensions 17.1"(W) × 5.7"(H) × 11.3"(D) /
435(W) × 145(H) × 285.8(D)mm
Weight
US / Canada 9.3lbs. / 4.2kg
UK / Europe 10.2lbs. / 4.6kg
Accessories Remote control (RC-1331), AA batteries × 2, RCA audio cable, Owner's Manual (including Warranty)
Dual cassette decks for REC/PLAY with independent mechanisms
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Two simple and reliable one-way cassette mechanisms are employed. During playback (or recording) of TAPE1, users are able to change the cassette tape in TAPE2, preparing it to play (or record) next. Since both of the decks have independent drive sections for control, when one deck is playing (or recording) users are able to operate the other deck (changing tapes, fast forwarding or rewinding,) without affecting the operation of the first deck, ensuring continuity of playback or recording. Both decks support the playback of Normal (Type I), Chrome (Type II), and Metal (Type IV) tapes, while supporting recording on Normal and Chrome-type tapes.
Noise reduction system for playback of Dolby B tapes
The built-in noise reduction system suppresses the hiss noise that inherent in cassette tape playback. This allows cassette tapes that were recorded using Dolby B NR in the past to be played back with sound quality that is close to the original.
Pitch control and RTZ functions
TAPE1 is equipped with a pitch control that changes playback speed (in order to restore the playback sound on old tapes to the original key) by allowing the adjustment of tape speed by ±12%. Moreover, by combining the Pitch control and A-B Repeat play, users are able to make voices easier to understand at reduced tape speeds when transcribing recorded meetings and speeches. Furthermore, both TAPE1 and TAPE2 are equipped with Return-to-Zero (RTZ) functions that make returning to them to their "0000" counter positions easy with the press of a single button.
Parallel Recording for making identical tapes simultaneously
W-1200
Parallel Recording makes a pair of identical tapes at the same time on TAPE1 and TAPE2. It is a convenient way to provide someone a copy of a tape right after making a recording.
Dual mode REC MUTE
The dual mode REC MUTE function allows users to erase unnecessary sections and to add spaces (silences) between tracks while recording. During recording or rec-standby, the W-1200 creates a 4-second 'blank' (which is a standard gap) between tracks simply by pressing the REC MUTE button once - press and hold it for more than 4 seconds and you can create a blank as long as you need.
Mic input and mic mixing for Karaoke and announcement applications
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The mic input and mixing function allow users to mix mic sound and tape/aux sound, and to record mixed sound to a cassette tape. By adjusting the mic level, users are able to enjoy Karaoke performance, (useful for announcement-type applications) without an external mixer. Of course, recording the mic sound alone to a cassette tape is also supported. Combine that with the Parallel Recording facility and users can create a pair of identical tapes simultaneously, useful for making conference minutes, for example, one being the 'master' and another for distribution.
* The W-1200 does not support stereo microphones. Please use a monaural microphone.
One-touch tape dubbing
W-1200
With just the press of a button, users are able to duplicate cassette tapes, making a backup copy of the original tape. Users are also able to create silences between tracks by pressing the REC MUTE button during dubbing. This also serves as a simple editing system, by allowing the erasing of unwanted sections.
Fluorescent display with level meters
W-1200
A fluorescent display with high contrast and high brightness is employed to show - in one place - all the information needed to operate the decks, including Left and Right level meters for full-fledged recording plus independent tape counters tor TAPE1 and TAPE2. The dimmer function allows users to adjust the brightness according to the environment.
USB digital out for digital recording on PC
W-1200
The built-in A/D converter and a USB digital output on the rear panel allows users to digitally archive their cassette tape libraries, at 48kHz/16-bit CD-quality. The sampling frequency and bit depth are selectable from 8k to 48kHz and 8 or 16 bit, depending on recording quality of the original tape. Once a digital archive is created, users are able to listen to them anytime anywhere with a computer, DAP, smartphone, network player or even in a car.
* Additional digital recording software, such as Audacity or Garage Band is required.
Timer REC/Play ready
The timer REC/Play ready allows users to record/playback tape when the W-1200 is turned on with a third-party audio timer.
* The W-1200 is not equipped with a built-in timer. Timer REC/Play is NOT available with W-1200 alone. A third-party audio timer is required. Devices that allow timer operation can be connected as sources. For details, check with the manufacturer of the source device.
Features at a glance
Dual cassette decks for REC/PLAY on both decks with independent mechanism
Noise reduction system suppresses hiss during playback (equivalent to Dolby B NR)
Normal (Type I) and Chrome (Type II) tapes REC/PLAY (auto detect)
Metal (Type IV) tape Play (auto detect)
REC MUTE creates four second silences with one touch, or silences of other lengths as desired
Mic input with mic mixing for karaoke and announcement applications
One-touch dubbing for easy tape duplication
Parallel (simultaneous) recording for recording to two tapes at the same time
Timer REC/Play ready * A third-party audio timer is required.
Four-digit digital tape counters
RTZ (Return to Zero) function for one-touch return to the tape counter "0000" position
Repeat play (playback stops after a maximum of 20 repetitions)
±12% pitch control * TAPE 1 playback only.
Dimmable fluorescent display with level meters
USB output for digital recording on PC * Third-party digital recording software, such as Audacity or Garage Band is required.
RCA analogue input jacks
6.3mm (1/4") stereo headphone output jack
Remote control included
RoHS compliant
