AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Studer A80 RC MkII is a high-fidelity professional reel-to-reel tape recorder designed for studio use. It supports tape widths from 1/4 inch up to 2 inches with appropriate headblocks and accessories, and can be configured from mono to 24 channels. The RC MkII version features VU meter options and improved electronics over earlier models. It has a modular design with plug-in amplifier modules for each channel, incorporating record, reproduce, sync, and line amplifiers, as well as VU meters and click-free control electronics. The machine is known for its precision tape transport with servo-controlled AC capstan motor, electronic tape timer with negative display, and zero locator function. It offers balanced XLR inputs and outputs, supports multiple tape speeds (7.5, 15, and 30 ips depending on model), and has a frequency response of 30Hz to 18kHz at 15 ips. The A80 RC MkII is highly regarded for its sound quality, reliability, and ease of maintenance, with features such as plug-in transport logic, LED status indicators, and accessible potentiometers. It weighs approximately 95.6 kg and measures about 900 x 700 x 600 mm. The machine was manufactured in Switzerland and produced from the 1970s through the 1980s.
Analog signal output specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the A80 RC MkII tape machine in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The A810 Tape Recorder's signal-to-noise is 60 dB against the A80 RC MkII tape machine's 61 dB, its weight 30 kg (66 lbs) against 95.6 kg (211 lbs), its width 483 mm against 700 mm, and its depth 237 mm against 600 mm.
The PR99's signal-to-noise is 66 dB against the A80 RC MkII tape machine's 61 dB, its high-frequency extension 22 kHz against 18 kHz, and its thd 1.050% against 0.040%. Both share low-frequency extension (30 Hz).
The RS-1506US's signal-to-noise is 57 dB against the A80 RC MkII tape machine's 61 dB, its thd 0.800% against 0.040%, its weight 25 kg (55 lbs) against 95.6 kg (211 lbs), and its depth 456 mm against 600 mm.
The MTR-12's signal-to-noise is 75 dB against the A80 RC MkII tape machine's 61 dB, its thd 0.150% against 0.040%, its weight 113.4 kg (250 lbs) against 95.6 kg (211 lbs), and its depth 584 mm against 600 mm.
A807 Mk.II Reel-to-Reel
The specs and the pairings above are open to everyone. Sign up and you get the system builder, the assistant, a compatibility check against the gear you already own, and a watch on this product so a price or pairing change reaches you.
Sign up free