Revox A77

Quincy,

had purchased one in 1976/77.....$495???
Loved the darn thing. Recorded radio concerts and the like....
I guess the only thing I did not like was that the power(ac) was on top of the machine. Everything else was a blast!

I should never have sold all my reels.

Regards,

Marc

Two other worthy contenders:

1. The Ferrograph series 7 -- the BBC used to be stacked with these. For some reason I have a feeing that it wouldn't take the big NAB reels, though I may be wrong. Maybe not as good as Revox for parts, as Ferrograph seem now to concerned mostly with passenger information systems.

2. The Chilton 100s -- I've met two people who've used one, and they both went all misty-eyed when it was mentioned. There is a rumour (unconfirmed) that Julian V. worked with the company which made them; Magnetic Tapes Limited, IIRC, although this is the limit of my knowledge (Paul S., can you fill in any blanks?).

I also seem to remember that you can still get new front panels for the A77 (try a search on "Studer"), including the brushed stainless option, which is pretty gorgeous. I don't think the musical capabilities of that particular Revox are in any doubt.

Best;

Mark

(an imperfect
forum environment is
better than none)

Thanks for the advice.

Regards

AQD

Dave

Have you compared Nagras with Revox? Nagra's are exquisitely crafted fetish objects for me (that i have no real use for, but if I could think of one...)

Is DAT your choice now for sound or cost/hassle? DAT machine recommendations? I just got my mother a Pro Walkman -- she used to be a concert pianist -- and am thinking DAT might be a better step up for her. While we're at it, affordable mic (for piano of course)

Thanks

John

Hi

Great info. So what's the low end of the high end as far as microphones go? Does a couple hundred bucks cut it? Ditto mic pre's and phantom power units. I know little to nothing here, though I have operated Nagra's on film sets (school) and used whatever mics were on hand (AT? AKG?)

DO Nagra's have in-built mic pre/power?

Thanks from Kyoto (for two more weeks)

John

Chaps

I have been debating for some time whether to buy a Revox A77. The going rate for a good one is around £250/£300.

Couple of questions

How does the sound compare to vinyl or CD

Also can you still buy pre recorded tapes.

Regards

Mick

I've got a AKG C3000 and it seems to give pretty good results with acoustic guitar. I use a Midiman desk and record to hard drive via an outboard Midiman Flying Calf A to D convertor.

Mr Tibbs

Where else would you get it!!

I'm going to bite the bullet and buy an A77.
I already have a Teac DAT portable which performs admirably but I reckon that the Revox would have the edge on it for warmth.

I'll post some pics when I get my hands on the beast.

Regards

AQD

Steady on old boy, this is a not the place for that kind of talk.

Mr Tibbs

The AKG C3000 is a good "budget" choice.
For vocals and large diaphram condenser work, the best "budget" mic I've used is the Studio Projects C1. Very nice and about $220 US.
I've got some Joe Meek JM47s, and a Rode NT1. Very different beasts, each with it's own uses.
Still talking budget here...
My favorite preamp for voice (again, budget!!!) is the Meek VC3Q. It's got plenty of gain, is relatively quiet, the classic Meek optical compressor and 3 band EQ.
A preamp with less (nearly zero) coloration is the DMP1 by M-Audio. 2 channels, gain only with phantom power available. Also, FMR audio, makers of the RNC (Really Nice Compressor) are marketing an inexpensive mic preamp too. Have not used one, but I would bet it ranks highly among the budget preamps.
There are some really good threads all over the web on mics and preamps, but check out http://www.vsplanet.com and search for "The Search for the Holy Mic" and "The Search for the Holy Preamp". There are hundreds of comments and twice as many opinions!!!
There is also a small group of us working on a tube mic preamp design... Very DIY.
David