Description
Bell & Howell 3169A Cassette Tape Player Recorder AC 120V DC 6V Automatic Stop
The Bell & Howell 3169A is a full-featured tabletop cassette tape player and recorder designed for both playback and recording of standard compact audio cassettes. It operates on AC power (120V) or DC battery power and includes an automatic tape stop feature that halts transport when the tape reaches its end. The 3169A was a popular model in educational and institutional settings thanks to its multiple headphone outputs and durable construction.
Specifications & What's Included
- Brand: Bell & Howell
- Model: 3169A
- Type: Cassette Tape Player/Recorder
- Power: AC 120V, 60Hz, 9W
- Battery: DC 6V (battery compartment with spring-contact tray)
- Automatic Tape Stop feature
- Transport controls: Eject, Record, Review, Play, Stop, Cue, Pause (7 push buttons)
- Volume control: rotary dial (0–10 scale)
- MIC IO indicator lights on left side panel
- Cassette door with open/close mechanism
- Headphone outputs: 4 x 1/4 in. (6.35mm) jacks on rear panel
- AUX IN: 1/4 in. jack (rear panel)
- Remote MIC: 1/4 in. jack (rear panel)
- Built-in speaker grille (bottom/underside)
- Onboard AC cord storage compartment (cord included, stored inside unit)
- Country of Manufacture: Taiwan (Republic of China)
- Color: Black
Applications
The Bell & Howell 3169A belongs to a line of classroom and institutional cassette recorders that were widely used from the late 1970s through the 1990s in schools, libraries, language labs, and corporate training rooms. The four headphone jacks allowed multiple listeners to play back the same recording simultaneously — a key feature for language learning, audio lesson playback, and group listening exercises. The dual power option (AC mains or battery) made it suitable for both fixed desktop use and portable classroom setups. Units like the 3169A are still sought by collectors of vintage audio equipment, users of legacy audio formats, and educators or archivists who need to play back or transfer cassette recordings. The onboard cord storage and rugged design reflect Bell & Howell's focus on durability for institutional use.
This Bell & Howell 3169A Cassette Tape Player/Recorder has been pulled from a working environment where it was previously in use. It has been visually inspected and photographed. The unit shows typical wear for its age — some surface dust and light scuffing on the housing, most noticeably around the top panel and left side. All transport buttons (Eject, Record, Review, Play, Stop, Cue, Pause), the volume dial, and the cassette door mechanism appear intact and show no obvious damage. The rear jack panel with its four headphone outputs, AUX IN, and Remote MIC jacks looks clean. The onboard AC cord storage compartment contains the original power cord. No batteries are included. We have not powered or tested this unit at our facility. Please review all photos carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Bell & Howell |
Model: |
3169A |
MPN: |
3169A |
Type: |
Cassette Tape Player/Recorder |
SKU: |
43297 |
Power Requirements: |
AC 120V 60Hz 9W or DC 6V (battery) |
Power Consumption: |
9W |
Features: |
Automatic Tape Stop |
Headphone Outputs: |
4 x 1/4 in. (6.35mm) headphone jacks |
Inputs: |
AUX IN, Remote MIC (1/4 in. jacks) |
Controls: |
Eject, Record, Review, Play, Stop, Cue, Pause |
Volume Control: |
Rotary dial (0-10 scale) |
Battery Compatibility: |
DC 6V (battery compartment included) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Taiwan |
Form Factor: |
Tabletop / Portable |
Color: |
Black |
Seller Notes: |
Includes AC power cord (stored in onboard cord compartment). No batteries included. |
Condition Notes: |
This Bell & Howell 3169A Cassette Tape Player/Recorder was pulled from a working environment and has been visually inspected. It shows normal wear for its age. Not powered or tested at our facility. AC cord included. No batteries. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |