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magnetophon 21 AEG




Analog professional
tape recorder for studio
and mobile operation,
with state of the art
microprocessor
technology
New technology in
a proven concept:
The M21




The M21 professional tape recorder (short for »magnetophon 21«) is
designed for top quality master recording and reproduction in radio
and television studios as well as in the recording industry and profes-
sional studios in general. AEG continues the great tradition of produc-
ing compact, portable, rugged, reliable studio tape recorders with this
completely new development. The magnetophon 21 is a modern, pro-
fessional system which is designed for ease of operation through the
utilization of the most sophisticated technology currently available.

The M21 is an analog recorder which, along with other recording sys-
tems, is meant to ensure the continuity of a proven technique and, in
addition, the meeting of both the present day demands and those of
many years to come. By adding a compact unit for 1/4" tape to the pro-
fessional M15A tape recorder system, AEG has rounded out its series
of magnetophones in the master recorder class.

As a logical advancement in modern technology the M21 now offers
microcomputer control and electronically controlled capstan and reels.
The microcomputer enables tape transport and amplifier operation to
be programmed, thus greatly increasing the system's range of applica-
tions.

The machine is available in mono, stereo or two-track configuration
with A-wind (oxide coating inside) or B-wind (oxide coating outside).

Operation is possible with all standard reel mounts: DIN hubs with
turntable for self-supporting tape packs, NAB reels or cine-type reels.
NAB reels up to 12 1/2" diameter or self-supporting tape packs of 300
mm diameter may be used. The minimum hub diameter for tape reels is
45 mm.
The compact, portable machine fulfills studio requirements for the tape
transport mechanism and the amplifiers.

This tape recorder is equally at home in the studio or on location in
mobile units. Since it is small and takes up little space the M21 is par-
ticularly suitable for installation in 19" racks and carrying cases and can
of course be fitted into existing consoles. Installed in the Vario stand it is
even possible to adjust height and angle for operation in a sitting or
standing position. The recorder operates in any position between the
horizontal and vertical. Particularly important for operation in mobile
units: the M21 is ready for operation at -5° C after only 5 minutes of
warm-up time.

For international operation, all tape equalizations are available: IEC
(CCIR), NAB or proposed AES. The record and playback heads are avail-
able with 0.75 mm or
2 mm track separation.
An accessory vu-meter
unit with monitor loud-
speaker and headphone
jack is also available.




magnetophon 21
Operation in the radio studio
in the editiorial office
in the archives
in film editing
Universal in use
for any kind of operation:
The Facilities



Facilities · Extremely short starting · Any of the 4 tape speeds
time: may be combined with any
· Usual high standard of 0.2 seconds to nominal equalization. Two of these
construction from AEG speed at 15 ips combinations instantly
· Short tape-speed chan- available on the operating
· Compact professional ge-over times due to special panel
tape recorder in 19" con- accelerating and braking the · Extremely good low
struction for 1/4" magnetic capstan drive circuitry. frequency response; wide
tape · Capstan speed control heads with asymmetrical
· Latest technology consisting of: head poles for low contour
· Long life frequency control for quick resonanced
· Studio and mobile opera- correction · High bias frequency (205
tion phase control for constant kHz) achieves about 2 dB
· Any operating position speed maintenance lower modulation noise
between vertical and hori- · Electronically controlled · Separate level adjustors
zontal reel motor drive using dc for internal level 0 dBm and
· Vario stand available motors and full-stop brake external line level; any level
which adjusts to optimize · Variable speed wind in between 0 dBm to +15 dBm.
operation in a standing or both directions. The selected · Input and output electro-
sitting position and for more wind speed is constant, i.e. nically balanced-to-ground
leg-room independent of reel diame-
· Ergonomic design for ter.
ease of operation featuring · Editing without touching
microprocessor driven the erase and record heads
mode-indication · Manually operable tape
· Microcomputer controlled lifter for applying the tape to
tape transport and amplifier the playback head (for
parameters monitoring during winding) or
· CUE-/ZERO-Locator for applying the tape to the
and REPEAT operation record/erase head for fading
· Maximum spool size into the recording
12 1/2" (3960 ft = 1200 m · Dump mode to the right
standard playtape) and left
· Easy tape loading Spot erase with tension
· Electronic tape timer sensing lever locking
· Heads produced of · Search facility button: the
amor-phous metal (so called machine backtracks at
metallic glass) for maximum playback speed and auto-
life and highest precision matically returns to playback
magnetic record head gap mode when the button is
· Capstan drive is an released
electronically controlled, · Locking of tape tension
brushless dc motor, locked to sensing lever in the STOP
a crystal oscillator position (with simultaneously
· Built-in Varispeed reduced braking torque)
± 10%, usually inhibited optional
during recording
· 4 tape speeds
magnetophon 21*
as a table model




mounted on the 19" rack




built into a Vario stand
for operation while standing
built into a Vario stand
for operation while Sitting




* The shown tape recorders are equipped with options.
Logical functions
for easy handling:
The Features



Features jack and monitor loudspea- The functions rewind,
ker is available. fast forward, record, play-
The M21 is an easily back and stop may be ope-
transportable, compact ma- The M21 allows the use rated directly or remotely
chine. It uses 1/4" tape with of conventional standard (remote control unit for pa-
either A-wind or B-wind for and long play tapes, either rallel operation optional).
mono, stereo or two-track in self-supporting tape
configuration. There are packs, cine-type reels (min. In STOP position the
function keys for mono, hub diameter 45 mm) or record mode may be selec-
stereo (track 1 and 2), track NAB reels and hubs (max. ted by pressing the record
1, track 2. On request a vu- reel diameter 12 1/2" and start buttons simultane-
meter unit with headphone 3960 ft (1200 m) standard ously or by preselecting the
tape). record button and then press-
ing the start button (pro-
vu meter unit with
gram switch). When the
monitor loudspeaker
tape is running the mode
and headphone jack
may be switched to RE-
CORD function by pressing
the start and record buttons
and off by pressing the start
button followed by the stop
button. Ramp control signals
ensure that these processes
(punch in and punch out)
are click-free.




Electronic tape timer
and alphanumeric mode
selected indication




NAB flanged reels
Self-supporting tape
up to 12 1/2" diameter
pack with turntable




Cine-type
flanged reels
The recording signals · Varispeed: This button · Monitoring facility during
may also be used for con- allows the tape speed to be wind and stop by pressing
trolling a compander (tel- continuously adjusted by the EDIT button and advan-
com, Dolby or dbx). Recor- +/-10% by means of a cing the tape lifter automati-
ding can be inhibited using knob cally or manually for appro-
the program switch to allow · Lever for adjusting speed priate to monitor volume set-
only playback mode. and direction of wind ting
· Edit operation · Easy manual location of
Apart from these basic · Spot erase edit points
functions, additional featu- Erasing of short sections of · Variable high-speed
res provide easy and versa- tape (spots) by moving the wind in both directions
tile operation: tape manually. · Constant search speed
(controlled winding speed)
· Zero Locator - for retur- · Input · Locking of tape tension
ning the tape to counter · Click-free switch-over sensor lever in the STOP
position »zero« from input to output monito- position (optional)
· Cue Locator - for posi- ring · Spot erase
tioning the tape at a desired · Start position for short
counter position previously start-up time by pressing
stored in memory during the STOP button after swit-
either record or playback by ching the machine on
pressing »Set Cue« · Unload
· Repeat (loop operation) Tape lifts off the heads
for automatic repetition of
playback between two pre- Liquid Crystal Indicators:
set counter positions. The
first counter position is set · Electronic tape timer: 5
with the »Set Cue« button digit (hr/min/sec, negative
and the second with the sign below zero)
»Repeat« button · Alpha-numeric indication
· Repeat (search facility): of selected mode
When the repeat button is · Level indication (optio-
pressed during replay the nal) - vu-meter unit with
machine will rewind at se- monitor loudspeaker and
arch speed until the button headphone jack
is released. then the machi-
ne returns to the playback Full provisions for cut-
mode and splice-editing

· Tape marker (optional)
· Tape cutter with splicer
(optional)
· Tape cutter in front of
playback head with splicer
(optional)
· Dump mode to the right
and left
Perfect by
new ideas:
The Details



Details Capstan drive Tape path

The M21 may be used · Electronically controlled · High precision tape path
with crystal oscillator refe-
as is, or fitted into consoles, to minimize phase fluctua-
carrying cases, a Vario stand rence; unaffected by ac tions in stereo mode
or a 19" rack. The Vario mains frequency variations; · Constant tape tension
stand allows the working for four tape speeds. assured by tape tension
position of the recorder to · Brushless dc motor; di- controls both right and left.
be adjusted ergonomically rect drive for minimum wear Tension remains constant,
for ease of operation in a and disturbance with low independent of reel size.
sitting or standing position. torque variations and with · Low tape strain, no ten-
integral tach-generator sion peaks
The entire M21 unit is · Loading a tape will start · Tight, self-supporting
mounted on a heavily ribbed, the capstan motor. The tape packs
rigid, die-cast aluminum motor stops at tape run-off. · Easy-to-handle lock
frame. The precision head · Continuously variable mount for hubs
assembly support points speed control within ± 10% · Exchangeable mounts
assure proper tape path. of the nominal speed for all standard hubs and
The head assembly is inter- · Capstan speed control reels
changeable without the consisting of:
need for readjustment. Tape frequency control with high
transport and amplifier func- loop gain for quick correction
tions are microcomputer
controlled . phase lock loop (PLL) for
constant speed
All assemblies are easily · Short change-over times
accessible for maintenance when changing tape speeds
due to rapid braking and
accelerating of the capstan
motor
High precision tape path




Direct drive
DC capstan motor
Tape transport control Head assembly Amplifiers Minimum maintenance

· Control module with 8085 · Head assemblies are · Separate level, equaliza- · Rigid, die-cast frame
microprocessor, EPROMS interchangeable without the tion and bias adjustors ac- ensures high structural sta-
for software and RAMS as need for mechanical reali- cessible from the front, bility
working memory gnment switchable for 2 tape speeds · Long life heads
· Smoothly acting, illumi- · Long life precision finish with associated equaliza- · Easy access to all com-
nated push-buttons for the record and playback heads tions or 2 equalizations with ponents, easily removable
basic functions with fourfold (produced of amorphous 1 tape speed or 2 types of guide rollers, head assembly
redundant gold-plated con- metal) obviating need for tape (bias and frequency and pressure roller
tacts: protected against realigning adjustable azi- response) with 1 tape · Hinge-mounted amplifier
inadvertent actuation muth: good low frequency speed and tape transport magazi-
· Long-lasting rubber dia- response due to unsymmet- · Electronically balanced, ne; easily removable printed
phragm push-buttons for rical head poles (especially transformerless inputs and circuit boards
the tape transport functions at 30 and 15 ips) outputs (transformers optio- · Running time counter for
with optimum action. Buttons · High precision tape gui- nal) regular maintenance sche-
protected against dirt and des · High headroom reserve duling
liquids. · Flutter idlers ahead of for the recording and play- · Easily accessible fuses
· Contactless tape tension the erase head, between back amplifiers for future and indicator lamps
sensing using differential erase head and record head magnetic tapes up to 2000
solid-state sensors and between playback head nWb/m
· Low inertia and low fric- and capstan to eliminate · High bias frequency (205
tion tape tension sensor. longitudinal tape oscillation kHz) achieves about 2 dB
· Tape tension control on · Highly effective, open- lower modulation noise
both sides of the capstan front head cover for easy · Click-free switch-over
with additional fixed guide tape loading and editing from input to output monito-
roller making it independent ring with ramped signal vol-
of reel diameter tages
· Direct current reel mo- · Separate level adjustors
tors for internal level 0 dBm and
· Speed control for con- external level 0 dBm to +15
stant wind speed dBm. Dynamic range re-
· 7 step, bidirectional wind mains high regardless of Hinge-mounted amplifier
speed lever. Contactless selected working level and tape transport
with a Gray coded optically- · Inputs and outputs electronics
scanned disk. elec-tronically balanced to
· Automatic instant stop by ground
mechanical brakes at tape
run-out or ac mains
failure Magnetic head produced
· Auxiliary remote control of amorphous metal
for the tape transport func-
tions




Microcomputer
control board
Easy to use
in all functions:
The Operating Panel
Operating panel
Push-button function Push-button
Variable tape speed VARI
designation SPEED
Fast wind (from left to right)
Record
Mono
Playback MONO
Stop
Stereo (track 1 and 2)
STEREO
Unloading tape from heads UNLOAD


Track 1
1
Rewind at search speed
Track 2
Setting the tape timer to 0 RESET
2

Input to Output
Editing EDIT
INPUT


Function enabling button:
tape speed/equalization
Tape speed/equalization switch-over SPEED
EQ
switch-over, vari-speed, ENABLE
mono, stereo, track 1, track 2,
input
Setting of Cue SET
CUE


Search to Cue LOC
CUE


Search to Zero LOC
0


Loop operation
REPEAT
Performance for
proffessional requirements:
The Specifications


Specifications
Tape Transport
Motor Starting time at 15 ips and 3300 ft (1000 m) tape
3-motor tape transport: to attainment of nominal speed: 0.2 sec
1 electronically controlled, brushless crystal oscillator refe- to attainment of ±0.1 % wow and flutter: 0.5 sec
rence dc motor for direct capstan drive
Fast wind time
2 electronically controlled dc reel motors
max. 100 sec for 3300 ft (1000 m) tape (variable wind
Tape speeds speed)
3.75 / 7.5 / 15/30 ips (all machines so equipped)
Stopping time
2 speeds may be selected on the front panel from the 4
(out of fast wind with full 3300 ft (1000 m) spool)
speeds available
stop max. 3 sec
Varispeed end of tape max. 3 sec
all tape speeds are continuously adjustable within a range
Spooling tape tension
of ±10%
1 N (3.6 ozs force)
Deviation of average speed from nominal speed
Electronic tape timer
max. 0.2%
5-digit LCD indicator in hours. minutes and seconds
Wow and flutter for all tape speeds, with negative sign below zero
peak weighted (DIN 45507, IEC Publ. 386, ANSI) measu-
Tape timer error
red using EMT 424 with 3300 ft (1000 m) standard tape on
max. 0.3%
European tape hub per DIN 45515
at 30 and 15 ips max. ±0.04% Timer overshoot after tape end run-off
at 7.5 ips max. ±0.06% max. 1 sec
at 3.75 ips max. ±0.1%
Tape transport and amplifier control
Tape slip max. 0.1% microcomputer with 8085 microprocessor
Tape width Mode selection indication
6.3 mm (1/4 inch) alpha-numeric, 16-digit LCD
Hub diameter Remote control interface
max. 12 1/2" 3960 ft (1200 m) standard tape rewind, fast forward, record, playback, stop, fader contact,
5940 ft (1800 m) long play tape enable fader contact
min.45 mm 1 reserve software-defined
serial interface (optional)
Tape coating
inside (A-wind) or outside (B-wind): alternative models
Applicable hubs and reels
European type hub per DIN 45515, 3 7/8" (100 mm) diame-
ter
(with turntable for self-supporting tape packs)
or
Cine-type reels per DIN 45514, min. 1 3/4" (45 mm) core
diameter
(with reel locking mechanism)
or
NAB reels, 4 1/2" (114 mm) core diameter
(with adapter)
Record and playback electronics Overall characteristics
Equalization These data refer to modern tapes such as 3M226, Ampex
at 30 ips 17.5 s (prop. AES) or 35 s (old DIN) 456, BASF LGR50, Agfa PEM 468 or equivalent.
at 15 ips 35 s (CCIR) or 50 + 3180 s (NAB)
Frequency response
at 7.5 ips 70 s (CCIR) or 50 + 3180 s (NAB)
at 30 ips: 30 Hz ... 20 kHz ± 1.5dB
at 3.75 ips 90 + 3180 s (NAB) or
40 Hz ... 18 kHz ± 1.1dB
50 + 3180 s (NAB-EE)
at 15 ips: 20 Hz ... 20 kHz ± 1.5dB
(all equalizations combined, switchable)
30 Hz ... 18 kHz ± 1.1dB
2 speed/equalization combinations are selectable at the
at 7.5 ips 20 Hz ... 16 kHz ± 1.5dB
operating panel
20 Hz ... 14 kHz ± 1.1dB
Input at 3.75 ips 20 Hz ... 10 kHz ± 1.5dB
electronically balanced (differential input circuit) 20 Hz ... 8 kHz ± 1.1dB
(optional floating with input transformer)
Signal-to-noise ratio
Input level RMS, A-weighted according to DIN 45633 (IEC Publ. 179),
adjustable from 0 dBm to +12 dBm referred to 1020 nWb/m and NAB equalization
(max. 24 dBm) 30 15 7.5 3.75 ips
(510 nWb/m)
Input impedance
full track 79 77 75 66 dB
min. 10 k between 20 Hz and 20 kHz
stereo (30mil 0.75mm 75 73 71 62 dB
(min. 5 k between 30 Hz and 16 kHz with input trans-
track separation)
former)
two-track (80mil 2mm 74 72 70 61 dB
Output track separation)
electronically balanced (differential output circuit)
Quasi-peak, weighted according to CCIR 462-2,
(optional floating with output transformer)
referred to CCIR equalization
Output level 30 15 7.5 3.75 ips
adjustable +4 dBm to +12 dBm full track (320 nWb/m) 56 55 54 51 dB
(at 200 nWb/m), max. output level +24 dBm stereo (510 nWb/m) 56 55 54 51 dB
two-track (510 nWb/m) 55 54 53 51 dB
Output impedance
max. 40 between 20 Hz and 20 kHz
(max. 40 between 30 Hz and 16 kHz with output trans-
former)
min. load impedance:
150 up to +18 dBm
200 up to +24 dBm
Erase/bias frequency
205 kHz with crystal reference
The choice for
different demands:
The Options


Model Options
Total harmonic distortion 1/4 inch design for tape coated inside (A-wind) or outside
referred to 400 nWb/m (i.e. 6 dB above vu operating level) (B-wind). By interchanging both the head assembly and
max. 0.5% at 30 ips amplifiers (adjusted together) the versions are convertible
max. 0.8% at 15 ips without additional realignment.
Crosstalk rejection Model M21-1 M21-S M21-2
measured at 1 kHz in accordance with DIN 45521
stereo version (30 mil 0.75 mm track separation): Technical features mono stereo two-
min. 50 dB track
two-track version (80 mil 2 mm track separation): or
min. 60 dB stereo
track track-
Erase attenuation min.
sep. sep.
85 dB at 1 kHz
30 mil 80 mil
AC mains 0.75mm 2mm
100, 110, 120, 200, 220 or 240 V (+5% / -10%) A-wind A-wind A-wind
(by changing solder connections) B-wind B-wind B-wind
50 or 60 Hz
Amplifiers
Power consumption at nominal voltage
Record-playback amplifier 1 2 2
160 VA
BG-AW13
max. 250 VA
Ambient temperature Head assembly
+5°C to +45°C Full-track erase head
cold start (-5°C) ready for operation after 5 minutes two-track erase head
Operating positions Full-track record and
any horizontal to vertical playback heads
Stereo record and
Dimensions, weights
playback head
Height mm Width mm Depth mm Weight kg
with 30 mil (0.75 mm) track sep.
Chassis 277+50 483 525 45
Two-track record and playback
(11"+2") (19") (20.6") (100 lbs)
heads with 80 mil (2mm)
(262,5*)
track sep.
Carrying case 405 510 600 14.8
( stereo with 80 mil (2 mm)
(approx.) (16") (20.1") (23.6") (33 lbs)
track separation)
Console 700 920 730 600 42
(36.2") (28.7") (23.6.) (92.4 lbs) Track selector active
Vario stand 1262 664 850 32 Equalization selector *
(49.7) (26") (33.5") (70.4 lbs) Mono-stereo selector
(max. dimensions) Tape speeds 3.75/7.5 ips
* when installed in console 700 the height is the same as (selectable) 7.5/15 ips
that of the M15A, namely 252.2 mm (10") 15/30 ips
7.5/30 ips
15/3.75 ips
30/3.75 ips
* Equalization selection only possible on machines with
only one of the tape speeds 3.75, 7.5, 15 or 30 ips
Accessories (optional) Auxiliary units (optional)
Tape marker vu meter unit with monitor loudspeaker and headphone jack
Tape cutter with splicer Remote control
Tape cutter in front of playback head with splicer Parts kit for desk
Tape lifter Vario stand
Spot erase with tension sensing lever locking Hand rest
Light barrier tape sensor Tape shelf
Input and output transformers 19" rack
NAB hub lock Mounting kit for 700 console
Carrying case
Function preselection switches (on BG-SB12)
With each of the DIP-switches S2 and S3 a tape speed (2
of 4) may be combined with their assigned equalization.
Equalization selection or tape type selection or head
assembly selection is possible, if the same tape speed but
different equalizations are selected on the two program-
ming switches.
Apart from the tape speed and equalization (tape type)
record preselection, record inhibit and other software
options may be selected.




magnetophon 21
with vu-meter
unit mounted
on the Vario stand
with hand rest
(optional)
Tape marker (optional)




Tape cutter in front
of playback head
and splicer (optional)