The VO-9600 is the first Basic SP U-matic recorder.  This machine benefits from all of the recording advancements that come with the SP formatted machines, but the VO-9600 is a far more straight forward machine.  The VO-9600 features 3-pin XLR audio inputs and outputs for cleaner and more balanced audio recording and playback.  This machine is ideal for basic line-in recording and dubbing applications.  Another advantage to the VO-9600 is its adaptability.  When used with an editing controller such as an RM-440 or RM-450, the VO-9600 can accurately track and record frame by frame.

The VO-7600 is a standard recording deck similar to the VO-9600.  The two primary differences are that the VO-9600 used the SP format recording while the VO-7600 uses standard tape, and the VO-9600 has a control knob while the VO-7600 has shuttle buttons.

The VO-5600 is the first series of non-toploading VO series recorders.  This machine features an analog tape counter rather than the digital type.  Though lacking high-tech features, the VO-5600s rugged design make it a perfectly suited machine for basic recording and playback applications