Revox G36

Built from 1963 to 1967

The Revox G36 was the crowning achievement in the development of tape recorders in tube technology.

For the first time, coils with a diameter of 26.5 cm could be placed. The Revox F36 and predecessor could be operated with a maximum coil diameter of 25 cm. For the first time, a synchronous motor was used as tone motor in the Revox G36.

The Revox G36 had mechanical band end switches in two versions. Until device number 36,500 a microswitch was used. From device number 36.501 to 58.000 a feeler operated gold-plated wire contacts.

From serial number 58.001, the tape end was scanned optoelectrically. A light guide through the right pulley and the photoresistor in the stationary bolt was a strange design - more on that later!

The construction of the Revox G36 is already awesome. Ultra-long rods for the pots and rotary switches provide for short signal paths, the tubes in rank and file, the associated resistors and capacitors as well. The machine is not only fun in operation, the revision is thanks to the well thought-out design pure joy. And all that in 1963 - what a vintage :-D

Technical specifications

the Revox G36

Belt speeds:

9.5 cm/ s and 19 cm / s Syncron capstan engine

Flutter:

at 19 cm / s better +/- 0.1%,

at 9.5 cm / s better +/ - 0.15% hardly worse than a Revox A77 or B77

Frequency response over band:

40 Hz to 18 kHz + 2 dB to - 3 dB at 19 cm / s

40 Hz to 12 kHz + 2 dB to -3 dB at 9.5 cm / s, okay, the 12 kHz will hurt from today's perspective!

Max. Coil diameter:

26.5 cm (10.5 ")

Lead and rewind time:

120 sec. for 1000 m band

equalization:according to IEC

70 μs / 3180 μs at 19 cm / s

140 μs / 3180 μs at 9.5 cm / s

Signal to noise ratio:

2-track (k = 3%) 55 dB

4-track (k = 3%) 52 dB

distortion:

Max. 3% at full scale

Dynamics over band: (k = 3%)

2-track: 55 dB at 19 cm / s

53 dB at 9.5 cm / s

4-track: 52 dB at 19 cm / s

50 dB at 9.5 cm / s

Inputs per channel:

1. Microphone 3 mV Ri = 500 kΩ (max 600 mV)

2. Radio 50 mV Ri = 1 MΩ (max 10 V)

3. Diode 3 mV to 50 mV Ri = 47 kΩ (adjustable)

outputs:

2 cathode followers 2-track Ua = 0.7V

4-track Ua = 0.5V

1 speaker 5 Ω, 6 W

Built-in speaker:

21 cm diameter, can be switched off

tubes :

4 x ECC81, 1 x ECC 82, 5 x ECC83, 2 x ECL86

Semiconductor insertion:

2 transistors, 5 silicon diodes, 3 selector rectifiers

Power supply:

110, 125, 145, 220 and 240V, 50Hz

power consumption:

about 120 VA

Mass:

20kg

Dimensions:

Suitcase: 47.7 x 34.1 x 29.5 cm

Chassis: 54.5 x 39.5 x 27.0 cm with 26.5 cm coils

Details

to Revox G36

component arrangement

There is order here. Fantastic, everything in rank and file, the structure should probably be unique. If you know other devices, you really appreciate this construction. Quickly you have a mistake localized and can fix it just as quickly.

glowing passion

The ratio of the tubes to the transistors or better semiconductors, is similar to that of the circuit board to the compact disc.

Everyone knows, the tube distorts more, has more distortion - and yet, the tubes sound better.

Everyone knows that the CD has the better technical characteristics - and yet the record sounds better with all its disadvantages!

Rocker

Two pushbuttons rotate the contacts of a rotary switch level. This allows you to select speeds of 9.5 cm / sec and 19 cm / sec or set channels 1, 2 or 1 and 2. In the photo you can still see the long brass tubes that operate the rotary switch and, as in the Revox A77, inside the rods of the pots lead - just great!

Potis and switches

At the end of the brass tubes are the rotary switches and the potentiometers of the Revox G36. This saves signal path and minimizes crosstalk. Especially since the resistors in the tube technology are very high-impedance, but the capacities are smaller and finer. Has all the pros and cons!

Revox G36 potentiometers and rotary switches

Kabelfernbedienung für Revox A77 in der Originalverpackung

right side of the G36

Similar to the Revox A77, the potentiometers and rotary switches are arranged inside each other and are led down to the bottom with long rods and brass tubes. This minimizes the signal paths and thus the crosstalk of the channels 1 and 2 to each other.

left side of the G36

The Revox G36 can be switched on and off via the left outer rotary switch. With the right rotary switch, channels 1 or 2 or 1 and 2 can be switched to the one internal loudspeaker.

Above it you can see the 5 function keys

VU meter

A real innovation with the introduction of the Revox G36 was the VU-meter in the 36-series.

Einschaltverzögerung für Revox A77 von revox-online

nameplate

All the INFORMATION for the correct connection can be found under the flap with the complete connections.

Nothing should go wrong!

Tire sensor

through the right fixed pulley a Plexiglas tube is guided as a light guide which is illuminated below the Tonkopfabdeckung by a small lamp. In the deflection bolt a photoresistor is inserted.