Uher 4000 Report-S Reel-to-Reel Field Recorder
Discovered in the Wild…
What We Found
The Uher 4000 Report-S is a portable reel-to-reel field recorder from an era when recording away from the studio meant carrying a genuinely mechanical piece of equipment with you.
This example has been tested for playback at all four tape speeds. Fast forward and rewind operate correctly, a deteriorated drive belt has been replaced, and the tape-transport system received hands-on attention before being tested again.
For the collector, vintage-audio enthusiast, or analog experimenter who wants a Uher with verified playback and tape-transport operation rather than a completely unknown-condition example, that removes some of the uncertainty that often accompanies a recorder more than six decades old.
Why Collectors Appreciate It
The Uher 4000 Report series earned a reputation as a compact field recorder used by journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, and other location recordists.
Manufactured in the former West Germany and introduced around 1963, the Report-S refined earlier models with improved motor performance and updated electronics while retaining the rugged construction that made the series well suited to field use. Four tape speeds and battery or AC operation provided unusual flexibility long before portable digital recorders existed.
Designed for 5-inch reels, the Report-S combined portability, substantial mechanical construction, and a serviceable design that continues to make surviving examples appealing to collectors and vintage-audio enthusiasts.
Specifications
Model: Uher 4000 Report-S
Production period: Approximately 1963–1965
Reel capacity: 5 in.
Tape speeds: 7½, 3¾, 1⅞ and 15/16 ips
Power: Five D-cell batteries or AC power from Mains
Dimensions: Approximately 10.5 × 8.5 × 3.5 in.
Weight: Approximately 9 lb. 3 oz.
Serial number: 205541
Our Inspection
Here’s exactly what we confirmed—and what we didn’t.
Playback tested at all four tape speeds
Tape travel appeared appropriate at each selected speed
Fast forward operates correctly
Rewind operates correctly
Drive belt replaced
Fast-forward/rewind operation serviced and checked afterward
Reel retainers hold both reels securely
Battery compartment cleaned; age-related patina remains on the positive terminal contacts
Deteriorated cushioning felt on the interior bottom cover replaced with new felt in the original locations
Recording function was not tested because the required input cable was unavailable
Audio/pitch accuracy at each speed was not formally verified because suitable reference media was unavailable
Motor is audible while idling
Overall cosmetic presentation is well preserved for its age
Carrying Case Condition
The original Uher carrying case is included and shows age and use consistent with its history.
Stitching separation is present at the rear-left corner
Minor separation and wear are present along the folding edges
Light residue remains on the handle
Period Uher literature identifies the fitted leather carrying case as an available Report-S accessory designed to permit operation while the recorder remained inside it.
The recorder will receive a final operational check before shipment, and the buyer will be updated if anything noteworthy is discovered.
Carrying Case Condition
The original Uher carrying case is included and shows age and use consistent with its history.
Stitching separation is present at the rear-left corner
Minor separation and wear are present along the folding edges
Light residue remains on the handle
Period Uher literature identifies the fitted leather carrying case as an available Report-S accessory designed to permit operation while the recorder remained inside it.
About the Audible Motor
The recorder is not silent at idle; the motor can be heard operating.
For display, collecting, casual tape playback, or hands-on exploration of vintage analog equipment, this may be of little consequence. Someone specifically assembling a quiet critical-listening or recording setup should take it into consideration.
What’s Included
Uher 4000 Report-S recorder
5-inch take-up reel
Power cord
Original carrying case
Ready to Bring a Classic Uher Home?
This is not being represented as a fully restored or professionally calibrated recorder. It is, however, a remarkably interesting surviving Report-S whose playback, tape transport, fast forward, and rewind have received considerably more hands-on evaluation than a simple power-on test.
For someone who wants the mechanical experience, history, and character of a genuine Uher field recorder, this one has already cleared several important hurdles.
Discovered in the Wild…
What We Found
The Uher 4000 Report-S is a portable reel-to-reel field recorder from an era when recording away from the studio meant carrying a genuinely mechanical piece of equipment with you.
This example has been tested for playback at all four tape speeds. Fast forward and rewind operate correctly, a deteriorated drive belt has been replaced, and the tape-transport system received hands-on attention before being tested again.
For the collector, vintage-audio enthusiast, or analog experimenter who wants a Uher with verified playback and tape-transport operation rather than a completely unknown-condition example, that removes some of the uncertainty that often accompanies a recorder more than six decades old.
Why Collectors Appreciate It
The Uher 4000 Report series earned a reputation as a compact field recorder used by journalists, broadcasters, filmmakers, and other location recordists.
Manufactured in the former West Germany and introduced around 1963, the Report-S refined earlier models with improved motor performance and updated electronics while retaining the rugged construction that made the series well suited to field use. Four tape speeds and battery or AC operation provided unusual flexibility long before portable digital recorders existed.
Designed for 5-inch reels, the Report-S combined portability, substantial mechanical construction, and a serviceable design that continues to make surviving examples appealing to collectors and vintage-audio enthusiasts.
Specifications
Model: Uher 4000 Report-S
Production period: Approximately 1963–1965
Reel capacity: 5 in.
Tape speeds: 7½, 3¾, 1⅞ and 15/16 ips
Power: Five D-cell batteries or AC power from Mains
Dimensions: Approximately 10.5 × 8.5 × 3.5 in.
Weight: Approximately 9 lb. 3 oz.
Serial number: 205541
Our Inspection
Here’s exactly what we confirmed—and what we didn’t.
Playback tested at all four tape speeds
Tape travel appeared appropriate at each selected speed
Fast forward operates correctly
Rewind operates correctly
Drive belt replaced
Fast-forward/rewind operation serviced and checked afterward
Reel retainers hold both reels securely
Battery compartment cleaned; age-related patina remains on the positive terminal contacts
Deteriorated cushioning felt on the interior bottom cover replaced with new felt in the original locations
Recording function was not tested because the required input cable was unavailable
Audio/pitch accuracy at each speed was not formally verified because suitable reference media was unavailable
Motor is audible while idling
Overall cosmetic presentation is well preserved for its age
Carrying Case Condition
The original Uher carrying case is included and shows age and use consistent with its history.
Stitching separation is present at the rear-left corner
Minor separation and wear are present along the folding edges
Light residue remains on the handle
Period Uher literature identifies the fitted leather carrying case as an available Report-S accessory designed to permit operation while the recorder remained inside it.
The recorder will receive a final operational check before shipment, and the buyer will be updated if anything noteworthy is discovered.
Carrying Case Condition
The original Uher carrying case is included and shows age and use consistent with its history.
Stitching separation is present at the rear-left corner
Minor separation and wear are present along the folding edges
Light residue remains on the handle
Period Uher literature identifies the fitted leather carrying case as an available Report-S accessory designed to permit operation while the recorder remained inside it.
About the Audible Motor
The recorder is not silent at idle; the motor can be heard operating.
For display, collecting, casual tape playback, or hands-on exploration of vintage analog equipment, this may be of little consequence. Someone specifically assembling a quiet critical-listening or recording setup should take it into consideration.
What’s Included
Uher 4000 Report-S recorder
5-inch take-up reel
Power cord
Original carrying case
Ready to Bring a Classic Uher Home?
This is not being represented as a fully restored or professionally calibrated recorder. It is, however, a remarkably interesting surviving Report-S whose playback, tape transport, fast forward, and rewind have received considerably more hands-on evaluation than a simple power-on test.
For someone who wants the mechanical experience, history, and character of a genuine Uher field recorder, this one has already cleared several important hurdles.