It is actually a GX-9 that got rebranded to the Akai professional look and line-in line-out connections added to the front. It does have auto-bias tuning, which is sort of hidden in the red recording button. Very nice deck; I like the grey Akai professional look a lot, very similar to the famous Akai samplers.
So good to have you back, Tony! I’m doing the minidisc thing right now but seeing these beauties and the gorgeous cassettes they use, (Denon was my personal favorite), I am sorely tempted! Thanks for all you do to encourage the cassette comeback!
True about Akai products from back in the 80s and prior, they were generally underrated and many were hidden gems. Many times they were as good as or better than the typical Technics/Sony/Pioneer or comparable specs for the money.
I’m sure I’m not the only one that misses your presence on here. Some people just don’t get it that all RUclipsrs are not a one person band, you have another job that you rely on to take care of your family. Thing is that when we don’t hear from you, some of us freak out. What I’m saying is we miss you, you big lug! Know this Tony, whether you decide to make another video or nay, there are people who care about you out here in RUclips viewersville! Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷
Hello Tony! Welcome back! I'ts great to know, that you're very busy, especially on these moments. Despite the problems on the knob, this beauty records really well. I'll Wait for the next videos. Keep working and rocking! Greetings from Brazil!
Nice to see you back on YT Tony! Great looking deck, very late 80s styling, I'm sure that knob can be sorted easily enough, like the auto close door! My Aiwa F810 doesn't have any tones or auto cal facilities but I chuck a 400hz tone through to match the levels then an 10k tone and adjust the bias to the best level, always very close with a bit of ear adjust, look forward to more videos but got to earn those penny's 1st mate!
Yeah, actually it is called "TUNING", see both the middle section of the Display and the Record button at 8:50 . This is an absolutely remarkable piece of machinery even today. I love it!
Nice one- always good to see another cassette deck. Old Akai stuff is pretty solid. I have an older Akai VHS and it is v.well put together. Time to look for an Akai cassette deck methinks. I found myself defending tape in a charity shop this week with a guy who trotted out the usual cliches. Hopefully i changed his view a bit.
So glad you did this review I got one a few months ago and I reached out to you for your opinion and you have yet to get one so I’m so excited to see this thanks
Akai made some BADASS tapedecks, eye appealing, AND very functional as well! NOBODY had a better head than them, and they really weren't that expensive EITHER! When you paid Nak prices for Akai, you got the WORKS! 👍
Lovely! I have a GX-75, is it me fooling myself with placebo effect and cork sniffing or these late '80s and early '90s Akais have a peculiar bright sound?
Good to see you back Tony 😀😀 Great video and beautiful deck 😎😎😎. About the knob, the potentiometer as been charged and has a different shaft. You could try and change it with one that has the same type of shaft or find a way to secure the knob. Best regards 👍👍👍
Meters have spectrum display capability to make difference between highs and lows since the maximum handled level is different. Low frequency maximum value is MOL (maximum output level) while high fr is SOL (saturation OL). This amount varied with tape formula and relatíve bias setting that's why meters have moving limit display.
Nice deck, I remember back in the 80s their decks and hifi systems always looked more colorful compared to the Sony’s and Technics and sounded just as good.
I am having 682 ZX and CR 7 foth are lying with technician here for tye last ten years. 682 ZX problem is of capacitors disease as during playbackmode it does a peculiar sojbd. In the case of CR 7 my deck goes to recording mode while in thd playbck mode. The techie is asking me to bring one IC and I do not know which IC. Please inform me the number of that IC and the location from whete it is available.
Hi Tony, Love the Music!! Bloody Fantastic Deck!! Love the Powered door. Even the Colour, Very Nostalgic professional looking 👌 Sounds well too! Cheers for Shareing. Grant 😊
Nice video. I've used more than a few cassette machines over the last forty years. One favorite was my Akai GX-f31. A swell deck with several essential recording aids. In those days (1970's/80's) Akai built some good quality components with cassette and open reel decks and amps (receivers, integrated) of excellent value. Yeah, their loudspeakers sucked but man-o-Manischewitz the tape decks were boss.
Damn, you're recording hot! The meters touched +8dB quite a few times. If I do that on my Yamaha deck the tape will distort like crazy. Perhaps you're using better tape.
I hate it when stuff breaks. Because there are always a couple of things you can do. The problem is trying to choose what to do. Time, money, effort...
My Denon has three heads and just bias fine adjustment. I managed to get it tuned up by hooking my iPad up to it with a lightning-to-3.5mm adapter and a wave generating app. I set it so that my levels will be -20db, and then I run 315Hz and 10KHz sine waves through them and adjust so that both are hitting the same levels. I compared my results up against the Sony 3-head I have that does have a calibration signal, and the results are pretty close.
A few months back I suggested you'd might want to get an AKAI GX deck. Your response: I don't need any more decks 😂 Btw: sensitivity on that Maxell was a tad low. The Communicator has UR tape in it IIRC.
Yeah. It was just what I had handy. This appealed as it matches other Akai pro gear I have and I didn't know it existed. Impulse purchase. I have another, mint Akai GX but it suffers from bad wow and flutter.
@@CassetteComeback Buy a cheap pot with the same type of shaft, and break or saw one half of the shaft off just as it is broken on the original. Find a rubber sheet that is the same thickness as the slot on the shaft of the intact pot. Preferably silicone rubber, but ordinary rubber is acceptable. Glue the rubber on the remaining half of the shaft, then glue the new half shaft to the rubber. The rubber will act as a spring, it will hold the knob nicely.
I obviously noticed your Marantz. I recently acquired a cheap SD4050, because I thought Marantz was some high-end kit, but mine seems to be a right piece of shite! I put a set of belts in it, and I'm hoping once I calibrate it, it'll come around, but right now, my Fisher puts it to shame! Go figure! Any recommendation on which to set first: The speed or the azimuth?
Oh, and if you like the looks of the 912, google Akai MG614. They're the called the 'Rolls Royce of cassette multi-trackers). FINE decks. Just sold my one of those too.
I’m really jealous because I’m in my 20s and love the looks and feel of these older models. Yet no company or product has designed or manufactured any product like these ever since. On amazon it’s just standard cheap players.😢 Maybe someday I find one in good shape. Butt.. know I could just design my own by a 3D printer
Expanded polystyrene foam... terrible for repacking. I always put in the time to make nice cardboard inserts to protect the equipment i send out. Sellers take note...
Be careful putting it on top of your other gears. Looks like it's missing its feet, it may scratch the surfaces under it. Probably the original feet were in the way of the equipment that was mounted in the rack under the deck, so they removed them.
They may call it professional but it can't be. Why? No balanced XLR Jacks. They may call it professional but it is aimed at the consumer market. A Professional cassette deck would have adjustments for setting level and bias.
12:04 😝 Honestly, I don't think I've seen a video about an old cassette deck (or some other piece of vintage hifi) without someone with an Asian name asking the price, despite the fact that nowhere in the title or video is it mentioned that the item is for sale. What is it with these third world people?
Considering the rarity, that it was serviced a couple of years ago, and sound good, I don't think I'll lose money on it...but I just wanted it. Never underestimate what someone will pay for something they want as opposed to for something they need.
@@CassetteComeback Well, of a sort. Bedroom only. Indeed, I decided the foam was overkill for it so I'm selling it all. Sorry about the packing. I usually use bubblewrap too but, what with being ill this week, I didn't get achnace to get any before deadline sending day and had had a freezer delivered the day before.
You need a real wow and flutter meter for a true reading, using a phone is a joke and is not a real source to reading frequency. When setting up a tape deck it got to be done with the right tools not a frequency meter. Use to repair tape decks a lot and there is a lot to setting them up to get the best out of. Your deck needs a services of new components and the deck itself needing a service, also them pots need replacing.
Best cassette deck(s) I ever owned were Akai. Quality manufacturer back in the day 👍
Good to have you back, and nice find. "Deck In A Box" sounds like a good title for a song.
It is actually a GX-9 that got rebranded to the Akai professional look and line-in line-out connections added to the front. It does have auto-bias tuning, which is sort of hidden in the red recording button. Very nice deck; I like the grey Akai professional look a lot, very similar to the famous Akai samplers.
So good to have you back, Tony! I’m doing the minidisc thing right now but seeing these beauties and the gorgeous cassettes they use, (Denon was my personal favorite), I am sorely tempted! Thanks for all you do to encourage the cassette comeback!
Akai’s cassette decks are most underrated players ever... 🤯
True about Akai products from back in the 80s and prior, they were generally underrated and many were hidden gems.
Many times they were as good as or better than the typical Technics/Sony/Pioneer or comparable specs for the money.
I’m sure I’m not the only one that misses your presence on here. Some people just don’t get it that all RUclipsrs are not a one person band, you have another job that you rely on to take care of your family. Thing is that when we don’t hear from you, some of us freak out. What I’m saying is we miss you, you big lug! Know this Tony, whether you decide to make another video or nay, there are people who care about you out here in RUclips viewersville! Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷
Cheers buddy
There is auto tuning on it, you can see it when you press rec.
Hello Tony! Welcome back! I'ts great to know, that you're very busy, especially on these moments. Despite the problems on the knob, this beauty records really well. I'll Wait for the next videos. Keep working and rocking! Greetings from Brazil!
Coffee+ Cassette Comeback+ Akai 3 Head Deck= good times
Nice to see you again! Beautiful deck.
Nice to see you back Tony. Tape ordered :)
Nice to see you back on YT Tony! Great looking deck, very late 80s styling, I'm sure that knob can be sorted easily enough, like the auto close door! My Aiwa F810 doesn't have any tones or auto cal facilities but I chuck a 400hz tone through to match the levels then an 10k tone and adjust the bias to the best level, always very close with a bit of ear adjust, look forward to more videos but got to earn those penny's 1st mate!
How much for akai? Is it for sale? I offer 29,99£, free shipping....deal?👌
😁
Congratulations on the new item in the collection! Sounds decent enough, the rest can be fixed
One Type II duly ordered... Welcome back!
It does have auto cal. It does when you press record button, in around 1,5 sec.
Yeah, actually it is called "TUNING", see both the middle section of the Display and the Record button at 8:50 . This is an absolutely remarkable piece of machinery even today. I love it!
Nice one- always good to see another cassette deck. Old Akai stuff is pretty solid. I have an older Akai VHS and it is v.well put together. Time to look for an Akai cassette deck methinks. I found myself defending tape in a charity shop this week with a guy who trotted out the usual cliches. Hopefully i changed his view a bit.
Keep up the good work
So glad you did this review I got one a few months ago and I reached out to you for your opinion and you have yet to get one so I’m so excited to see this thanks
Akai made some BADASS tapedecks, eye appealing, AND very functional as well! NOBODY had a better head than them, and they really weren't that expensive EITHER! When you paid Nak prices for Akai, you got the WORKS! 👍
Lovely! I have a GX-75, is it me fooling myself with placebo effect and cork sniffing or these late '80s and early '90s Akais have a peculiar bright sound?
Yes. They do have a bright sound.
what video camera did you use when filmed?
Good to see you back Tony!! Mmmmmm Akai, mmmmmm Niiiiiiiiiice!!!!
Hello, can I use your video to showcase this rare deck in the Polish Akai fan community on FB and on an online blog to describe it?
Very nice looking deck. Especially that input cinch connectors on the front panel.
Hello! What music plays on the video?
It's a lovely deck. Love the digital tape counter and VU meters. It literally screams 80s to me. GUNSHIP songs will probably sound good on it.
Good to see you back Tony 😀😀 Great video and beautiful deck 😎😎😎. About the knob, the potentiometer as been charged and has a different shaft. You could try and change it with one that has the same type of shaft or find a way to secure the knob. Best regards 👍👍👍
The seller said it wasn't like that when he shipped it. I'll check in the box to see if the broken piece is in there and then stick it on.
The akai professional logo, and the knobs reminded me of the the legendary s950 sampler! Great find!
Meters have spectrum display capability to make difference between highs and lows since the maximum handled level is different. Low frequency maximum value is MOL (maximum output level) while high fr is SOL (saturation OL). This amount varied with tape formula and relatíve bias setting that's why meters have moving limit display.
I love the automatic cassette door!
I think thats packed really well
Nice deck, I remember back in the 80s their decks and hifi systems always looked more colorful compared to the Sony’s and Technics and sounded just as good.
yeah, if not better (sounded)
I am having 682 ZX and CR 7 foth are lying with technician here for tye last ten years.
682 ZX problem is of capacitors disease as during playbackmode it does a peculiar sojbd.
In the case of CR 7 my deck goes to recording mode while in thd playbck mode.
The techie is asking me to bring one IC and I do not know which IC.
Please inform me the number of that IC and the location from whete it is available.
Hi Tony, Love the Music!! Bloody Fantastic Deck!! Love the Powered door. Even the Colour, Very Nostalgic professional looking 👌 Sounds well too!
Cheers for Shareing. Grant 😊
I missed you love your humor. Need to buy another new deck myself 👍🏻👍🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻.
Hope you’re doing a c120 feature, or a winfield Alpha Plus is it a type 0 video
Nice video. I've used more than a few cassette machines over the last forty years. One favorite was my Akai GX-f31. A swell deck with several essential recording aids. In those days (1970's/80's) Akai built some good quality components with cassette and open reel decks and amps (receivers, integrated) of excellent value. Yeah, their loudspeakers sucked but man-o-Manischewitz the tape decks were boss.
nice found and true the Cover is same as GX-6
Damn, you're recording hot! The meters touched +8dB quite a few times. If I do that on my Yamaha deck the tape will distort like crazy. Perhaps you're using better tape.
Counter didn’t move on ff and rw? Good to see you back!
many people don't like the GX heads for the highs. What do you think?
On a quick test, yeah, they have pronounced highs. Just add bias and it settles out.
Wow how do you have so many top notch cassette decks, where do you get them from
When people put them for sale on eBay, I trade them for money. Sometimes lots of money...
Akai’s ok! ok?
Ohhh yeah, I love this deck. It screams 80s all the way. Tapecounter does not work in FF or REV?
It was when posted!!! Might be the display setting he had on?
Never noticed that. I'll have to get the manual and have a proper play with it.
I swear to God your videos kick ass.
Rebranded gx9 not gx 6 but door is from gx6....deck calibrated when you activated record...
I hate it when stuff breaks. Because there are always a couple of things you can do. The problem is trying to choose what to do.
Time, money, effort...
Hi, Nice to see you again. Seems the feet of this deck are missed!.
Probably because it's meant for rack mounting
Yeah, I'm going to rack it, so I'd only be removing them anyway.
What do people think of the Denon DN-790r?
My Denon has three heads and just bias fine adjustment. I managed to get it tuned up by hooking my iPad up to it with a lightning-to-3.5mm adapter and a wave generating app. I set it so that my levels will be -20db, and then I run 315Hz and 10KHz sine waves through them and adjust so that both are hitting the same levels. I compared my results up against the Sony 3-head I have that does have a calibration signal, and the results are pretty close.
A little bit of Sugru and your knob will look like new Tony
I had a version with dbx. The plastic play button on the deck broke at the hinges after a while. A shame that plastic was used so much...
A few months back I suggested you'd might want to get an AKAI GX deck. Your response: I don't need any more decks 😂
Btw: sensitivity on that Maxell was a tad low. The Communicator has UR tape in it IIRC.
Yeah. It was just what I had handy. This appealed as it matches other Akai pro gear I have and I didn't know it existed. Impulse purchase. I have another, mint Akai GX but it suffers from bad wow and flutter.
@@CassetteComeback probably bad pinch rollers or dried up lubrication in the capstan bearings. Other than that, the AKAI DD mechanisms are rock solid.
Try sugru on the broken knob, I’ve had success with it in the past
Didn't know about that. Looks interesting. I was told to split a dowel in half and glue it on.
@@CassetteComeback Buy a cheap pot with the same type of shaft, and break or saw one half of the shaft off just as it is broken on the original. Find a rubber sheet that is the same thickness as the slot on the shaft of the intact pot. Preferably silicone rubber, but ordinary rubber is acceptable. Glue the rubber on the remaining half of the shaft, then glue the new half shaft to the rubber. The rubber will act as a spring, it will hold the knob nicely.
How much I buy?
Is there a Digital Buy version of the album?
So far there is only a Spotify playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/36PGxdUHbsxCQdIbq8itUw?si=Xqrzk8fqSfeleB3pBwJyeQ
I obviously noticed your Marantz. I recently acquired a cheap SD4050, because I thought Marantz was some high-end kit, but mine seems to be a right piece of shite! I put a set of belts in it, and I'm hoping once I calibrate it, it'll come around, but right now, my Fisher puts it to shame! Go figure!
Any recommendation on which to set first: The speed or the azimuth?
Speed
A knob, a knob, my cassette kingdom for a knob.........
I like your videos, all the best to you!
Oh, and if you like the looks of the 912, google Akai MG614. They're the called the 'Rolls Royce of cassette multi-trackers). FINE decks. Just sold my one of those too.
Looks good, but I do my music creation all digital.
Yay you're back. 👍
Also last comment.
I’m really jealous because I’m in my 20s and love the looks and feel of these older models. Yet no company or product has designed or manufactured any product like these ever since. On amazon it’s just standard cheap players.😢
Maybe someday I find one in good shape. Butt.. know I could just design my own by a 3D printer
How much please
Rubbers were changed and it was callibrated approx 3 years ago.
how much
The other half should be in there coz it was fine when posted!
Must've taken a RIGHT wallop for that to have happened?!?!?!?!
I'll dig around in the box. Hope it is and it should be a quick fix to glue it back on.
At first I thought it was rude to say that about "developing nations" but then you explained further, haha
Expanded polystyrene foam... terrible for repacking. I always put in the time to make nice cardboard inserts to protect the equipment i send out. Sellers take note...
Зато клей из него хороший )
Great vídeo like always
Replace the pot for the knob..
HOW MUCH? i WANT IT
Moron 😉
ooooh i do like an akai....nicely done
... forget the tapedeck, the music is great
Akai ha un suono eccellente tridimensionale, completo, con una gamma alta nitida e cristallina!
Be careful putting it on top of your other gears. Looks like it's missing its feet, it may scratch the surfaces under it. Probably the original feet were in the way of the equipment that was mounted in the rack under the deck, so they removed them.
Ha! I just sold you that! THE KNOB BROKE?!?!?! SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIT.
When I skip decks now, I basically make them the centre of a huge bubblewrap ball in a box. Couriers don't care.
Only issues I grit my teeth about them with, is they're TOUGH to work on, and it's HARD to find parts, but MAN are they SEXY! 👍
Sorry, Dear Sir, my question regarding Naks is not for you.
Ill be back!😮
Im here for that specific comment assuming its this video
Одна из самых дорогих дек Akai, GX9 в "профессиональном" интерьере!
Nice deck, shame about the knob :) It'll buff out.
They may call it professional but it can't be. Why? No balanced XLR Jacks. They may call it professional but it is aimed at the consumer market. A Professional cassette deck would have adjustments for setting level and bias.
0.31$ take it or leave it last offer
on secound toughts ... 0.30$
Belíssimo e maravilhoso aparelho!
12:04 😝 Honestly, I don't think I've seen a video about an old cassette deck (or some other piece of vintage hifi) without someone with an Asian name asking the price, despite the fact that nowhere in the title or video is it mentioned that the item is for sale. What is it with these third world people?
it looks more like an s900 than an s3000xl power buttons are same generation
i used to have a GX F51
Nah, you got it cheap, bruv. I paid £200 for it how ever long ago and stuff's gone skyward since. And they're as rare as rhs.
Considering the rarity, that it was serviced a couple of years ago, and sound good, I don't think I'll lose money on it...but I just wanted it. Never underestimate what someone will pay for something they want as opposed to for something they need.
Ah, I bought it off you 😁 I take it with the acoustic foam packaging you've got a studio?
@@CassetteComeback Well, of a sort. Bedroom only. Indeed, I decided the foam was overkill for it so I'm selling it all. Sorry about the packing. I usually use bubblewrap too but, what with being ill this week, I didn't get achnace to get any before deadline sending day and had had a freezer delivered the day before.
It kinda looks like my Alpine Al-35
Here in Brazil you cant even find tape decks that good :(
Price please sir
Moron!
price for what...?
Did you watch the video? Does he mention it being for sale anywhere in the title or the video itself? Another third world idiot.
You need a real wow and flutter meter for a true reading, using a phone is a joke and is not a real source to reading frequency. When setting up a tape deck it got to be done with the right tools not a frequency meter. Use to repair tape decks a lot and there is a lot to setting them up to get the best out of. Your deck needs a services of new components and the deck itself needing a service, also them pots need replacing.
I was measuring speed, not wow and flutter.
@@CassetteComeback what do you think wow and flutter is ? Maybe you should educate yourself, part of it is to do with speed.
Using normal tape? No way. Terrible results. Use CRO2 or Metal.
You can comment on Type 1 being "terrible", when you've recorded a good one in a good deck.
👍
i love old model casst and deck
wat this praice and delever me pakistan ples contect me 00923145411616
Moron!
Did you actually watch the video?
HaHa... you said "Deck in a Box" ruclips.net/video/Rt0spqQtMKg/видео.html&index=10&list=PL5rGA1FZ-cOm1SxguAHlseXUcdtddghPR
Having a cassette deck in modern times is not good!! 🗑️😆
f..k me he sound just like Vic reeves lol 😆