Studer 810?

[jdcolombo]

Hi everyone.

I'm in the process of looking for a tape machine that will work with the Tape Project tapes.  Does anyone know if the Studer 810 has switchable NAB/IEC playback equalization?  There are a couple of these machines on e-bay, both seemingly in excellent condition.

Thanks!

John Colombo

[Studer Fool]

Every Studer 810 I've seen, has a very convenient push button switch over on the front lower lefthand side for switching between NAB and IEC.  More convenient than my Studer A80 VU which needs a screw driver to turn the switch on the front panel.

[ironbut]

You might check this site,.. you can download  service/user manuals for Studers/Ampex/MCI. I'm not sure if they're really free but there's lots of info on the site ( including downloadable test tones)
http://www.analogrules.com/

[rbwtapeinterlink-Bob]

You know John, when I look at the larger tape decks, I begin to think, what if I have to send this deck off for repair? That's why I tend to look for the more compact, but professional decks. If I have to send it off, I won't have to pay an arm and leg and I can lift handle getting it to UPS or FedX. At 70 years old my back is not as strong as it was back in the day. Or, maybe it's that I don't have to show off anymore. I hope all is going well with you sir.

Bob W.

[jdcolombo]

Hi Bob.

Yes, you are absolutely right.  I took a pass on the Otari MTR-10 that was for sale in Detroit for that very reason - how would I ever get the thing serviced if it needed it?  It's 200 pounds and the size of half a refrigerator.  Maybe if I lived in a big city where I could find a reputable tech, it would be different, but in fact I'd have to end up being the technician on something this big.  On the other hand, working on them is kind of fun; you need a few tools, but there is software available that turns my Mac into a full-fledged oscilloscope and audio voltmeter/analyzer, so with that and a copy of the service manual, a lot is doable on one's own.  Maybe one day I'll decide to heck with it and go for an ATR-100, size notwithstanding, but not today <grin>.

John

 

[kftool]

 
  Dear John,

  I began this reply with a much recognized phrase for a reason.

  Four months ago I purchased two Studer A 810  machines. Only one was advertised on Audiogon as pristine. I replied and found out that the seller had a second machine, also in good condition. I'm in Virginia and the seller was in California. He had no factory shipping package or manual. The first machine was advertised at $1,700, he had plans to sell the older machine for $1,300.

  I wanted a Studer A 810 machine. I said, "I'll build a double crate lined with ethafoam and send it to you. Lets make a deal for both machines.   $190 to build the crate, $210 to send it to California, $419 to bring it back to Va.  The result, neither machine worked. $3,900 in two inoperative machines.

Both machines went to ATR Services to be fixed. The repair costs were more than fair; I'll keep both machines.

  One of the pro sites has a saying," Don't ever buy a used tape machine unless you see it run." While it's not always possible to do that, the saying does have some merit.

  Ken, Fritz

[rbwtapeinterlink-Bob]

Hello Ken,

I agree with you 100% when it comes to making a purchase based on the word of the seller. I spoke with the seller of a Studer B-67 recorder. He assured me the machine was in excellent condition, but claimed he did not have 2 track tapes to demo it. I took 2 of my tapes with me. When I arrived to the gentleman's home I found that the reels turned slowly at 7.5ips. After the recorder remained on while I tried to see what the problem was, I began to smell something buring like a capacitor that was about to go. Had I purchased this machine base on the guys word............ I am sorry you had to endure that kind of dishonesty. It's very difficult, actually impossible for me to send any sizable amount (over $200) to anyone on ebay or anywhere else unless I can see the product for myself.
Bottom line if you can't see it and taste it, it's probally best not to buy it.

Bob W.

[rbwtapeinterlink-Bob]

By the way John C,

How is the Studer PR-99 working out for you? As I recall you purchased that recorder fairly recently. Did you ever get it up and running? I have not heard much since you got it. Does it have switchable equlization?  Would love to hear how thats working out for you my friend. Besides, it's been a while since I heard from you (smile).

Bob W.

[heideana]

Angel Gentchev stopped by yesterday to pick-up my Studer 810 so that he can replace all of the power capacitors and sort out my speed issues.  I'm hopeful that this will be the last major refurbishing isssue for awhile, since he told me the heads were in great shape with less then 10-15% wear.

FYI to Ken/Fritz...Angel tells me that virtually no 810 works correctly after any shipping activity and always need a bit of tinkering after being its' arrival.  Key issue is that it runs when you turn it on, if you've got that then its' almost always just a matter of tinkering with it.  On the other hand, if it doesn't start at all then you've probably got some big problems.

I purchased one of the bias adjustment cards for it, which hopefully functions correctly when Angel tests it.  If so, I should be in good shape with it and my B67 and I'm beginning to wonder if I really only need one Technics machine to play back 4-track pre-records????  How easy is it to set-up a Studer machine for external repro amps?  Is it a matter of perhaps making a "dummy card" to access the output signal from the heads to one of Doc's amps?

P.S.  Switich a PR99 to IEC involves changing cards...I've managed to locate on playback card.  Alternately, you can alter the NAB cards with a resistor I'm told...

[kftool]

Heideana,

  Thanks for the comment Angel had on the difficulty A 810's have with shipping. I guess it makes me feel better about my experience. The crate I sent to California for them to be shipped back in was a double crate with ethafoam corners.   I could've shipped a crate of eggs without damage, if the eggs weren't broken when the were put in the crate! I just got screwed on a deal that I was anxious to complete.

  As it turns out both machines were in good shape; great heads, good cosmetics etc. Thanks to the good folks at ATR Services, the older one was fixed with 4 hours of bench time-  solenoid and other basic adjustments. The second needed a stabilizer board. They called me to see if I wanted them to repair it, but suggested their bench rate of $110 per hour might deter the repair.  At that point I had $2,000 in each machine and had to have both repaired. I asked them to hold off so I might locate a junker with a good board. A week later a full set of A 810 boards came up for bids starting at $395. Buy it now was $495 and not willing to take a chance, I bought them and had them sent to ATR. The second machine was produced in the last year of production and was worth the cost, besides, I now have 10 additional boards for future repairs.

  It seems as though having a service facility, such as ATR, close buy must influence a decision on what to buy. That is, unless you're good enough to repair your own gear. Yeah right!!!

  Now that I have a few good RTR machines,  I need to find a source of good program material in addition to The Tape Project. Any tips or recommendations?

   Thanks, Ken   

[ceved]

Ken,
Take a gander at the Quinton tape thread under prerecorded tapes.
This is an unfolding story of some interest to many if not all of us.