Selection between chrome, ferric and metal tape characteristics was automatic. So was the operation of the HX-Professional recording system – a technique developed by Bang & Olufsen to expand the peak ceiling level of all types of tape. The provision of Dolby B and Dolby C Noise Reduction improved the sound quality of your recordings even further.

Signal input levels were indicated on electronically-controlled Peak Programme Meters that performed to standards set for professional studio and broadcasting recorders. The signal level was monitored on both recording and playback.

The tape head of Beocord 8004 was a single combination head of superb technical quality. Both the poles and the beddings were made of Sendust alloy. As with all Bang & Olufsen recorders, a special additional circuit automatically demagnetised the head each time the STOP function was used at the end of a recording.

Locating particular recordings was quick and easy using the Beocord’s computerised tape address system. Just key in the track’s start time – in minutes and seconds – press GO, and wait a few seconds. The tape automatically wound to that location and began to play.

For recording an important broadcast while you were out of the house (or when you didn’t want to spend the evening clock-watching) there was a twenty-four hour electronic timer. With a few touches to the programming buttons you could store the station, start time and stop time in the microcomputer’s memory. It then carried out your instructions at the appropriate hour – regardless of how you used the recorder in the interim.

Beocord 8004 could be used as a stand-alone tape cassette recorder or as part of hi-fi systems such as Beosystem 6000 or Beosystem 8000.