I got my first open reel tape machine (a 1961 Voice of Music consumer machine) in 1980 when I was 13 years old. I bought a brand-new consumer machine the next year. In 1990, I earned a university degree in electrical/computer engineering (ECE). In 2019 I started collecting open reel tape machines in a big way. I have several higher-end consumer machines, a few semi-pro machines, and now I'm breaking into professional machines (two Studer B67s, an AMPEX AG-350, and an AMPEX AG-440C). My sights are set on a Studer A80 within the next few years. Wonderful video! I love these machines! ❤️
Many consider the A80RC to be the best of the A80 2-track machines. The VU’s had additional wiring and electronics in the path to house the electronics in the meter bridge above the deck, the RC keeps it all underneath. Many A80RC’s also came with ‘butterfly heads’ which some (not all) consider desirable. The RC also utilised the audio cards from the earlier B62 (Full discreet electronics), where as the MK 4 VU’s were much later machines and utilised many IC chips and did away with input and output transformers in search of a ‘cleaner’ sound… Many consider the earlier, transformer-balanced machines to offer a more pleasing sound. It’s all subjective of course, but that’s the general consensus on those machines.
I got my first open reel tape machine (a 1961 Voice of Music consumer machine) in 1980 when I was 13 years old. I bought a brand-new consumer machine the next year. In 1990, I earned a university degree in electrical/computer engineering (ECE). In 2019 I started collecting open reel tape machines in a big way. I have several higher-end consumer machines, a few semi-pro machines, and now I'm breaking into professional machines (two Studer B67s, an AMPEX AG-350, and an AMPEX AG-440C). My sights are set on a Studer A80 within the next few years.
Wonderful video! I love these machines!
❤️
Thanks for the look at your studio and those dream machines. The A80's were the ones I waa so used to seeing in my earliest recording days.
Thanks pedagogic and clear.
Nice recorders. Great demo!
Lots of work to dial in that sound. Awesome setup.
Great!
Studer machines are really good, the best!
We don't forget Willi Studer!
Hey, thanks for the information sharing. Which is better in your opinion is better, Studer a80 MK4 VU or Studer a80 RC mkii? THANKS
Many consider the A80RC to be the best of the A80 2-track machines. The VU’s had additional wiring and electronics in the path to house the electronics in the meter bridge above the deck, the RC keeps it all underneath. Many A80RC’s also came with ‘butterfly heads’ which some (not all) consider desirable. The RC also utilised the audio cards from the earlier B62 (Full discreet electronics), where as the MK 4 VU’s were much later machines and utilised many IC chips and did away with input and output transformers in search of a ‘cleaner’ sound… Many consider the earlier, transformer-balanced machines to offer a more pleasing sound. It’s all subjective of course, but that’s the general consensus on those machines.
Are you looking out for magnetic heads for studer machines?