Audio T Verdict
The TEAC W-1200 is a thoroughly modern take on the traditional double cassette deck. Both decks can play and record, while one-touch dubbing, parallel recording, pitch adjustment and playback noise reduction make it equally useful for revisiting an existing tape collection or creating new recordings. Its USB output is particularly valuable, providing a straightforward route for transferring treasured cassettes to a computer.
Cassette may have returned as a collectable format, but the W-1200 offers considerably more than nostalgia. Drawing on TEAC’s long history of tape recording, it combines two independent cassette mechanisms with practical recording, editing and digital archiving facilities.
Each deck has its own transport mechanism and can record as well as play. This means one deck can continue operating while a tape is changed, rewound or prepared in the other. The W-1200 can also duplicate one cassette onto another or record the same source onto two tapes simultaneously.
Two Independent Record and Playback Decks
Both TAPE 1 and TAPE 2 support recording and playback. Their independent mechanisms allow the unused transport to be operated without interrupting the tape playing or recording in the other deck.
Wide Tape Compatibility
The W-1200 automatically detects Normal, Chrome and Metal tapes. Type I Normal and Type II Chrome cassettes can be played and recorded, while Type IV Metal tapes are supported for playback.
Playback Noise Reduction
TEAC’s playback noise-reduction system suppresses the background hiss inherent in cassette playback. It is equivalent to Dolby B noise reduction and is intended to reproduce older Dolby B recordings more closely to their original sound.
One-Touch Dubbing
A complete cassette can be copied from one deck to the other at the press of a button. REC MUTE can also be used during dubbing to remove unwanted sections or create silent gaps between tracks.
Parallel Recording
Parallel Recording allows the same incoming source to be recorded onto two tapes simultaneously. This provides a convenient way to create two identical recordings, including one master copy and one for regular use.
USB Digital Archiving
A built-in analogue-to-digital converter sends cassette audio to a computer through the rear USB Type-B output. Recording quality can be selected up to 48kHz/16-bit, allowing important tapes to be stored, edited and enjoyed through modern digital equipment.
Pitch Control and Repeat Playback
TAPE 1 includes ±12% pitch control, allowing playback speed and musical pitch to be adjusted. Combined with repeat playback, this can be useful when learning music, transcribing speech or correcting material recorded at a slightly inaccurate speed.
Microphone Mixing
The microphone input can be mixed with a cassette or an external source before being recorded. This can be used for announcements, spoken recordings and karaoke-style applications without requiring a separate mixer.
Recording Controls
Left and right level meters help set recording levels accurately. REC MUTE can insert a standard four-second blank with one press or create a longer silence when the button is held down.
Clear Fluorescent Display
The dimmable display brings together the recording meters, transport information and separate four-digit counters for both decks. Return to Zero provides one-touch access to each tape’s stored 0000 counter position.
Digitising Cassettes with the W-1200
The USB connection sends digital audio to a PC or Mac, but it does not record directly onto a USB memory stick. A suitable USB cable and third-party recording software, such as Audacity or GarageBand, are required.
Once recorded, files can be edited, labelled and stored in the format supported by the chosen software. The condition of the original cassette and the recording level will still determine the quality of the finished digital copy.
Made for Recording as Well as Playback
The W-1200 has a pair of RCA inputs for recording from a compatible source such as a CD player, tuner or streamer. Finished recordings can be monitored through the front 6.3mm headphone output, while the RCA line output connects the deck to a conventional integrated amplifier or receiver.
A timer record and playback mode is also provided for use with a compatible third-party audio timer. The timer is not built into the W-1200, but the facility allows scheduled recording or playback when suitable external equipment is connected.
Cassette Care and Recording Compatibility
The W-1200 records onto Type I Normal and Type II Chrome tapes. Type IV Metal tapes can be played but cannot be recorded. Both transports are one-way mechanisms, so a cassette must be turned over manually to play or record its second side.
The microphone input does not support stereo microphones. A compatible monaural microphone should be used when making voice or mixed recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both cassette decks record?
Yes. Both TAPE 1 and TAPE 2 can record and play, unlike double decks where only one transport is capable of recording.
Can it copy one cassette onto another?
Yes. One-touch dubbing makes it possible to duplicate a tape from one deck to the other. Copyright restrictions still apply to commercially released recordings.
Can it record onto two tapes simultaneously?
Yes. Parallel Recording sends the same source to both decks, creating two recordings at the same time.
Does it support Dolby noise reduction?
The W-1200 has a playback noise-reduction system equivalent to Dolby B, allowing older tapes recorded with Dolby B NR to be reproduced appropriately. It does not encode new recordings using Dolby noise reduction.
Which cassette types can it use?
Type I Normal and Type II Chrome tapes can be played and recorded. Type IV Metal tapes are supported for playback only.
Is it an auto-reverse deck?
No. Both transports are one-way mechanisms, so the tape must be turned over manually when the end of a side is reached.
Can it save recordings directly to a USB stick?
No. The USB Type-B output must be connected to a computer running suitable recording software. The USB connection is an audio output rather than a connection for storage devices.
Does it have a headphone socket?
Yes. A 6.3mm stereo headphone output is provided on the front panel.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. TEAC supplies the RC-1331 remote control with two AA batteries.
Does it have a built-in recording timer?
No. Timer recording and playback require a compatible third-party audio timer.
Related Audio T Categories
Why Buy From Audio T?
Audio T can help you connect the W-1200 to an existing amplifier, choose suitable interconnects and understand the best way to record from your other sources. We can also advise on integrating cassette playback with a modern system and transferring important recordings to a computer.
Speak to your local Audio T store for friendly advice, system matching and ongoing support.
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Cassette Deck
- Deck configuration
- Two independent one-way cassette mechanisms
- Recording capability
- Recording and playback on both decks
- Tracking system
- 4-track, 2-channel stereo
- Record/play heads
- One for TAPE 1 and one for TAPE 2
- Erase heads
- One for TAPE 1 and one for TAPE 2
- Tape speed
- 4.8cm per second
- Pitch control
- ±12%, TAPE 1 playback only
- Fast rewind time
- Approximately 120 seconds with a C-60 cassette
- Wow and flutter
- 0.25% WRMS
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- 59dB at maximum recording level, A-weighted
Tape Compatibility and Frequency Response
- Type I Normal tape
- Recording and playback, 30Hz-13kHz ±4dB
- Type II Chrome tape
- Recording and playback, 30Hz-15kHz ±4dB
- Type IV Metal tape
- Playback only
- Tape detection
- Automatic
- Noise reduction
- Playback system equivalent to Dolby B NR
- Repeat playback
- Maximum 20 repetitions
- Tape counters
- Separate four-digit counters with Return to Zero
Recording Functions
- Tape dubbing
- One-touch dubbing
- Parallel recording
- Simultaneous recording onto both decks
- REC MUTE
- Four-second automatic blank or manually extended silence
- Microphone mixing
- Yes, for monaural microphones
- Timer operation
- Recording and playback with a compatible third-party timer
Analogue Connections
- Audio input
- 1 pair RCA
- Nominal input level
- 0.28V
- Input impedance
- 33k ohms
- Microphone input
- 6.3mm jack
- Microphone input level
- 0.38mV
- Microphone input impedance
- 3k ohms or greater
- Audio output
- 1 pair RCA
- Nominal output level
- 0.46V
- Output impedance
- 1k ohms
- Headphone output
- 6.3mm stereo jack
- Headphone output power
- 15mW into 32 ohms
USB Digital Output
- Connector
- USB Type-B
- Protocol
- USB 2.0 Full Speed
- Sampling frequencies
- 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 32, 44.1 and 48kHz
- Bit depths
- 8-bit or 16-bit
- Maximum recording quality
- 48kHz/16-bit PCM
- Recording software
- Compatible third-party software required
General
- Display
- Dimmable fluorescent display with recording level meters
- Power supply
- AC 230V, 50Hz
- Power consumption
- 22W
- Dimensions
- 435 x 145 x 285.8mm (W x H x D)
- Weight
- 4.6kg
- Remote control
- TEAC RC-1331 included
- Supplied accessories
- Remote control, 2 x AA batteries, RCA audio cable and owner’s manual with warranty information
- Compliance
- RoHS compliant
Please note: A USB cable and computer recording software are required for digital archiving and are not listed among the supplied accessories. The USB connection is intended for recording to a computer and does not accept USB memory sticks.