Introduced at a time when the NAB cartridge format was gaining popularity, the Cue-Matic was the Ampex solution to the problem of an auto re-cueing spot playback format. Instead of using magnetic media in the conventional form of a tape, the Cue-Matic format recorded a spiral track, outside-to-inside, on a thin magnetic disc called a "mat". This "Cue-Mat" media was about the diameter of an LP record, and consisted of a polyester film with a magnetic oxide coating on one side.
Ampex marketed two machines for this format: the AG-100 and the AG-105. The AG-100 was the full recorder/reproducer, while the AG-105 was reproduce only.
Although the Cue-Matic format was a novel approach to recording audio at the time, it had several drawbacks. One was the lack of any jacket to protect the Cue-Mat media during handling. Another was the constant angular velocity (i.e. fixed platter rpm) nature of the format, where the audio quality decreased at the playback head progressed towards the center of the mat (where the disc-to-head speed was the lowest).
The NAB cartridge was more rugged and convenient for day-to-day use, and cart machines could be made smaller than the Ampex Cue-Matics. The cart format was fast becoming the broadcaster's standard for spot playback. The Cue-Matic format was not a marketing success for Ampex, and was only manufactured for a couple of years (probably 1966 through 1968).
An AG-100 Cue-Mat machine was installed in PAMS Productions Studio A in 1967, along with a number of Ampex tape recorders.
From the 1966 Ampex Professional Audio catalog:
"AG-100 SERIES MAGNETIC MAT RECORDERS
A brand new concept in the magnetic recording and reproduction of audio frequencies. Specifically designed for radio station "spot" messages, and other applications requiring short recording time, fast cueing and ease of handling. The recording medium is a mat revolving at 12 rpm, made of .003 inch Mylar coated with a specially formulated magnetic oxide. Maximum playing time per mat is three minutes, 45 seconds. Quick, automatic cueing for both recording and playback modes. A low cost recording medium that is extremely simple to operate and highly reliable. Provides broadcast quality results in recording and reproducing voice and music. All solid state circuitry. Most used electronic adjustments can be made from the front.
SPECIFICATIONS
Recording and Playing Time: 3 minutes, 45 seconds.
Magnetic Disc: 3 mil Mylar, 11-3/4-inch diameter.
Turntable Speed: 12 rpm.
Disc to Head Speed: Varies from approximately 7-1/2 ips at outside to 3-1/2 ips at inside.
Timing Accuracy: +/- 0.2%.
Flutter and Wow: Not more than 0.15% rms measured to ASA standard.
Start Time: Reaches stable speed in approximately 0.1 second.
Stop Time: Less than 0.3 second in record mode after the start of the 30 cps control tone.
Cueing Time: Maximum of 5 seconds.
Frequency Response: First Minute: +/-3 db 70 to 12,000 cps. Response is measured with recording made at least 10 db below the normal operating level of +4 dbm.
Signal to noise ratio: 50 db measured from the peak recording level of +10 dbm.
Input Impedance: 100,000 ohms, unbalanced. Facilities provided for balancing transformer and microphone preamp. Microphone input 50 to 200 ohms.
Output Impedance: Drives 600 ohm line, balanced or unbalanced.
Output Level: +4 dbm.
Bias Frequency: Nominal 100,000 cps with less than 1% second harmonic distortion."
Prices, according to the 1966 catalog:
AG-100: $1,395.00
AG-105: $1,145.00
Blank Cue-Mat: 45 cents each
The photos below are of a preserved AG-100 that, as of this writing (07/2011), has not been operationally restored.
Front panel of AG-100
Overview of AG-100 machine
Controls of the AG-100
Outside label on a box of 50 Cue-Mats
Inside the box of blank Cue-Mats
An alignment test mat for the AG-100
Created: 4 Jul 2011