Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- This reel-to-reel BK-401 “Soundmirror” used paper recording tape coated with artificial magnetite particles. Brush Company designed the BK-401 after Semi Begun’s experiments convinced him that a thin, flexible tape would give good audio performance. Introduced in 1947 with tape made by Shellmar Company, the expensive BK-401 malfunctioned easily. Despite good initial sales, production ceased in 1952.
- Before leaving Nazi Germany in 1935, Begun had heard of Fritz Pfleumer’s work on printing cigarette paper with a gold-colored band. Pfleumer also made paper tape coated with magnetizable materials and fabricated a demonstration tape recorder in 1931.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Brush Development Company
- date made
- ca 1948
- Credit Line
- from Maurice Musler
- Physical Description
- wood (overall material)
- metal (overall material)
- plastic (overall material)
- glass (overall material)
- cloth (overall material)
- Measurements
- recorder closed: 12 in x 18 in x 14 in; 30.48 cm x 45.72 cm x 35.56 cm
- microphone: 22 cm x 13 cm; 8 21/32 in x 5 1/8 in
- Object Name
- recording device
- tape recorder
- Other Terms
- tape recorder; Audio Devices
