• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Don't Even Look Unless You Have Some Serious Money.:-)

Bassmec

Bassmec

May 9, 2008
4,081
1,236
Ipswich UK
www.springvalestudios.com
Disclosures
Proprietor Springvale Studios
#1
It's those Retro Instruments guys again, not content with making a Perfect Reproduction of the Classic Gates Sta-Level varimu all tube compressor.
Which to me always seemed to smoothly do exactly what I wanted in a bass compressor, now they have decided to make what appears to be a perfect repro of my absolute favourite pre amp ever for anything.
No don't look, serious GAS alert here:
Invalid Link Removed

You looked didn't you? now you are doomed like I was (when there was no choice but buy an RCA) to save and not go out ever other than to gig. I even gave up smoking!, well until I paid for it.:-)
 
#3
It looks really nice and they've added some good enhancements. I'm really curious as to who made the transformers and some details about them. They are so important in this unit. Getting the output transformer right has always been a stumbling block in the past.

The power connector on the front panel really detracts from the look. I would have preferred it to be on the back side of the cabinet.
 
#4
beans-on-toast said:
It looks really nice and they've added some good enhancements. I'm really curious as to who made the transformers and some details about them. They are so important in this unit. Getting the output transformer right has always been a stumbling block in the past.

The power connector on the front panel really detracts from the look. I would have preferred it to be on the back side of the cabinet.
Click to expand...
Yes I am waiting to hear about how they did the can of baked beans size line level output trans with the gain variable feedback stuff with the spare contact ring in the daven potentiometer too.
I don't mind the power connector on the front panel cos that's how they where originally, here's my old beast:
image.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: bobcruz, HolmeBass, JFOC and 1 other person
#5
They seem short on details which makes me wonder how long it will be till they can demonstrate a working unit.

The points that you mentioned are what I had in mind. The output transformer is a big part of the magic. The Daven pots or stepped attenuators are pretty expensive although there are some good alternatives available. It's a tall order to fill.

The location of the power plug is a minor detail. I have several pieces of equipment that are like that. It comes in a metal box, you pop the lid off and all the cables are inside. It sits on the floor. Even still, it detracts from the look.
 
#6
A studio equipment shop up here has it listed available for sale. Not sure if that means pre-order or actually shipping. Their price is 3914.40 CAD. They seem to make other interesting units as well.
 
#8
Sid Fang said:
Is that a NOS bakelite volume knob? :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
I think the Retro chaps have them made by making the mould with 3d printing in ABS and then using a some kind of resin to form a new knob.
My mate Jason does that sort of thing for his company endless knobing.
http://www.endlessknobbing.com
He will remake your knob out of anything you want Sir.:)
 
Last edited:
#16
waltdogg said:
At least it's not the $15,000 Fairchild clone.
Click to expand...
My old mate Chenzo Townsend has an AT101 and Jackson Browns old Fairchild 670 In his machine room:
image.jpg
image.jpg

+ there is the battleship grey AT101 in the mix room for the 2 buss of course.
Well you know, you just can't get too much fairchild in the mix in these digital days Chaps!.:-)
 
  • Like
Reactions: FFTT
#19
Bassmec said:
My old mate Chenzo Townsend has an AT101 and Jackson Browns old Fairchild 670 In his machine room:
View attachment 467201 View attachment 467202
+ there is the battleship grey AT101 in the mix room for the 2 buss of course.
Well you know, you just can't get too much fairchild in the mix in these digital days Chaps!.:)
Click to expand...
Okay. That's just insane. But of course, you can never have enough analog signal!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back