TC-D5 Pro 2
The TC-D5 Pro II was the last new model in this long running series. Although similar both mechanically and in appearance to the original TC-D5 the Pro II included upgraded electronics to raise the performance level to that which broadcasters and other professional users would require. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
The obvious outward sign of this was the fitting of two balanced XLR type microphone connectors, these used transformers for balancing (later Sony models achieved a similar effect electronically, a technique that doesn’t always work as well) and were matched for use with high quality microphones. Inside much of the amplifier circuitry had been made DC coupled, this required a new type of DC-DC converter that produced both positive and negative supplies. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
The ferrite head was retained but its appearance had changed, it was now fitted with a metal shield to reduce hum pick up but still remained exceptionally wear resistant. The continued use of a ferrite head meant that recordings needed to be kept below 0dB on the meters to avoid distortion (the limiter was useful for doing this) and that Metal tapes could still not be used. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
One of the few changes made to the outside of the machine was that the pressed metal parts were now in “camera finish” rather than flat matt black. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
The TC-D5 Pro II remained in production long after the other variants had been discontinued and proved popular despite its very high price. The WM-D6C was a natural competitor, capable of similar levels of performance and yet being smaller, lighter and considerably cheaper. It was used by some broadcasters (e.g. the BBC) in preference to the TC-D5 Pro II when they replaced their Uher open reel recorders with cassette machines. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.