This Aiwa AD-F990 is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B/C and HX-Pro noise reduction, it was first sold by Aiwa in 1983 with a list price of USD $595 and discontinued 6 years later in 1989.

The main features of the Aiwa AD-F990 are: 3 heads and off-tape monitoring, digital linear tape counter with 4 digits and memory stop, automatic tape type selection and capable of handling normal, chrome and metal tapes, belt driven dual-capstan transport.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment located on the left side of the deck. Tape eject is operated mechanically and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be played facing forward in the cassette well.

Level meters used on the AD-F990 are digital FL peak reading meters with peak hold for easy adjustment of optimum recording level. Full-logic transport controls used on the AD-F990 let it respond to the slightest finger contact for fast and effortless transport function selection. Cue and review can be used to easily and quickly locate the beginning of a passage.

To ensure the best response from the wide variety of tapes available adjustment of, bias, equalization and sensitivity, to optimum levels can be performed prior to recording.

Dolby C-type used in the AD-F990 provides 20 dB of noise reduction above about 1,000 Hz, fully doubling the amount given by B-type. The Dolby HX PRO system provides precise bias control during recording to reduce distortion and improve linearity in the high-frequency range, the result is recorded sound that is highly faithful to the original. The 19kHz multiplex pilot signal present in FM stereo broadcasts can cause false triggering of the noise reduction system. The switchable MPX filter of the AD-F990 filters out the pilot signal, and assuring proper Dolby processing of FM stereo programs.

To make live recordings this deck has 2 microphone inputs to connect microphones with a jack connector. For undisturbed listening a jack connector for a pair of stereo headphones is supplied. Connection to other audio components for playback can be achieved by a RCA cable and recording from a source by a RCA cable. All main transport commands can be issued remotely with a wired remote control.

Aiwa AD-F990

Stereo Tape Cassette Recorder (1983-84)

Description

When working out the design for what was to become the most advanced Aiwa deck ever produced, engineers began with a fundamental question:

What features, they asked, can be built in to give users a deck not only with unmatched sound quality, but with genuinely automated, fail proof operation?

The AD-F990 is the answer. Unquestionably the most superlative performance ever offered in a model of this type, it also features thoughtful human engineering and unprecedented ease of operation.

Specifications

Type: 3-head, single compact cassette deck

Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo

Tape Speed: 4.8 cm/s

Heads: 1 x combination record/playback, 1 x erase

Motor: 1 x reel, 1 x capstan

Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal

Noise Reduction: B, C

Frequency Response: 20Hz to 21kHz  (Metal tape)

Signal to Noise Ratio: 75dB  (dolby C)

Wow and Flutter: 0.025%

Input: 50mV (line), 1mV (mic)

Output: 0.41V (line)

Semiconductors: 61 x IC, 116 x transistors, 138 x diodes, 20 x LED, 1 x FET

Dimensions: 420 x 110 x 280mm

Weight: 5.5kg

Year: 1983