TCD-3014a

About the TCD-3014a

The Tandberg TCD-3014a is a premium cassette deck introduced in 1984 as part of Tandberg's 3000 series. It features a 3-head design with separate record, playback, and erase heads for optimal performance and monitoring during recording. The deck uses discrete components instead of ICs where possible, phase-compensated playback amplifiers, and high-grade capacitors. It includes Tandberg's patented Dyneq system for automatic record EQ adjustment and Actilinear II technology to increase recording amplifier headroom. Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction are supported. The transport system is built on a heavy aluminum baseplate with four servo-controlled motors: two reel-hub motors slaved for constant tape speed, two belt-driven capstan flywheels designed to minimize resonance, and a fourth motor for non-shock head assembly shifting. A built-in microprocessor manages transport operations, memory, auto-wind functions, and tape calibration for accurate elapsed time indication. The front panel offers adjustable controls for bias, sensitivity, and record-head azimuth, plus peak-reading meters calibrated for tape saturation indication. An optional infrared remote control (RC-20) is available. The deck is noted for its excellent frequency response (18 Hz to 23 kHz with metal tape), low distortion (under 1%), and high signal-to-noise ratio (74 dBA with Dolby C). Dimensions are approximately 435 x 166 x 350 mm, and it weighs about 9.8 kg. Originally