[Marc Harmon]

I have a Magnicord 1024 reel to reel which has not been used in near to 20
years when it worked fine. I want to use the microphone preamps but not the
tape transport. This model is a transistor (not tube) version.
1) On first turn-on after 20 years would it be wise to use a Variac (which I
do not have-but might be able to borrow or build an alternate) to warm up
the components slowly? Or given that these are preamps stages is this not
necessary? Ie no capacitors of any significant size that would need
reforming?

2) The Magnecord 1024 had the preamps and electronics separate from the
transport. Two cords where used to plug into the transport. In using the
preamps only, I had not intended to plug to the transport. Does anyone know
if running the electronics unplugged to the transport would hurt any part of
the electronics?

I am hoping it is designed such that this can be done. I am expecting that
the call to the biasing current occurs only when the record button on the
transport is engaged. And in it's absence, only the microphone preamps will
be on. Or anything else on has no issue being open ended.
But I am unsure.

Does anyone know?

Thanks, Marc

[Richard Crowley]

"Marc Harmon" wrote ...
I have a Magnicord 1024 reel to reel which has not been used in near to
20
years when it worked fine. I want to use the microphone preamps but
not the
tape transport. This model is a transistor (not tube) version.

Why? Do you imagine it has some sort of magical properties?
The mic preamps built into most recorders of that era were
not notable for much of anything.

[Marc Harmon]

On 11/12/06 1:15 PM, in article , "Richard
Crowley" wrote:

"Marc Harmon" wrote ...
I have a Magnicord 1024 reel to reel which has not been used in near to
20
years when it worked fine. I want to use the microphone preamps but
not the
tape transport. This model is a transistor (not tube) version.

Why? Do you imagine it has some sort of magical properties?
The mic preamps built into most recorders of that era were
not notable for much of anything.


It is what I have.
And I have used it for years and I especially like the meters and controls.
I have no idea what I would think of the sound quality given my ears
currently.
But as I said, it is what I have. I can get some work done while reentering
the market as a recording engineer, and buy some time as I try and get a
handle on the vast array of possible replacements.

Marc

[Richard Crowley]

"Marc Harmon" wrote in message
...
On 11/12/06 1:15 PM, in article ,
"Richard
Crowley" wrote:

"Marc Harmon" wrote ...
I have a Magnicord 1024 reel to reel which has not been used in near
to
20
years when it worked fine. I want to use the microphone preamps but
not the
tape transport. This model is a transistor (not tube) version.

Why? Do you imagine it has some sort of magical properties?
The mic preamps built into most recorders of that era were
not notable for much of anything.


It is what I have.
And I have used it for years and I especially like the meters and
controls.
I have no idea what I would think of the sound quality given my ears
currently.
But as I said, it is what I have. I can get some work done while
reentering
the market as a recording engineer, and buy some time as I try and get
a
handle on the vast array of possible replacements.

Go for it. It is unlikely that the electronics will suffer from
not being connected to the transport. Assuming that the audio
section is separately powered and has no other dependencies
on the transport section.

[[email protected]]

Use the schematic, and keep in mind the bias osc is probably
transformer coupled and probably should be disconnected lest it burn
something up.

The lytics should probably be summarily replaced, but if not feasible,
I would bring them up by unhooking them and bringing them up with a DC
supply through a high value resistor. You might even take them out to
do this if they are screw terminal and clamp mounted lest they not blow
their guts all over your boards if they go.

You can build good mic pre's pretty cheaply and it's doubtful what you
have there is terribly good, but they are probably better than the tube
Ampex electronics so many bad engineers now use.