untune
Well-known member
I've been bouncing an idea around in my head for a few weeks, something to potentially work on in a few months time. I have a bunch of Ampex line input/output transformers set aside and I've been thinking about what to do with them. Originally I was going to use them for passive duty, adding a bit of flavour to various sources, balancing unbalanced signals and whatnot. I'm curious, however, if there's any viability in creating a stripped down version of the record/repro electronics from the original tape machine (minus the tape, of course) and making a mojo/saturation device of sorts. Perhaps a 4 into 1 mixer.
It's purely an idea at this stage, I'm just wondering if it might be worth the time investment. Choosing a single tape speed and EQ (let's say, 15ips NAB) would (presumably?) negate the need for some calibration parts of the circuit, and I'd guess that without tape the bias electronics would be unnecessary. Perhaps something like diode based saturation or another transformer in the middle, in lieu of tape. Essentially it would go [input transformer > record pre-emphasis amp > (potential saturation circuit/ interstage transformer) > repro de-emphasis amp > output transformer]. Keeping some (relative) authenticity to the sound of the original design... There are multiple 39v rails though and I don't know if it'd be that simple to start chopping things out.
The transformers themselves have nice qualities when pushed in the right way, they could just do with some controllable gain in the right places. What do people think?
Cheers
It's purely an idea at this stage, I'm just wondering if it might be worth the time investment. Choosing a single tape speed and EQ (let's say, 15ips NAB) would (presumably?) negate the need for some calibration parts of the circuit, and I'd guess that without tape the bias electronics would be unnecessary. Perhaps something like diode based saturation or another transformer in the middle, in lieu of tape. Essentially it would go [input transformer > record pre-emphasis amp > (potential saturation circuit/ interstage transformer) > repro de-emphasis amp > output transformer]. Keeping some (relative) authenticity to the sound of the original design... There are multiple 39v rails though and I don't know if it'd be that simple to start chopping things out.
The transformers themselves have nice qualities when pushed in the right way, they could just do with some controllable gain in the right places. What do people think?
Cheers