[gtbuba[_2_]]

Hey gents, I am interested in picking up two old Ampex 440 machines.
Had several questions. One machine is an A the other is a B. They are
1/2" 4 tracks. Was wondering what the differences in the 440a and
440b? Also the guy selling the machines said they run at 15 ips and 30
ips? I did not know the 440 series ran at 30 ips? Could these machine
take two track heads? Thanks if you can help. Glenn.

[Mike Rivers]

On 6/14/2011 8:34 PM, gtbuba wrote:
Hey gents, I am interested in picking up two old Ampex 440 machines.
Had several questions. One machine is an A the other is a B. They are
1/2" 4 tracks. Was wondering what the differences in the 440a and
440b?

There actually isn't an AG-440A. Anyone who thinks there is
has been spending too much time on the Internet, probably
with eBay. There was a 440, a 440B, and a 440C. The B is a
refinement of the original model, the C has different
electronics (though basically the same circuitry) and some
different control logic wiring. They all use the same heads,
and the condition of the heads is really what determines the
value of the machine.

Also the guy selling the machines said they run at 15 ips and 30
ips? I did not know the 440 series ran at 30 ips? Could these machine
take two track heads? Thanks if you can help.

Yes, they're 2-speed machines and they came in 7.5-15 and
15-30 ips. You can put 1/4" or 1/2" 2-track heads on them.
The guides have two sets of grooves in them, one for 1/2"
tape, the other for 1/4" tape. Turn them to accommodate the
tape width (and heads) that you're using.

Join the Ampex mailing list. Instructions to do so are at
http://recordist.com/ampex/

--
"Today's production equipment is IT based and cannot be
operated without a passing knowledge of computing, although
it seems that it can be operated without a passing knowledge
of audio." - John Watkinson

http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com - useful and
interesting audio stuff

[gtbuba[_2_]]

On Jun 14, 9:10*pm, Mike Rivers wrote:
On 6/14/2011 8:34 PM, gtbuba wrote:

Hey gents, I am interested in picking up two old Ampex 440 machines.
Had several questions. One machine is an A the other is a B. They are
1/2" 4 tracks. Was wondering what the differences in the 440a and
440b?

There actually isn't an AG-440A. Anyone who thinks there is
has been spending too much time on the Internet, probably
with eBay. There was a 440, a 440B, and a 440C. The B is a
refinement of the original model, the C has different
electronics (though basically the same circuitry) and some
different control logic wiring. They all use the same heads,
and the condition of the heads is really what determines the
value of the machine.

Also the guy selling the machines said they run at 15 ips and 30
ips? I did not know the 440 series ran at 30 ips? Could these machine
take *two track heads? Thanks if you can help.

Yes, they're 2-speed machines and they came in 7.5-15 and
15-30 ips. You can put 1/4" or 1/2" 2-track heads on them.
The guides have two sets of grooves in them, one for 1/2"
tape, the other for 1/4" tape. Turn them to accommodate the
tape width (and heads) that you're using.

Join the Ampex mailing list. Instructions to do so are athttp://recordist..com/ampex/

--
"Today's production equipment is IT based and cannot be
operated without a passing knowledge of computing, although
it seems that it can be operated without a passing knowledge
of audio." - John Watkinson

http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com- useful and
interesting audio stuff

Thanks for the info! I feel pretty good about buying these decks. The
Ampex ATR 800 I was going to buy 2 weeks ago was not in good condition
so I passed on it. A few people have said to try the Ampex 440. So I
will pick these up next week. I am hoping they will have a retro sound
when used to mix to. I regret selling my old 350 a few years ago.
Needed property tax money. The 350 really had a great sound. It took
me 1 month to build a stereo 2 track from parts. I am hoping the 440
will be easier to work on. Gt

[Scott Dorsey]

gtbuba wrote:
Hey gents, I am interested in picking up two old Ampex 440 machines.
Had several questions. One machine is an A the other is a B. They are
1/2" 4 tracks. Was wondering what the differences in the 440a and
440b? Also the guy selling the machines said they run at 15 ips and 30
ips? I did not know the 440 series ran at 30 ips? Could these machine
take two track heads? Thanks if you can help. Glenn.

I don't recall the differences between the A and B electronics, but
the folks on the Ampex Mailing list will.

These machines could be ordered with a 30 ips motor later in their
life but most of the 30 ips ones have been modified or have a capstan
sleeve. The modifications are of varying quality. The capstan sleeves
are very bad but can be readily removed.

These machines can be set up with 2-track heads, either 1/4" or 1/2".
You will notice the tape guides flip over and so converting the machine
from 1/4" to 1/2" is a ten-minute job including realignment. The heads
will cost far more than the machine is.

These machines are basically worth whatever the heads are. With bad
heads, they are free for the taking, with brand new heads they are worth
some money. When you have to put new heads into them, you might as well
get a new machine.

1/4" 2-track heads are available used and original Ampex headstacks
aren't insanely expensive. 1/2" 2-track is a modern format that didn't
exist when these machines were new; you'll have to buy aftermarket heads
from Flux Magnetics and they are expensive.

Still, these are nice sounding and very reliable machines if they have
been taken care of.
--Scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Scott Dorsey]

gtbuba wrote:

Thanks for the info! I feel pretty good about buying these decks. The
Ampex ATR 800 I was going to buy 2 weeks ago was not in good condition
so I passed on it. A few people have said to try the Ampex 440. So I
will pick these up next week. I am hoping they will have a retro sound
when used to mix to.

It sounds pretty much like whatever tape you use. It's a fairly clean
but not amazingly clean machine. It's easy to work on and stable.
It's better supported than the ATR800 and there are millions of them out
there.

I regret selling my old 350 a few years ago.
Needed property tax money. The 350 really had a great sound. It took
me 1 month to build a stereo 2 track from parts. I am hoping the 440
will be easier to work on. Gt

If the 350 was a real 350 (not a 354), then it was probably easier to
work on than a 440. The 350 is really about the simplest machine out
there.

However, the 350 requires constant adjustment. Whereas you have to
set the azimuth before every session on the 350, on the 440 you can
get by with a weekly azimuth check.

I check the ATR-100 monthly but I haven't actually had to turn any
controls since last June according to the sticker on the front.

As you go up in sophistication, you need less and less maintenance but
the maintenance you DO need becomes more difficult.

If you can put a 350 together, you can put a 440 together.
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Roy W. Rising[_2_]]

I have an AG-440 and a load of AG-440 repair parts plus manuals. After
ABC-TV Hollywood no longer had any machines, a manager said I'd be doing
him a favor by clearing the shelves of the parts. If you get the machines
and they need mechanical refreshment, or you need a manual, drop me a line.

--
~ Roy
"If you notice the sound, it's wrong!"

[gtbuba[_2_]]

On Jun 15, 6:04*pm, Roy W. Rising
wrote:
I have an AG-440 and a load of AG-440 repair parts plus manuals. *After
ABC-TV Hollywood no longer had any machines, a manager said I'd be doing
him a favor by clearing the shelves of the parts. *If you get the machines
and they need mechanical refreshment, or you need a manual, drop me a line.

--
~ Roy
"If you notice the sound, it's wrong!"

Thanks again for the knowledge. I am in a small city where there are
no analog techs to work on my machines. I have about 10 months of
phone tech time credit from Steve Sadler. For MCI only. I am looking
forward to picking these up next week. GT.

[gtbuba[_2_]]

On Jun 15, 6:33*pm, gtbuba wrote:
On Jun 15, 6:04*pm, Roy W. Rising
wrote:

I have an AG-440 and a load of AG-440 repair parts plus manuals. *After
ABC-TV Hollywood no longer had any machines, a manager said I'd be doing
him a favor by clearing the shelves of the parts. *If you get the machines
and they need mechanical refreshment, or you need a manual, drop me a line.

--
~ Roy
"If you notice the sound, it's wrong!"

Thanks again for the knowledge. I am in a small city where there are
no analog techs to work on my machines. I have about 10 months of
phone tech time credit from Steve Sadler. For MCI only. I am looking
forward to picking these up next week. GT.

Ok I have another Question if anyone is a around? I am trying to put
two of these 4 track machines in a rental minivan. There dim are h 52x
w30"xD30". How hard is it to disassemble one of this decks? I would
imagine 2 or 4 screws per channel and a few bolts holding the deck
down. Wonder if the Lange cabinets come apart? I once had a guy buy a
Studer from me and we took it apart and he fit it all in a Volvo. I am
thinking about taking 1 machine apart? Is it doable? Glenn

[Peter Larsen[_3_]]

gtbuba wrote:

Ok I have another Question if anyone is a around? I am trying to put
two of these 4 track machines in a rental minivan.

You need to consider vehicle collison consequences in you plans, as almost
everything else it is like to be possible to do it more or less safe. You do
not want to be the mechanical absorber that saves the life of an ampex in
case of a collision.

Kind regards

Peter Larsen

[Mike Rivers]

On 6/17/2011 6:26 PM, gtbuba wrote:

Ok I have another Question if anyone is a around? I am trying to put
two of these 4 track machines in a rental minivan. There dim are h 52x
w30"xD30". How hard is it to disassemble one of this decks? I would
imagine 2 or 4 screws per channel and a few bolts holding the deck
down.

There are cables to disconnect and re-connect as well.
Better to just lay the cabinets down on their back or side.
They'll travel much better that way than if you stood them
up and you won't have to take anything apart. You should be
able to get the 30" dimension in through the side door of a
minivan. You'll want someone both on the inside and out to
guide it, and you'll need help lifting and tilting it anyway.

It's of course possible to remove the guts from the
cabinets, but the cabinets may be difficult to disassemble.
Back when I had an MM-1100, I was offered another one for
free by a local radio station that was dismantling their
remote truck, but I had to come over that evening to pick it
up. No vans or friends available on short notice, so I
completely disassembled it, left the cabinet behind (someone
from the station said he could use it for his church's sound
system), discarded the deck plate after removing the motors,
and carried all the pieces home in a Toyota Celica. But
although it was presumably working, I intended to use it
just for spare parts so I didn't have to worry about getting
it back together again.


--
"Today's production equipment is IT based and cannot be
operated without a passing knowledge of computing, although
it seems that it can be operated without a passing knowledge
of audio." - John Watkinson

http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com - useful and
interesting audio stuff

[gtbuba[_2_]]

On Jun 18, 7:40*am, Mike Rivers wrote:
On 6/17/2011 6:26 PM, gtbuba wrote:

Ok I have another Question if anyone is a around? I am trying to put
two of these 4 track machines in a rental minivan. There dim are h 52x
w30"xD30". How hard is it to disassemble one of this decks? I would
imagine 2 or 4 screws per channel and a few bolts holding the deck
down.

There are cables to disconnect and re-connect as well.
Better to just lay the cabinets down on their back or side.
They'll travel much better that way than if you stood them
up and you won't have to take anything apart. You should be
able to get the 30" dimension in through the side door of a
minivan. You'll want someone both on the inside and out to
guide it, and you'll need help lifting and tilting it anyway.

It's of course possible to remove the guts from the
cabinets, but the cabinets may be difficult to disassemble.
Back when I had an MM-1100, I was offered another one for
free by a local radio station that was dismantling their
remote truck, but I had to come over that evening to pick it
up. No vans or friends available on short notice, so I
completely disassembled it, left the cabinet behind (someone
from the station said he could use it for his church's sound
system), discarded the deck plate after removing the motors,
and carried all the pieces home in a Toyota Celica. But
although it was presumably working, I intended to use it
just for spare parts so I didn't have to worry about getting
it back together again.

--
"Today's production equipment is IT based and cannot be
operated without a passing knowledge of computing, although
it seems that it can be operated without a passing knowledge
of audio." - John Watkinson

http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com- useful and
interesting audio stuff

So I guess the cabinets do not come apart? GT

[Mike Rivers]

On 6/18/2011 4:31 PM, gtbuba wrote:

So I guess the cabinets do not come apart? GT

Oh, anything will come apart, but it might not be simple.
No, I don't know how difficult it will be, nor what tools
you'll have with you or how much time or patience you'll
have or what's involved in putting it back together.

So I guess your van's doors don't open to 30"? And are you
sure the cabinets are actually 30" deep? My AG-440 is in a
cabinet that's 25" wide by 27" deep, and it can be taken
apart if you remove the transport and electronics. I'd guess
it would take about 45 minutes to study it out, make notes
so you can get it back together, and do the work.

Have you looked into renting a "cube" van rather than a
mini-van? They're almost always equipped with wooden side
rails that you can tie the cabinets to (get two ratchet
straps for each cabinet) and most usually have a ramp so you
can just roll it in, or a hydraulic lift gate.

Come on, let's stop guessing and solve the problem. Saving
time and assuring safe travel is usually worth more than
renting the cheapest possible means of transport.

--
"Today's production equipment is IT based and cannot be
operated without a passing knowledge of computing, although
it seems that it can be operated without a passing knowledge
of audio." - John Watkinson

http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com - useful and
interesting audio stuff

[Scott Dorsey]

Richard Webb wrote:
Mike Rivers writes:
Have you looked into renting a "cube" van rather than a
mini-van? They're almost always equipped with wooden side
rails that you can tie the cabinets to (get two ratchet
straps for each cabinet) and most usually have a ramp so you can
just roll it in, or a hydraulic lift gate.

tHIs is another case of trying to use a hammer as a
screwdriver. MInivans are designed for yuppies with a
truckload of brats. CHoose the right tool for the job from
the get go and solve your problems that way.

The full 440 in the rollaround cabinet will fit in the back of my wife's
Subaru station wagon.

The Ampex rollaround cabinet can be taken apart somewhat, and the electronics
units can be removed from the top.

The Russlang cabinets cannot be taken apart as easily.
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Richard Webb[_3_]]

Scott Dorsey writes:

this is another case of trying to use a hammer as a
screwdriver. MInivans are designed for yuppies with a
truckload of brats. CHoose the right tool for the job from
the get go and solve your problems that way.

The full 440 in the rollaround cabinet will fit in the back of my
wife's Subaru station wagon.

YEah it will I'm sure, but I'm sure it's easier to load into a cube van, or even a regular work van. I detest loading
big stuff in station wagons and the like, even if it fits.
IT's always easier with at least a full sized work van.

The Ampex rollaround cabinet can be taken apart somewhat, and the
electronics units can be removed from the top.

YEp, I'm remembering that from last time I saw one of these, which has been a few years. STill, it's easier to just get
it loaded in, strap 'er down and take 'er home. I'd at
least find a friend that does some sort of construction or
something and see about renting/borrowing his panel truck.

FOr my remote truck, just because I'm not a big athletic guy I went to Autozone and bought some of those ramps they sell
that you can use to work on your car, or wheel your four
wheeler in and out of your pickup truck to move the splitter rack, container of snake and power feeders, etc. in and out. rather roll 'em out on my two wheeled hand truck than muscle 'em g.

The Russlang cabinets cannot be taken apart as easily.

I think all I've ever seen of those was the roll
around cabinet.

Regards,
Richard
--
| Remove .my.foot for email
| via Waldo's Place USA Fidonet-Internet Gateway Site
| Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly his own.

[gtbuba[_2_]]

On Jun 19, 10:49*pm,
(Richard Webb) wrote:
Scott Dorsey writes:
this is another case of trying to use a hammer as a
screwdriver. *MInivans are designed for yuppies with a
truckload of brats. *CHoose the right tool for the job from
the get go and solve your problems that way.
The full 440 in the rollaround cabinet will fit in the back of my
wife's Subaru station wagon.

YEah it will I'm sure, but I'm sure it's easier to load into a cube van, or even a regular work van. *I detest loading
big stuff in station wagons and the like, even if it fits.
IT's always easier with at least a full sized work van.

The Ampex rollaround cabinet can be taken apart somewhat, and the
electronics units can be removed from the top.

YEp, I'm remembering that from last time I saw one of these, which has been a few years. *STill, it's easier to just get
it loaded in, strap 'er down and take 'er home. *I'd at
least find a friend that does some sort of construction or
something and see about renting/borrowing his *panel truck.

FOr my remote truck, just because I'm not a big athletic guy I went to Autozone and bought some of those ramps they sell
that you can use to work on your car, or wheel your four
wheeler in and out of your pickup truck to move the splitter rack, container of snake and power feeders, etc. in and out. rather roll 'em out on my two wheeled hand truck than muscle 'em g.

The Russlang cabinets cannot be taken apart as easily.

I think all I've ever seen of those was the roll
around cabinet.

Regards,
* * * * * *Richard
--
| Remove .my.foot for email
| via Waldo's Place USA Fidonet-Internet Gateway Site
| Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly his own.

Again thanks, I just hauled a MCI JH16 in a mini van. They are made
for the yuppies and family. I will look into a cube van. Have not
heard that term. Have heard of cargo van from Enterprise. I am going
to pay the seller to take apart 1 or the two machine apart If I don't
rent the cube van. The mini van is a much easier to drive for me and
the drivers seat is easy on my bad back GT.

[Scott Dorsey]

gtbuba wrote:

Again thanks, I just hauled a MCI JH16 in a mini van. They are made
for the yuppies and family. I will look into a cube van. Have not
heard that term. Have heard of cargo van from Enterprise. I am going
to pay the seller to take apart 1 or the two machine apart If I don't
rent the cube van. The mini van is a much easier to drive for me and
the drivers seat is easy on my bad back GT.

Cube van is much nicer than the Enterprise cargo vans, since you can
stand up in them. Still, you could get maybe ten 440 machines in an
Enterprise cargo van at $65/day unlimited mileage.

If you're going to actually USE the 440 in the back of a van (say at a
music festival where you need an improvised remote truck), the cube van
is much better.

If you're going to move one 440, just put it on its back in a station
wagon and save yourself some money.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Richard Webb[_3_]]

gtbuba writes:

YEah it will I'm sure, but I'm sure it's easier to load into a cube van, =
or even a regular work van. =A0I detest loading
big stuff in station wagons and the like, even if it fits.
IT's always easier with at least a full sized work van.
The Ampex rollaround cabinet can be taken apart somewhat, and the
electronics units can be removed from the top.
snip
Again thanks, I just hauled a MCI JH16 in a mini van. They are made
for the yuppies and family. I will look into a cube van. Have not
heard that term. Have heard of cargo van from Enterprise. I am going
to pay the seller to take apart 1 or the two machine apart If I don't
rent the cube van. The mini van is a much easier to drive for me and
the drivers seat is easy on my bad

I'd look into that Enterprise cargo van, or something else
similar. THey probably call 'em other things, but I always
called 'em cube vans. I'd not worry about it, if you can
rent something, even the small you-haul or RYder.

IF you've had a look at my web site it's obvious I'm not a
big guy, nor anything like a MR. ATlas. tHis means I'm a
fan of good wheels under something, and the ability to let
it use its own weight to crate the needed momentum whilst I
control its trajectory g. fOr awhile we ended up with a
regular Sedan, a LIncoln COntinental as our daily driver. I hated it with a passion, except it was transportation.
BOught it used, it got us by for 6 months. Unloading 50
pounds of dog food from the trunk was a pita. NOw we've got another ful size van for daily driver. Makes it easier for
me to get my lady's wheelchair in and out, unload after
grocery runs, etc.


I'd rent what I needed for the job. EAsier on your back,
easier on the equipment if you leave it together and
actually buckle it in for the ride to its new home. You'll
be glad you did.


Regards,
Richard
.... Remote audio in the southland: See www.gatasound.com
--
| Remove .my.foot for email
| via Waldo's Place USA Fidonet-Internet Gateway Site
| Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly his own.