Incoming! Vox AC15H1TV amp

AlanRatcliffe · 2008-08-29T18:29:32+00:00

Just waiting to hear from Turnkey if it's still there... (it was this morning) if it is, it's mine ? All thanks to the wonderful wife, who sat down with me today and helped me juggle finances so I could get it without risking foreclosure or starvation. 8) She gave up our next weekend away so we could do it!

FenderBender

Hehe! Willing Assistant Standing By ?

Set at unity gain and leave - everything else is done in software on the PCs themselves. That's why the 3U Alesis mixer I have now is a touch of overkill

Mmmmm.... even the Ashly sounds very much like it is bordering on overkill too. All those knobs and extra unused channels!
Perhaps two custom made, professional grade summing amps with 3/4 inputs and 3/4 switches (to short inputs or disable unused channels) in a 1U enclosure might be your answer.

If homegrown stuff scares you, check out http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=mix301&subtype=225 for a sharp looking 3 channel mixer with balanced and unbalanced signal compatibility nogal.
You would need 2 for monitoring stereo. I registered with the supplier (to get a price) and am waiting for my password.

I have neither the ESI or the Audiotrak, my ex has it (along with the Shure wireless headset mic, two transmitter packs and rack mount receivers ?) and I can't remember which manufacturer it was. Probably a good thing ?

The Maya only had RCA connectors AFAIK and no MIDI port. I think I'll put an Edirol, along with a certain large suitcaselike container
(located somewhere between Sarel Cilliersstraat and Tamatiekraal in a faraway place ?) on my wishlist that I give to Ursh for my big Four Oh next month. *Brilliantly disguised and justified GAS attack!

AlanRatcliffe

Willing Assistant Standing By

Ahh! Everything is illuminated!

All those knobs and extra unused channels!

The phrase "unused channels" is an oxymoron ?. Channels never go to waste, there's often someone wanting to plug in a POD or something. Plus monitoring of mic pres, that kind of thing.

That Extron line mixer looks more like part of a line distribution system. Granted you can fit eight in a 1U rack, but you'd need some kind of a patchbay to provide the jacks/XLRs. It also uses a wall wart, which I hate with a passion.

Maybe I'm just being difficult, as at the price, the Behringer may just be worth trying.

Yeah the Maya is RCA and has no MIDI port. Still a nice sounding interface though. The Edirols are nice in that they have it all - audio, MIDI, balanced and unbalanced in and outs, mic pres, optical in/outs, peak limiter, headphone amp and a high/low Z switchable input. There is a similar model in the M-Audio range too, which are also great interfaces.

located somewhere between Sarel Cilliersstraat and Tamatiekraal

Actually I'm on the other side, in the old section, behind the church.

FenderBender

The phrase "unused channels" is an oxymoron

Hehe I should know these things ?

That Extron line mixer looks more like part of a line distribution system.

It is. Has good specs though IMO, but I understand your preference for a standardised, commercial slide in rack solution.

Granted you can fit eight in a 1U rack, but you'd need some kind of a patchbay to provide the jacks/XLRs.

Sorry, I thought it was going to be a permanent fixture in the studio. I'm sure we could find a WASB that has experience with integrating audio components into a complete, handwired ?, 1U component, complete with 3mm x 1U aluminium custom etched patchbay/front chassis plate with lockable Bourns or Alps gain pots or whatever else you might think would make it a kickass custom.

It also uses a wall wart, which I hate with a passion.

There is always a cure for wall warts! (refer paragraph above) ?

Maybe I'm just being difficult

You have to be sure what works best for you. Imagine if you were "easy" when it came to choice? For one, GFSA's theme song wouldn't sound like it does ?

the Behringer may just be worth trying

Don't be afraid to try again, everyone drives South every now and then ?

Edirols are nice in that they have it all

The GAS attack I had after reading the PDFs confirms this ?

There is a similar model in the M-Audio range

What are your views on the NI "Session I/O" i/f?

the old section, behind the church

As far as possible from the madding crowd is always better IMO.

AlanRatcliffe

Has good specs though IMO

The Behringer looks surprisingly good too:

Frequency response 5 Hz to 200 kHz, +/- 3 dB
S/N ratio >95 dBu, unweighted, 22 Hz to 22 kHz
THD 0.002 % typ. @ +4 dBu, 1kHz, gain 1
CMRR Typ. 40 dB, > 55 dB @ 1 kHz

Overall, those are fairly impressive specs. The wide freq. resp. is nice, but I wish they had also given the 20Hz - 20KHz spec (or a graph) as if there is +/-3dB in that range, it's not up to snuff. I know the larger variances are most likely going to be at the extremes of the spectrum, but still, it's nice to know if there are any funnys in the audible range.

but I understand your preference for a standardised, commercial slide in rack solution.

No surprises that way. If I can get something that will do the job properly without resorting to custom jobbies, I'd always prefer going that route.

I'm sure we could find a WASB that has experience with...

I'm sure we could too. ? Even if I get the Behringer, I'll need the Alesis sorting out so I can sell it with a clear conscience. Otherwise I'd have to sell it off cheap.

For one, GFSA's theme song wouldn't sound like it does ?

Not necessarily a bad thing. Must redo that sometime.

What are your views on the NI "Session I/O" i/f?

I haven't tried it. Looks good on paper though.

FenderBender

I wish they had also given the 20Hz - 20KHz spec (or a graph)

Yeah nice and flat, we hope! Even the developers would have tested the thing at some stage. Hmmm.... a very, very light shade of pink noise and a spectral analyser would help.

The Behri MX882 appears to sport very good bang for the buck, albeit academically at this stage. I noticed it has (4x XLR plus 2x 1/4TRS) I&O channels and thankfully all audio I/O is balanced. I have always had trouble accepting Jack Plugg and his bi and muiltipolar family loitering around with their tips hanging out unprotected, ready to lunge themselves on almost anything that they are capable of shorting out on or ending up in the wrong socket half the time, even right in front of you in the studio, so I'm almost sure that you would agree there's gonna be a patch panel of sorts in the mix ?

Here are URLs for all the 882 specs, reviews, pics and 3D viewers I could find for it, in case you don't have em yet.

http://www.behringer.com/MX882/index.cfm?lang=eng
http://www.thomann.de/gb/prod_zoom_AR_135348.html
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/product/Behringer/MX882/10/1
http://www.muz.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1355

[hr]

Have you come across the apparently newer RX1602? 16x 1/4TRS In & (2x 1/4TRS main, 1/4TRS montor, 1/4TRS phones) Out. Similar specs to the 882, switchable -10/+4 inputs and mute buttons for each channel pair.

In case you haven't browsed yet:

http://www.behringer.com/RX1602/index.cfm?lang=eng
http://www.thomann.de/gb/prod_zoom_AR_163892.html
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul05/articles/behringerrx1602.htm
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHRX1602
http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--BEHRX1602
http://www.muz.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1352

AlanRatcliffe

Brilliant! Thanks Graeme

I already had most of the stuff on the MX882, but somehow missed the RX1602. Interestingly enough it's cheaper than the MX882 (R1,599 retail). Also has mute switches on each channel and a headphone out with separate level control - something I was worried about the 882 not having. Mmm, eight stereo pairs - just what the doctor ordered.

The SOS review isn't as in depth as I would have liked and they don't say much apart from listing the features and saying the following: "The mixer is certainly very quiet, has plenty of headroom (with a maximum output capability of +22dB), and boasts a frequency response covering 20Hz-20kHz ±0.2dB, which is only 3dB down at 200kHz." - which is good enough for me. Looking further THD = 0.0025%, S/N = <70dB.

The only bugbear I can see so far is that the outputs are unbalanced (odd, seeing that all the inputs are balanced). But I could live with that

I'm almost sure that you would agree there's gonna be a patch panel of sorts in the mix

I don't use one - most things stay plugged just where they are. Occasionally I need to go rooting about behind the racks to plug in a mic, but that's actually a fairly rare occurrence.

I'll phone Bothner's tomorrow and get a price (I get good prices from them (Hopefully about R1,200, and can get it on a delivery note until the end of the month and then divide payment between end October and end November).

FenderBender

somehow missed the RX1602

Temporary unemployment provides lots of free time!
Glad I could give you some useful info for a change?

it's cheaper than the MX882

Possibly because it's a newer release and the 882 is also a splitter.

Also has mute switches on each channel

I think the switch kills each numerical channel pair.

20Hz-20kHz ±0.2dB is flatter than the Kalahari!

The SOS review isn't as in depth as I would have liked

The best reviewer is always the tryer/buyer.
Don't know if they mentioned that the 1/4TRS stereo monitor/"effects send" output can be changed from prefader to post fader with a simple internal solder jumper mod? Not that you'd need it in this case, with GR doing your effects.

the outputs are unbalanced (odd, seeing that all the inputs are balanced)

Strange one that. At least they use TRS unbalanced so a standard balanced spec interconnect would not need bridging of T & S or hot & cold on the amp end.

But I could live with that

A short lead should keep things in check.

get it on a delivery note until the end of the month and then divide payment between end October and end November

Hey, the Voxy Lady was worth every penny!

AlanRatcliffe

Don't know if they mentioned that the 1/4TRS stereo monitor/"effects send" output can be changed from prefader to post fader with a simple internal solder jumper mod? Not that you'd need it in this case, with GR doing your effects.

I might do one stereo channel anyway - comes in handy when you track vocals to put a reverb on the headphone monitoring. Split from the mic pre to the soundcard and the mixer simultaneously and monitor from the phones. PC gets the dry signal, singer gets the vox with 'verb. 'Course then I'd need a hardware verb (See? This studio GAS is worse than the guitar version).

Also on my "get soon list is a THD Hotplate for the Vox so I can crank it late at night. ...and a NOS EF86 (the stock one is typically microphonic).

BTW, I forgot to mention - I got the service/schem/layout manual for the Vox. Had her open too, checking a few things. Jack sockets do have to be isolated from the chassis, so I may have to try some of the Marshall style hybrid plastic/metal jacks (but I'll wait 'til the stock ones give problems).

A short lead should keep things in check.

My thoughts exactly. And it is line level.

FenderBender

I'd need a hardware verb

Hardware as in springs or pre-DAW/GR era box?
I still have that cct diagram of a 1996 AC15 amp and there is a reverb cct and transformer, inside the thing, complete with RCA output. Pity yours doesn't have this (removable) item?

Also on my "get soon" list is a THD Hotplate......

Yep, ur all GASsed out about that purple watt eater. The RR of attenuators.
Also check out Weber attenuators: http://www.tedweber.com/atten.htm
or Dr Z Air Brake: http://www.drzamps.com/airbrake.html

I may have to try some of the Marshall style hybrid plastic/metal jacks (but I'll wait 'til the stock ones give problems).

Good plan, but I'd get the jacks so long, as the rand is on the slide again...
That reminds me...I need to pick up a few jacks, RCAs and cable to make up an interconnect between my V-Amp and Studio amp soon.

Let me know how the 1602 shapes up after you try her out.

AlanRatcliffe

Hardware as in springs or pre-DAW/GR era box?

No the only pre-digital hardware 'verb I wouldn't mind having is a plate reverb, and where would I put a monster like that? I never liked spring reverbs, not even in Fenders - too "splashy".

Also check out Weber attenuators:

I've checked out all the attenuators and at only $70, the Weber Mass would be my first choice (plus it works on any impedance), but the Voxes are fussy about attenuators apparently, only liking the (grossly overpriced) THD.

I'd get the jacks so long, as the rand is on the slide again...

No rush, so I can afford to wait until the Rand improves. Mojo Musical Supply has a huge range of different types.

Let me know how the 1602 shapes up after you try her out.

Definitely. Then we can talk about fixing my Alesis Studio 12R up to sell, SKB racks and possible labour-gear deals.

FenderBender

Definitely. Then we can talk about fixing my Alesis Studio 12R up to sell, SKB racks and possible labour-gear deals.

Great! I await your call with antici.......pation!

NorioDS

Graeme Parfett wroteGreat! I await your call with antici.......pation!

Haha! That reminded me of the kid in Malcolm in the Middle with the speech impe......diment!

AlanRatcliffe

To us old folk, it's a reference to the Rocky Horror Picture Show...

NorioDS

Damn, I really need to watch that. Tanya says it's fantastic but I always miss it! (Be it TV or theater!)

AlanRatcliffe

@Graeme. 'K - asked them to check and if the retail I have for it is correct to go ahead and order one for me. Next time I'm in town (a week or two), I'll pick it up and also bring the SKB and the Alesis through. My town flat is in Plumstead, near Bothner's - maybe we can meet there? We'll discuss details then - If that's OK?

I also realised I'm being - in the quaint vernacular of my homeland - a bit of a pillock. I'm using this as a monitor mixer, so it doesn't have to be a bloody Neve - it just has to be good, not amazing.

FenderBender

Next time I'm in town (a week or two)

Sounds good. Moving to Durbanville in the first week of October, but sure we can tie it in.

I can meet you anywhere and I'll bring my axe with so you can see what you think of it.

I'm using this as a monitor mixer, so it doesn't have to be a bloody Neve

Gotta keep those standards up? Don't want to miss something that someone might hear on their $100k Quad system ?

Thanks Alan.
My celery no: 083 282 7628

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