1949

Studer Dynavox T-26

 

Willi Studer was contracted to convert 500 of the Brush Soundmirror reel tape recorders to European specs. He became frustrated with the level of quality of the units and decided he could build a better tape recorder. Thus the Studer ReVox Dynavox T-26 (below) was developed. This was Willi Studer's first reel to reel tape recorder and he launched one of the top lines of Studer and ReVox tape recorders worldwide. We have the Studer ReVox Dynavox T-26 in our collection. It was originally in France.

     

 

    

    

       

One of the first tape recorders imported to Europe from the USA by the Traco Trading Company, Ltd. are not marketable without modifications.  So the importer Hans Casper, a dentist, approached Willi Studer to modify the Brush Soundmirror tape recorder by replacing capstan-shafts, friction pulleys and rollers.  The Soundmirror just was not built for the Swiss power grid. With 50 Hertz, the device vibrated still so much that it almost fell apart. The idea of developing and constructing a better tape recorder emerges.

500 recorders were built based on the first Studer-designed tape recorder.

Studer offered two different versions. The table top model was in a hingedwooden cabinet, which was produced by Walter Wehrli Carpenter inHedingen. The apparatus, with built-in wire broadcast connection and two hours coils cost 1,275 Swiss francs ($1,430). The second device was designed as a synthetic leather case and was sold for 1,470 Swiss francs($1,646). In technical terms, both versions were identical. In a tape speed of 19 cm / s (7.5 ips) a ​​play time of 60 minutes was possible with the devices. The operation was performed via a central control switch and the meter via a "magic eye". The approximately 18 Kg (40 lbs) heavy equipment possessed via an output power of four watts, a power consumption of 80 watts and were very easy to use.

The Dynavox, or ReVox T26 (which we have in the Museum's collection) had only one speed, 7 1/2 i.p.s.(19cm/sec.), and operated in the full track mode to ensure optimum dynamic range and the lowest possible background noise from the rather poor tape available at that time. Appreciating this need for long, uninterrupted playing times, the machine was designed to accommodate 25 cm.(10") spools from the start.

In 1951 ELA AG was founded by Willi Studer and Hans Winzeler. The Dynavox tape recorder was renamed into Revox T26and the prestigious recording of the "International Music Festival Lucerne" was made with a prototype of the first professional tape recorder Studer 27.  Dynavox became Revox and the T26 continued virtually unchanged until cessation of production in 1955.

In 1952 mass production of the Studer 27 begins, Willi Studer has 32 employees.  Go to the full Studer - ReVox history  more photos

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