The butyl used for textile surround restoring that has been recommended online appears to be somewhat problematic. First being that it is sticky, too sticky in my opinion – it's attracting debris of any kind and accumulating on the surround. Large debris might actually cause some buzzing when vibrated. Another issue is the butyl treatment if allowed to get on the edge of textile where the cone is glued to the textile or the frame is glued to the textile appears to be dissolving the original glue at paper cone to textile and loosening it....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleQ) I am interested in the B2 Pro. I want to create a U87 clone with my original K87 capsule. Can I get a good U87 clone with your mod and changing the stock capsule to my K87 capsule?
A) Sorry, I don't know ...it won't be the same, can't be ! In fact some china capsules are actually better ! The real issue is the bias volts on the capsule , internal "meg ohm" load & high frequency trim capacitor as well as gain circuit equalization will never make it the same ! It might sound acceptable. Simply put an original B2 pro is a very different, super wide range, high dynamic range capsule, that is better than most. It's internal preamp circuits are designed for that. I have changed over to apex , similar capsule (the best for the price -case closed!) and it does sound quite similar but a little softer ... to use a layman's description. Want a U87? Get a CAD 8000 with a little mod. It has transformers (B2 does not) and sounds very much the same as a new fresh U87, for $300. Why modify ? Great mica are available for $150 to $300 USD. that beat anything you can build or modify.
Thanks for your inquiry, contact me if you interested further....Read Full Article
I have written this letter many times before, here it goes. Bellari 282 had two ways it could be releases to public and operated. One way is as a true volume gain limiter, as it looks at signal after the compressor circuit making the compressor gain ride it's own "Audio tracking level". This can really, make the audio squashed because the threshold control actually works like old school design. It advances CCW into low signal levels (which can over trigger the compressor) so be careful a little threshold is a lot here. Yes the unit does overreact, ...Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleI'll try to make it quick (haha). The simple fact is almost all of these new supposed monitor speakers are Chinese pre-designed platform products with different cosmetics for different markets and price points. I see the same product at $300, $600, or $900 & they all suffer from the same issues: false bass tuning (humpy, bumpy, boxy, etc.) and incorrect and simple crossovers into tweeters to make them sound zippy, forward, present or outright strident. That's what kids like and that's why they make them. Genelec (I am not promoting, simply commenting that there are a few others that are considered fairly neutral) strives to get it much better and then people complain they are too "flat" (read normal reasonable accuracy). The great irony is that a few simple tricks can be done to fix the most obvious sonic problem in speakers but nothing as accurate as I would do in my shop.Here in the shop I use special, very sticky felt strips applied to the cone to lower woofer resonance and stop plastic cones from "squawking"...Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleTo be honest, although I play guitar, many guitars and many variations of pickups and strings which make big differences no doubt, a bigger issue is that all these fancy amps really share very common similar designs (ie the tube circuits actually are more similar than truly unique to each design). Really what is different (what you hear is different) are simple different equalization (like having a little 7 band equalizer pedal to change tonal balance of the guitar) built into the secondary tube stage. The tubes add very little character. Infact the tubes run at high voltage to maximize signal gain, without distorting. Really....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleBefore you purchase something from us, inquire about service, or ship your machine to us for repair, please take a minute to read these basic guidelines. We are a small shop and we do things a little differently than some larger corporate chain-marketing-type businesses, so we can serve you better if you know a little bit about us and our shop first. ...Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleThis is a letter to inform our past and future customers about our shop , its work efforts, scheduling and general policies. First off, please remember we are a small specialty shop. We would like to explain a few things about recent, unavoidable but important changes in operation. ...Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleQ) I am trying to find a pinch roller for my Tascam 244, so far without success. One fellow out in California may have them, but it will not be for another sixty days minimum. Might you have one available?
A) We request you sen us the old frame, which I rebuild carefully for $28 plus return shipping. I own a 244 myself and rollers are slightly special...Read Full Article
Concerning transformer use. Interesting, wonderful but brutally simple transformer designs, in many vintage products do create a nice, slightly "warm" sonic color but there are modern products which can do the same sound trick but without the high expense and use of rare parts. First be aware of the +24dbm maximum operating level (transformers or sound state) used in real pro signal level designs do not mate perfectly with "semi pro" equipment designed to operate at at +14dbm 10k load levels....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleSo now, onto a most delicate subject: the psychology of hearing. Keep in mind that I have been speaking to customers for the past 25 years. All the way back to cassette decks, reel to reels, turntables, CD and DVD players, to modern computer recording systems. I think there is a tremendous ambiguity to the question 'what truly is the best sound?' What is the standard reference playback device? Who has the book on real controlled listening experimentation to guarantee comparable, consistently repeatable opinion? Well I can't find much in the consumer realm, but I do see a few extraordinary clues....Read Full Article
Read Full Article