Sony NT-1 Scoopman
- CK
- Dec 4, 2018
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 16
Many are familiar with Sony's iconic products such as the Walkman, Discman, and even the Watchman. However, fewer may have encountered the Scoopman. In 1992, Sony launched an innovative digital memo recording system known as NT, short for None-Tracking, marketed under the name Scoopman. This impressive device is essentially a digital cassette tape recorder, primarily designed for journalists and law enforcement agencies. Interestingly, Sony also targeted music enthusiasts with this creation. With a stereo audio sampling rate of 32 kHz at 12 bits, it approaches the quality of a CD, which is 44.1 kHz at 16 bits. On a personal note, I recorded music from a high-resolution source into the NTC, and the result was outstanding. To my ears, it captures the crystal-clear quality of a CD while providing the warm, smooth tones of an analog cassette, without the noise. I was truly impressed by the sound quality when I first experienced it. It's nearly comparable to DAT!
Feature:
• Digital Stereo Tape Recorder: The absence of a track format for playback contributes to its compact size. Additionally, it offers high-fidelity digital sound with straightforward operation.
• Stamp-Size Cassette Tape: The compact NT cassette tape supports up to 120 minutes of playback or recording.
• Powered by One R6 (Size AA) Battery: A single alkaline battery powers the device for approximately 7 hours of continuous recording or about 6 hours of continuous playback.
• Auto Gain Control (AGC): The digital AGC automatically adjusts the recording level to prevent errors, with the option for manual adjustment.
• Clock with Auto Calendar Function: The built-in clock and calendar record the date and time at the start of each recording. During playback, you can view the recording date, with calendar functionality extending up to the year 2099.
Major Benefits:
• Pocket-able size
• Digital Hi-Fi stereo sound
• Long battery life with one R6 (size AA) battery
• Easy operation
How Is the NT Cassette Tape So Compact?
In the traditional helical scan system for tape tracking, the rotary heads must accurately trace each recorded track during playback. This method requires highly precise mechanical components, making it challenging to reduce the system's size. However, the NT (Non-Tracking) format eliminates the need for rotary heads to precisely trace the recorded tracks during playback. Instead, the rotary heads operate at a higher speed (twice that of recording) and read more data. Although the data collected may be fragmented, the IC memory reorganizes and enhances it to accurately reproduce the original sound. Consequently, this system allows for a reduction in the number of mechanical components.
The NT-1 closely resembles a standard micro-cassette recorder in both appearance and functionality. It features the typical controls: play, pause, fast forward, rewind, stop, record, and volume, along with several function buttons for setting the clock and selecting the recording mode. However, the NT-1 lacks a built-in microphone and a Line-In option. Instead, it includes a Mic-In port located next to the headphone jack, allowing the connection of an external microphone for recording purposes. The Line-In and Line-Out capabilities can be accessed using the included NTU-2 adapter.
The connection method of the NTU-2 adapter to the NT-1 body is rather unconventional. It requires the removal of the AA battery to allow the extended portion of the adapter to fit into the battery compartment.
The digital cassettes utilized in the NT-1 and NT-2 hold the world record for being the smallest cassette tapes globally. To clarify, they are indeed significantly smaller than micro-cassette tapes, measuring approximately half the size and much thinner. In fact, their size is more comparable to that of an SD card.
To provide perspective on its size, please compare the NTC with other popular media formats.
But don't let the small size fool you. It comes in three different recording lengths, NTC-60, NTC-90 and NTC-120 which correspond to the recording time of 60, 90 and 120 minutes.
Similar to any analog cassette player, the NT-1's playback and recording head necessitates regular cleaning. A specialized cleaning cartridge is available for this purpose. It is important to avoid using a cotton swab with alcohol, as this can harm the recording head.
This is an exceptional music player and recorder. I have greatly enjoyed using it and appreciate the quality of the music it produces. It is quite rare and costly, as Sony only released two models: the NT-1 and its predecessor, the NT-2, in 1996, and production ceased a long time ago. Therefore, encountering one in person is uncommon. In the meantime, please enjoy the gallery. Thank you for reading.
NT-1 Specification:
• Format: NT format
• Tape: Digital micro tape (NT cassette tape)
• Recording system: Helical scan 2 heads, digital recording.
• Recording head: 3 heads
• Recording time: 90 minutes (supplied NTC-90)
• Tape speed: Approx. 6.35 mm/second.
• Drum rotation: 3000 rpm.
• Error correction: Cross-interleaving code.
• Track pitch: Approx. 9.8 um
• Sampling frequency: 32 kHz
• Modulation system: LDM-2
• Number of channels: 2-channel, stereo
• Quantization: 12-bit non-linear (equivalent to 17 bits)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 14,500 Hz (+1, -3dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 80 dB (1 kHz, IHF-A, 20 kHz LPF, LINE IN)
• Dynamic range: More than 80 dB (1 kHz, IHF-A, 20 kHz LPF, LINE IN)
• Total harmonic distortion: Less than 0.08%
• Wow and flutter: Below measurable limit (less than 0.001%) W.PEAK)
• Tape Transport Mechanism Type: MN-1-66
• Material: Metal evaporated tape
• Maximum recording time: 12 minutes (double side)
• Mic Input:
• Jack type: Stereo mini-jack
• Rated input level: 1.38 mV
• Minimum input level: 0.55 mV
• Line In:
• Jack type: Stereo mini-jack
• Rated input level: 160 mV
• Minimum input level: 64 mV
• Power requirements:
• DC 1.5 V R6 (size AA) battery or AC power adaptor
• Battery life:
• Approx. 7 hours (consecutive recording)
• Approx. 6 hours (consecutive playback) (Sony alkaline battery AM3)
• Lithium battery life: Approx. 1 year.
• Power consumption: Approx. 300 mW
• Dimensions: 112.9x23.1x55.2 mm ( w/h/d) (4 1/2 x 15/16 x 2 1/4 inches) including projecting parts.
• Weight: 147g (5.2oz) (including battery)
Supplied accessories:
• Adapter unit NTU-2 (1)
• Lithium battery CR1220 (1)
• Sony alkaline battery AM3 (1, tourist model only)
• AC power adaptor (1)
• AC-E15L (230V) (AEP model)
• AC-NT1 (240V) (UK model)
• AC-NT1 (120V) (US, Canadian model)
• AC-NT1 (100-240V) (Tourist model only)
• AC plug adaptor (1, tourist model only)
• Connecting cord (pin-plug x2 ==> stereo mini-plug, stereo for line inputs and outputs) (2)
• Stereo microphone C-3001 (1)
• Microphone stand (1)
• Microphone attenuator NTU-3 (1)
• NT cassette tape NTC-90 (1)
• Stereo headphones MDR-E552 (1)
• Carrying case (1)
NT Cassette Tape Specification:
• Size: 30 x 21.5 x 5 mm (w x h x d) (1 3/16 x 1/8 x 7/32 inches)
• Weight: 2.3g (0.08oz)
• Width: 2.5 mm
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