SABA RCR 384

The RCR 384 (also RCR-384) is a radio cassette recorder (also known as 4 Band Radio Cassetten Kombination) manufactured by the German electronics firm Schwarzwälder Apparate-Bau-Anstalt (SABA), in 1979. This model is very similar to the RCR 386, which has a clock function. The RCR 386 has LW, SW, MW, and FM bands, including a beat cancellation switch at the back. There is also a meter, which displays the signal strength during tuning. The cassette recorder section has automatic stop function, manual pause button, and built-in microphone. This unit has two DIN sockets, one for input/output connection to a compatible audio device, and another for an external microphone. It operates on 220 V AC (50 Hz) mains supply, batteries, and 9 V DC.

This German engineered radio-cassette recorder has one of the best electronic circuit designs I have seen. It has a BA314 integrated circuit (IC) in 9-pin SIP, which is a dual operational amplifier for tape recorders with automatic level control (ALC) circuit. It also has the LA4102 IC which is a power amplifier chip by the Sanyo Corporation that provides 2.1-watts output through a 4 Ω load, and requires 9 V supply. The radio circuitry consists of the LA1201 IC by the Sanyo Corporation, and it provides AM/FM intermediate frequency (IF) amplification.

It has a large and clear tuning dial, with tuning meter, and generous amount of plastic in the outer case. The sound quality is excellent through the elliptical loudspeaker, which has sufficient bass and tone. It has excellent push buttons and smooth mechanism that continues to work even today. The motor speed is very constant due to the flat drive belt and metal capstan flywheel.

The radio reception is very good, because it is sensitive enough to detect many distant stations, and the sound quality is excellent.

Cost/eBay

The RCR 384 is a rare model that I have not seen often for sale on eBay. This would have been a high-end model due to the number of functions and its large size of approximately 34 cm × 23 cm × 8 cm. It has a very high-quality build and electronic design and therefore even a used one would cost quite a bit. It is highly desirable, and one in mint condition together with the original box and manuals would be worth over a hundred pounds and more.

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