Q)I need to get one in order to transfer some tapes to a more accessible format (DVD). I am somewhat familiar with the Sony line and hoping to get an SL-HF900 only because I know it was a top of the line deck in the last run of machines.
1) Are there any servicing issues?
2) Are there other machines to consider? (I need HiFi)
A)Yes, these are rare to find and expensive if found. These machines break and when fixed, tend to break again, go out of alignment, etc. The need to do very careful servicing is crucial. This is a troublesome format with high maintenance requirements for surviving machines. Sanyo made a better machine but people were hypnotized by Sony. I have a Sony unit here that needs a clean up (probably $500). Virtually every machine will need the load up positioner modified or repaired as well as proper adjustment overall. Even then Beta tapes varied in quality of playback.
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A customer needs a new PB head for his Akai GX 280D and Vince explains the difficulties of Glass ferrite heads vs. Permalloy.
I have to tell people this bad news all the time-the heads are glass ferrite and are impossible to find or replace (one reason why I seldom actually resell these Akai GX machines as working)....Read Full Article
People tend to hate me when I tell them this, but really now, Behringer & Zoom (among a few others) are actually the leaders of guitar effect processing technology. I like TC electronic (which is actually I.V.L. Designs) and I can always order their stuff in for customers (TC G-Major/Minor), but nearly equivalent product can be had with the Behringer V-amp bass modeler for about $200. You will be amazed. I'm in the position where I could choose almost any maker of guitar processors, and I've chosen to go with Behringer. I have about 40 of their stomp boxes including the Echo Machine, Ultra Pitch Shifter, Bass Flanger; with the pedals now so inexpensive, it's embarrassing how these pedals are so far above the crowd. Truly, Behringer is the original maker and not merely relabeling product. Call for more info, if needed....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleVince's Modified ART MPA Pro Preamp is a one of a kind. Read more about it here. Also we are posting the first version manual for those who are interested, a final version will be available soon, but for now... Current version ART MPA Pro Mod Manual....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticlePopular opinion, especially online, seems to think that Behringer is just a copycat company making cheaper versions of other companies' products. But Behringer is actually one of the few companies that really design their products instead of simply re-branding and marketing what already exists. They make devices that are inexpensive but not cheap and support their products very well. Click to read more....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleThese CAD e70 microphones are simply amazing! Simply put, they will compete with any similar design on the market at any price. Vince has compared them at the test bench against the fanciest stuff out there, including Neumann and AKG. Since they are a higher output mic, the self noise can read slightly higher off the spec report, but the extra 4 to 6dB of output signal level easily makes up for this self noise. The e70 is a better mic with wider bandwidth and truly does 20Hz to 20kHz! It is a favorite for acoustic instruments, especially large body guitars, upright bass, and drums. The quality of low end definition is remarkable, picking up more pluck and deep thump of sonic impact than most vintage mics, which in fact have limited low frequency response. (Just read the manufacturers' specs data and it will be obvious that bass roll off occurs below 100Hz to 70Hz in most older mics.) Be aware that microphones which truly pick up such deep bass can also be more sensitive to room noise, rumble from street noise, etc. With this in mind, the e70 comes equipped with pads and roll-off switches to limit its sonic pickup to sound more similar to vintage mics if desired. We QC all these microphones on the bench and cherry pick only the very best....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleAt Audioproz, we specialize in renting equipment for sound reinforcement or recording purposes. Generally rentals are daily, weekend, or weekly depending on needs. A general guideline of equipment we rent and prices is here. Please give a call to let us know what you need so we can put a package together for you in advance and have it ready to pick up at the door. After rental has been confirmed, call again when you are coming in to pick up your rental so that we can have it ready to load for you at the front of the shop. This makes things easier for everyone, Thanks. Also, if you do not see what you are looking for in our rental list, inquire about what you need. We often have items for rent that are not listed and are usually able to meet your requirements. ...Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleThe service and repair of our customers' equipment is our most important labor, therefore we are not able to fulfill every photo request we receive (nor would a photo qualify what's vital here, the internal components!). AudioPro has been in this business for better than thirty years, we have a tremendous reputation, and we take great care to accurately describe the mechanical and cosmetic condition of all items. We rate equipment on a scale from one to ten. #10 items are new stock in original box. (Anything we ship has been opened and tested.) #9 units, regardless of age, look and work as good as new, technically qualified with very low use time (perfect face plate, no overheated power supply or damaged connectors). #8 units are in very good condition, serviced and guaranteed working correctly, but do show minor signs of use such as rack wear or very light scratches on a cover, edge, or knob. #7 condition items are working correctly but show obvious signs of use and wear as described. Often such items have faded lettering or minor stains, and connectors may be lightly oxidized. For example, tube electronics seldom get better than #7 or #8 rating. Items rated #6 condition or lower may be incomplete or have operational problems and typically do not appear on our website. We have a large inventory of "junk" #6 and lower machines that we save to break down for parts, so please feel welcome to contact us for any specific parts you need.
Our policy is to search out only top quality condition machines, so most of our equipment truly is #9 condition. We aren't Ebay or Craigslist, and we don't find good equipment there!
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Lately we've received plenty of emails asking about the condition of our used mics and processors. Every unit we have for sale here is the prime pickings of units we've picked up, they have all been benched, fully tested and polished. Unless otherwise explicitly noted, our mics and processors are ready to deliver stellar and reliable performance. Indeed, you can buy with confidence from Audio Pro....Read Full Article
Read Full ArticleWe receive a lot of inquiries from people who are trying to sell their unwanted old or new audio equipment to us. The process is a little complicated, so we hope that this article will clarify a few things. Please read this first before calling or e-mailing! ...Read Full Article
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