7507 Automatic Cascade Recorder

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The NEAL 7507 is a simple to operate, dual cassette recorder with automatic cascade facility. It is designed to provide continuous audio recording on standard compact cassettes for conference and meeting rooms. The dual transport consists of separate reel motors and one common capstan motor. The transports are solenoid operated and logic controlled to ensure reliable and accurate tape handling.

Operation The design of simple to operate controls and automatic level control combine to make the use of the 7507 extremely easy. Once the mains lead and two microphones have been connected, switch on, insert two cassettes and press 'RECORD'. The cascade facility allows a minimum continuous recording time of 1½ hours without any further action.

Automatic Cascade Facility The two cassette mechanisms are identified as 'A' and 'B'. At two minutes before the end of tape 'A' the internal alarm will sound for one second. The tape in mechanism 'B' will then commence recording. At this point 'A' and 'B' are producing a two minute overlap to prevent any loss of information. Cassette 'A' will automatically stop when the end is reached leaving 'B' recording. At two minutes before the end of the tape in 'B' the internal alarm will again sound for one second. Provided the tape in 'A' has been replaced it will commence recording and again produce an overlap of two minutes. This system can continue for as long as required. In the event of no tape being available for recording the internal alarm will sound continuously. Only opening of a cassette carrier or pressing the 'STOP' function will terminate the alarm. The internal alarm will also sound in the event of:-

either tape stalling
failure of the recording system including recording and bias circuitry, the coating of either of the cassette tapes, or either of the microphones. These conditions are detected by the downstream monitoring head.
silence in excess of 60 seconds

Audio True stereo recording is achieved by the use of two microphone inputs. Both channels features automatic gain control for the recording level. Front panel LED meters provide a visual indication of this level. The green LED illuminates at typical speech levels whilst the red LED should indicate only on occasional peaks. No adjustment of the recording level is required.

The 7507 is normally supplied with two NEAL boundary layer microphones, fitted with professional type XLR connectors. These microphones are omni-directional and are widely used for the recording of interviews, conferences and meetings.

Line level inputs are provided for each of the two channels via a three contact jack socket. Use of the line inputs disables the microphone inputs.

Controls Two touch control switches are provided, 'RECORD' and 'STOP'. "Replay" 'Rewind' and 'Wind' functions are not provided. The recorder can also be controlled via an external contact closure and via voice activation (VOX) with adjustable threshold.

Heads A standard stereo recording head conforming to BS 6288 is fitted in both mechanisms. A downstream monitoring head is fitted to verify that a successful recording is being made.

As standard the 7507 does not feature erase. This can be provided at no additional cost if requested.

Installation Designed for use with two boundary layer microphones, the 7507 requires only a mains socket. The two plate type boundary layer microphones are normally located on the meetings table at approximately one third intersects. Unlike dictation type recording equipment, the 7507 records in true stereo format. This ensures clarity of recording and simplifies the transcription process. Where a permanent installation is required, the boundary layer microphones can be suspended from the ceiling.

Physical The recorder is 337mm wide (13 ¼") by 127mm high (5") by 204mm deep (8") and weighs approximately 6kg. The compact dimensions allow the recorder to be moved to any required location. The 7507 is of a highly robust construction and is housed in an all metal case.

Tape Speed The recorder is supplied with a standard tape speed of 4.76 cm/sec, model 7507S.

Ancillaries To ensure simplicity of use, the 7507 does not provide replay facilities. Transcription of the stereo format cassettes can be performed on a NEAL 5208 stereo transcriber or other stereo cassette player. The 7507 is available with time and date stamping via sub audio timecode as model 7512.