Akai CS-M3 Stereo Cassette Deck

The Akai CS-M3 is a stereo cassette deck with Dolby B noise reduction, it was introduced by Akai in 1981 with a manufacturer suggested retail price of USD $180 and discontinued a year later.

The main features of the Akai CS-M3 cassette deck are: 2 heads, analog 3 digit tape counter, manual tape type selection with support for normal, chrome and metal tapes, belt driven single-capstan transport.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment located on the left side of the deck. Tape eject is operated mechanically and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be played facing forward in the cassette well.

Level meters used on the Akai CS-M3 cassette deck are analog needle VU reading meters. Mechanical transport controls for reliable Akai CS-M3 transport function selection.

The Dolby-B system reduces tape hiss on tapes recorded on the Akai CS-M3 by as much as 10 dB at the highest frequencies. To further maintain recording accuracy, the CS-M3 incorporates a switchable multiplex filter. When you record FM stereo broadcasts, the MPX filter of the CS-M3 can be swiched on to prevent the standard 19kHz FM pilot signal from interfering with the noise reduction system.

To make live recordings this deck has 2 microphone inputs to connect microphones with a jack connector. For undisturbed listening a jack connector for a pair of stereo headphones is supplied. Connection to other audio components for plaback can be achieved by a RCA cable and recording from a source by a RCA cable.