Auto-Reverse: The Hard Way

A look at Akai's impressively complicated 1972 Invert-O-Matic Cassette Auto-Reverse mechanism. Features a New-Old-Stock Akai CS-55D tape deck.
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A Couple of updates CLICK SHOW MORE

A common thing to mention is the auto-reverse deck from Nakamichi seen in the movie 9 1/2 weeks. It’s also mentioned in this video. It was used in the RX-202 RX-303 and RX-505 Here is a video showing it in action.    • Nakamichi RX-505 demo (HD)  

Loads of people have insisted I mention that amongst the other auto-reverse mechanisms, you could use a four track head so the tape can be played in either direction, this solution is commonly seen in small players like Walkman and car stereos.
NOTE: 4 track cassette deck heads are not common in recorders and they weren't available in 1972.

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