revox a77

[paul26]

Hi,
i was looking at buying a A77 mk4 high speed model, to mix down to. just want to know what people thought of them. are they any good? if not does anyone know any other good 2-track to mix down to?
thanx,
Paul

[The Ghost of FM]

Revox & Teac, we're both consumer versions of their Industrial parent company divisions, Studer and TASCAM respectively.

Though the A77 was designed for the home stereo buyer, many lower budget facilities in the 70's and 80's used that deck to master with because it was a well made, great sounding recorder and didn't cost $12,000.00 dollars to buy like some pro decks of the day were going for when new.

If the deck is in good repair and you have access to a decent service center just in case you need it ever looked at, I'd consider it for a purchase.

TASCAM made a few good pro and semi-pro decks and they too sound great and are readily available, used in the market. All of them are true half track, 15ips decks and can accommodate 10.5 inch reels. Models like the 32, 42, 52 and BR20 can be seen on Ebay selling at about 15 - 25% of their original retail.

Cheers!

[Uli_the_Grasso]

If it is really a 2-track machine, it should have a decent S/N ratio.

The A77 does not have interlocked transport buttons, therefore the tape can become damaged if you do not press stop between fast and play/rec transport. Furthermore it lacks a pause button, and some users report audible clicks on record start. Anyway you can cut the tape with special scotch tape which is still for sale here and there.

The A77 is robust and easy to service. If you have the choice between a Tascam 32 and a A77, take the A77! Of course, when heads and pinch roller are worn, or when the capstan is corrodated (shit happens, so have a close look, record a 1000 Hz sine and hear for wow and flutter!), replacement parts are extremely expensive.