WM-D6CDaddy C(ool)

WML ID #14

Manufacturer Sony

Model WM-D6C

Nick Daddy C(ool)

Series Professional

Gang Dolby C

Together 3

Year 1984

Made in Japan

Initial price 60000 ¥

Technical details, specifications

Battery 4AA

Available colors black

Dimensions 181*40*95 mm (688 cm³) 3D size

Weight 652 gr

Window yes

Carry Belt

Expandable no

Head Laser Amorphous

Drive DiscDrive, Quarz locked

Tape selector Manual switch

Waterproof no

Speaker no

Frequency range 40-15000 Hz

FMax output 2x30 mW

Functions

DC in yes

Record by input yes

Record by int mic no

Cue yes

Balance (L/R) no

Phone type 1

Equalizer no

Auto volume no

Auto reverse no

Anti rolling yes

AMS no

Blank skip no

Logic control no

Hold lock no

Bass no

Noise reduction Dolby BC NR

Radio no

Radio tuner none

Radio bands 0

Remote control no

Wireless headphone no

Indicator led

Description

The daddy of the Walkman cassette range, produced for pro users with a host of features.

This updated model added to the strengths of the WM-D6 by offering an important extra feature: Dolby C noise reduction. This system, which operated in playback and record, improved the dynamic range considerably. Including Dolby C noise reduction in a compact portable was not easy, and the integrated circuits which performed most of the functions had to be made by Sony themselves. The fact that this extra function could be fitted to the WM-D6 without making it any larger was amazing, though it forced some changes, for example the second headphone socket was no longer fitted.

Other useful modifications were made at the same time. Most useful of these was the addition of a line-in connector, which allowed direct connection to other audio equipment without having to use the microphone socket. This was a great improvement and helped to reduce the background noise level when recordings were made from line sources, such as a CD player, second tape recorder or a mixing desk. The level meter was also altered so that as well as showing the recording level or the battery condition, it could be switched off to save battery power.

The WM-D6C can easily be identified from the earlier WM-D6 version because the “professional” script on the top cover is green instead of yellow. The WM-D6C could not really be improved upon and so remained in production almost unaltered for many years. However, two significant changes did occur, both in the latter part of the production run. Firstly, the excellent and very effective amorphous head with its distinctive parabolic grind was replaced by a simpler, cheaper permalloy type of a cylindrical section. This later head is noticeably more wear prone and therefore could not be considered an improvement. Only latterly was the “amorphous head” script removed from the badge on the front of the machine so it cannot be used as a reliable guide to which type is fitted. Secondly, the printed circuit was re-drafted to use surface mounted components. These were much smaller than the types used originally, though as the size of the recorder stayed the same the only advantage was a reduction in the cost of assembly. The circuit remained substantially the same as before and offered near identical performance.
Via walkmancentral