UHER 514 Tape Recorder - A Timeless Classic of Versatility and Quality

The UHER 514 tape recorder has a history of German engineering prowess, offering a blend of versatility, compact dimensions, and unparalleled audio fidelity. Produced between 1960 and 1964, this iconic model quickly became a staple in homes, clubs, offices, and studios around the world, earning a reputation for its reliability and exceptional performance.



At the heart of the UHER 514's appeal lies its remarkable versatility. Whether you're preserving cherished family moments, capturing the ambiance of a lively gathering, conducting interviews, or embarking on creative audio projects, this tape recorder delivers in spades. Its quarter-track mono recording capability, coupled with a single speed of 3¾ inches per second, ensures high-quality sound reproduction across a wide range of applications.

The UHER 514's feature set is designed to meet the needs of both casual users and audio enthusiasts alike. With a 5-inch spool capacity, users can record extended sessions without the hassle of frequent tape changes. The inclusion of a magic eye record level indicator adds a touch of vintage charm while providing precise visual feedback on recording levels, ensuring optimal sound quality. Additionally, the preamp output allows seamless integration with external amplifiers, offering enhanced flexibility in audio playback.

One of the standout features of the UHER 514 is its robust construction and thoughtful design. Despite its portable form factor, this tape recorder boasts a single internal speaker capable of delivering clear, balanced sound reproduction. The unit's dimensions of 150 x 265 x 310 mm and weight of 6.8 kg strike a perfect balance between portability and durability, making it ideal for both home use and on-the-go recording applications. UHER recommended the expansion option with their V 840 amplifier

In terms of performance, the UHER 514 excels across the board. Its quarter-track mono configuration, complemented by Permalloy heads, ensures faithful reproduction of audio recordings with remarkable clarity and detail. With a frequency response ranging from 40Hz to 15kHz at 3¾ inches per second, this tape recorder captures the full spectrum of sound with precision and accuracy. Furthermore, it's low wow and flutter of 0.2% and a signal-to-noise ratio of -45dB guarantee distortion-free playback and excellent dynamic range.

The model 524 was identical to the 514 but had already two speeds: 3¾ & 1 7/8 ips. The retail price in Germany for the 514 model was 429DM, which is the equivalent of approximately 500 euros today.

 

I thought that the egg shaped boxes started coming in the 90's. But this one seems to be their predecessor!