Ampex ATR-102-----And, "How to align your analog tape machine"

Ampex ATR-102

Today I closed a deal for the purchase of an Ampex ATR-102!! The asking price was $2300, and I got him down to $1700! It is in great condition, so I can just plug it in and go! This is my first real pro tape machine. I have used a semi-pro Tascam 32 for a few years now. My work has gotten to the point where I am ready for the ATR. If anyone is interested in the 32, it is listed in the classified section here.

 

Edit: just to make this post a bit meaningful.. what tape format(s) does the machine use?

Speeds?

Are the electronics tube or SS?

Those electronics boards, are they add-ons? Which ones does you machine have?

What other gear are you running into/feeding from it?

What mixing desk(s) are you using?

Finally, what artists or well-known recordings used this machine?



Thanks (I'm serious, btw)!

 

Idlers and all in great shape? Wonderful score.

 

So, this unit relies on motor-driven tape tension from the hubs only?

On the surface, this would appear to be a concern if one is playing an older tape. Or not?

Bob

 

Sorry to be nosy but do you play those older, more problematic tapes on the Studer? It's an A-80, right? That's what I have (had) at the studio. Wonderful machine. Hard to align with those older pots though. Every time you turn them the needle jumps all over the place.

 

This is a solid state microcomputer controled, pinch roller-less quarter inch two track machine that can be easily upgraded to half inch two track or one inch two track. The cards are for the audio EQ settings. This can run in NAB, IEC, CCIR, and AES eq curves. This is an amazing deck. It is easy to change between EQ curves, it can be set up at any speed from 3 3/4 to 30ips. Editing is amazingly smooth and easy. It also has a realtime counter. This unit can handle up to 14 inch reels.
As far as the cards in the card cage, my unit has the transport card, the audio card and the power supply card. The cards make the unit easy to service. As far as who used (or uses this machine) everyone. This is the industry standard mixdown and mastering deck. Steve has one of these decks, Bob Ludwig has a couple of them. Visit www.atrservice.com and hit the news archive link. This will give you an Idea of who is using them now. Mike Spitz at ATR Services, is a very good friend of mine. His Aria reference electronics for the ATRs are the best ever made. I feel that they are the greatest advancement in sound recording since the introduction of the ATR series.

I am using a dirt cheap Behringer mixer. Even though this is not the best board in the world, I can achieve excellent results. Steve has heard my work, so he can tell you that.

 

Oops. I answered the phone and Steve already chimed in with the answer.

 

Congratulations Joe! Good luck with the Ampex.

 

VERY nice. I've been using my pro Technics deck for archiving some R2Rs, and would have loved something nicer.

 

Thanks for taking the time! Sound slike an amazingly cool unit .

 

Oh yes, I have an MRL tape. It was expensive, but worth every penny. I had my tape made custom, with a longer than usual 1000cps tone.

I cant wait to receive this machine! Now I need some work, to pay this thing off! My Father was nice enough to lend me the money, I hate borrowing money from my parents, so I want to pay it off as fast as I can.

 

Steve,

Thanks for letting us know the frequencies of the set-up tones. I knew about the 1k tone but, not the other frequencies. Typically how long, in time, are the set up tones?

Thanks,

Bob

 

Steve,

Great "audio class" lesson - thanks!

Bob

 

I don't have an oscilloscope, (stupid question) is it possible to get close just using the meters?

 

Thanks everyone, for all of your help, support and good advice! I will let you all know when the machine arrives here.

 

Joe,

Keep us posted how you and your machine are doing...

Bob

 

Thanks. After college, I am not sure where I am going to set up a studio. It depends on many things, but that is the future, we just have to see what happens.