EMI tape recorder, 1960.

EMI TR52, tape recorder, 1960. The TR52 was produced in various versions, single channel full or half track (TR52/1) and two channel

(TR52/2). In addition, each variant came in two versions depending on tape speed, “C” for 3¾ and 7½ ips and “D” for 7½ and 15 ips. Marketed as a professional model, record characteristics were set up in accordance with CCIR recommendations and separate record and replay amplifiers and heads permitted “off-tape” monitoring. A single motor connected to the capstan assembly via a flexible coupling also provided power for the take-up, rewind and wind-on facilities.

EMI was one of the major reel-to-reel tape recorders in Britain and made other electronic goods and many of their 1950s and 1960s reel-to-reel tape recorders were painted a recognisable lime green colour.

EMI reel-to-reel tape recorders were lightweight battery operated recorders designed for applications where extreme portability was needed, especially outdoor recording. Some of their early examples such as the EMI 'midget' recorder were designed in conjunction with the BBC and regularly used by the BBC and other radio stations throughout the world.

The performance of these recorders was such that they could be and were used for high-quality, professional recording of speech and music associated with interview, television or film works.