EIKI 5090A Cassette Tape Recorder 6 Headphone Jacks Mic AUX AC/DC Classroom

EIKI 5090A Cassette Tape Recorder 6 Headphone Jacks Mic AUX AC/DC Classroom

The EIKI 5090A is a portable cassette tape recorder built for group listening applications such as language labs, classroom instruction, and listening centers. It accepts standard compact cassettes and features seven audio outputs — six individually numbered 3.5mm headphone jacks and one external speaker output — allowing a small group to listen simultaneously from a single unit. The recorder runs on AC mains power (120V) or DC 12V battery power for portable use.

Specifications & What's Included

• Model: EIKI 5090A
• Distributed by: EIKI International Inc., Laguna Niguel, CA
• Country of Manufacture: Taiwan R.O.C.
• Power: AC 120V, 60Hz, 12W — or DC 12V (battery)
• Tape Format: Compact Cassette
• Headphone Outputs: 6 × numbered 3.5mm jacks (left side panel)
• External Speaker Output: 1 × 3.5mm jack (left side panel)
• Microphone Input: 3.5mm mini jack (right side panel)
• AUX Input: 3.5mm mini jack (right side panel)
• Remote Jack: 3.5mm mini jack (right side panel)
• Front panel controls: Recording level LED indicators, ALC switch, PA switch, Tone slider, Volume slider
• Built-in speaker behind front grille
• Tape counter: present but non-functional
• Housing: dark gray/black plastic, portable tabletop form factor

Applications

The EIKI 5090A was designed for educational and institutional use — primarily language laboratory and classroom listening stations where a teacher or instructor plays back audio for a small group, each student plugging in their own headphones. EIKI International was a well-known supplier of AV equipment to schools and universities from the 1970s through the 1990s, and recorders like the 5090A were standard fixtures in language labs of that era. The multi-headphone output design eliminates the need for a separate headphone distribution amplifier, making it a self-contained solution for group listening. The AUX input allows connection of an external audio source, while the microphone input supports recording or the PA (public address) function to send the instructor's voice to all headphone outputs simultaneously. Units like this are still sought by collectors of vintage AV equipment, institutional buyers maintaining legacy language lab setups, and hobbyists looking for a durable portable cassette recorder with group-listening capability.