For an 8-track based unit, the EM-808D has it all: multiple inputs, tone controls, back-lit VU meter, plus the ability to output a 100% wet signal. You can’t really ask for anything more from this kind of technology… Its limitations are the same as every other 8-track delay: one head only, short delay time and low fidelity at slow tape speeds. Regardless, 8-track delays have a charm of their own: low wow & flutter, plus a very peculiar way of distorting signal that makes them extremely useful for certain applications. The EM-808D does a great job at all of this. This unit, along with the Kastam SS-102 (they are basically the same units), are my two favorite 8-track delays.
The catalog says that the unit uses “CT-2” cassette tapes (sold for 1500 yen each in 1982, about 15$US!). I’ve never seen one, but I suspect these 8-tracks have wide enough holes at the front so as not to need modification. More info on this topic on the 8-track cartridge mod page.
Excerpt from a 1982 Guyatone catalog
Excerpt from a 1981 Guyatone catalog
Technical Info / Service Notes
My EM-808D needed no servicing, apart from the usual cleaning. I didn’t need to change the drive belt, but in my experience with 8-track delays, the belt could fail at any time. Fortunately it’s not so hard to replace, provided you have a bit of money to spare.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Tokyo Sound Co. (Japan) |
| Date | 1981 or earlier |
| List price | 44,000 yen (1982) |
| Transport type | 8-track cartridge |
| Motor speed | Variable |
| Playback heads | 1 |
| Head selection | n/a |
| Delay time | 150 - 400 ms (from catalog) |
| Inputs | 3 |
| Outputs | High gain, low gain |
| Wet output only | Yes, through the "from PA" input |
| Pinch roller | |
| Tone control | Bass and treble for delay signal |
| Remote Control | Echo on/off footswitch jack |
| Operating Voltage | |
| Related models | Also known as the Kastam SS-102. There is also a model EM-808 (without the D), released one year earlier, which looks identical to this one (see catalog below). I don't know what the difference is. |
Gallery
Hello, do you have the service manual for this echo? I’ve a erase head iussue that dont erase completely what recorded before. I think that could be a wrong bias regulation
Unfortunately I don’t have the service manual. In fact I don’t have any docs for the EM-808D, apart from the catalog excerpt above.
First thing I would do is try another tape. It’s the cheapest, easiest test, and you’ll need more than one tape if you’re planning to use it anyway. I’ve never done troubleshooting on erase head issues, but I would: 1) check for physical contact, and 2) look at the components near the erase head in the circuitry, and check for shorts, bad values, etc.
Good luck with the repair!
Where is the ‘8-track cartridge mod page’ please? Ive searched but can’t find it. Cheers!
@Matt
I’m currently in the midst of a major update to the ESTECHO web site, so a few of the pages from the previous site are still down. Sorry for the delay. I should be able to put up all remaining pages in the next few days.
Ok – no worries. Ive just purchased 2 x Kastam SS102 and Im not sure on what tapes to get, so Im looking forward to reading this!
I also wondered if you knew if it had a switchable power supply as it states that it runs at 50 and 60Hz! I see there is a panel on the back of the unit which may house the switch?
Im in the UK and was looking at getting a 100v to 250v transformer but I wonder if I need to now?
Thanks!
Although the Kastam can operate at 50/60 Hz (both frequencies are used here in Japan, depending on where you are), it doesn’t necessarily mean that the unit can operate at different voltages. For that, the power transformer usually needs different taps for various voltages, and the unit needs a switch to select the correct one. Unfortunately, the Kastam SS-102 and Guyatone EM-808D don’t have this feature. So unless your unit is different from mine, and has an input voltage selection switch, you’ll have to get that transformer…
OK thanks for the info! Ill get the transformer. In the meantime shall I go ahead and buy any old 8 track cassette and wait until the post on modifying them becomes available? Ive found some job lots of old ones on eBay. Cheers and thanks for your help so far
I usually try to find blank 8-tracks, preferably new old stock if I can find them. The best ones have screws in the casing, so they can be opened easily, which you will probably have to do if you need to replace the foam padding behind the tape (it oftens turns into a messy goo after decades…)
Cool – so I have the machines and some tapes! The machine work fine but I have no echo – so I wonder if the tapes need modifying somehow? I shot you an email, not sure gif you received it or not but any help would be most appreciated!
The page is online, I’ve just finished upping it. Check the recent posts for “Tape Delay Cartridge Reference”. Hope it helps!
hello.i have one like this,have anybody schematic?when i turn the delay speed the light of the vumeter go down and i can hear the dry signal but not the wet echo signal
I bought an EM-808D and was so impressed and wondered how I could have enjoyed playing without one all these years. My son promptly took it. So I bought another, just as good. These tape echo machines got me curious so when I found a Roland RE-150 at a local recycle shop to compare…I was thrilled! The Guyatone and the Roland are both so great I’m not sure which one I prefer. The Roland sound seems more detailed and bright but the Guyatone has a mysterious darkness that is very appealing! I bid on a couple of NOS tapes on yahoo auction, looking forward to seeing if a new tape changes things.
Great website by the way, your observations on these analog wonders are much appreciated!
Indeed, the EM-808D is a great unit. Definitely my favorite when it comes to 8-track based units. Sometimes, low-fi is precisely what is needed! Each tape delay really has its own personality, which will be useful for different moods or styles. This is what makes them so unique and fun I think.
Thanks on your kind words for the site!