Altec 1599A upgrade

[owel]

Okay, I modernized my evilBay find Altec 1599A 6 to 1 mixer.

Basically, I replaced the PSU, and the line output driver. For the line output driver, I used NE5532P opamps. I also converted the unit to 6 direct outs!

Before:
http://www.fivefish.net/diy/Altec1599A/images/frontview.jpg

the guts...
http://www.fivefish.net/diy/Altec1599A/images/openunit.jpg

old PCB...
http://www.fivefish.net/diy/Altec1599A/images/pcb.jpg

new schematic and PCB... I designed it using Eagle. Note: I spray painted the PCB flat-black, heheheh For that "skunkworks" project feel.
http://www.fivefish.net/diy/Altec1599A/images/pcbstuff.jpg

http://www.fivefish.net/diy/Altec1599A/images/pcbprogress.jpg

took out the old PCB, and replaced it with the modern opamp version with 6 direct outs!
http://www.fivefish.net/diy/Altec1599A/images/altecnewpcb.jpg

And here's the 6 direct outs (RCA female). I haven't shrinked the tubing yet on this picture.
http://www.fivefish.net/diy/Altec1599A/images/rca.jpg

The sound? Hmmmm... nice, vintage sound thanks to the original Altec can preamps, Lots of gain too, thanks to the opamp! I am happy with the outcome of this project.

 

[NewYorkDave]

Very cool. I've got a 1599 that's been sitting on my junk pile for years, along with a 1592B. Perhaps I'll modify mine, in some fashion, one of these days.

Personally, I wouldn't be shy about mounting the direct outs on the rear panel, rather than using a pigtail. Unless I'm really out of touch, I don't think the 1599 has much intrinsic "vintage value."