Altec Tube Preamp

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Kasey

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i want one. only because my hero uses one. and because i think you can get them fairly cheap. and their tube preamps. and they dont suck. does anyone know anything about these? of course they dont make them anymore but theyre still on ebay often. Any certain models i should look for? would you guys encourage or discourage me getting one? my main mic is an AT4040 by the way. it's a pretty colourless mic, another reason i want a tube preamp. a good one.
 
i'm actually looking at getting a altec tube preamp. i read an article in a recording magazine, where the editor actually talks about how he purchased vintage gear and what the best deals are on it. One of the pieces of outboard gear that he picked up was an altec 1567A tube 5 channel mic/line preamplifier. He says nothing but great things about it, and he only paid $300 dollars for it. I saw that they have one up on ebay for that much and it's something i was looking into maybe getting, who knows. I'd look into some of their other models, check out these other altec preamps . I hope i helped you out with your search for the perfect altec preamp. take it easy

mat
 
I've had one of these, one of these, and two Altec 1566a's.

I sold them all, but mostly because I got each of them for under $10 and sold them for over $300 a piece.

They're like old cars, when they are cherried out they're awesome, but the time it takes to get them there ain't worth it, IMO.
 
hey ez willis

What was lacking in the sound/performance of your altecs? Were they noisy at high gain settings? Because i want to get one for ribbon mics but i cant have a pissload of noise.
 
I think the Altec stuff I've been around has been great, but it's all shared one major issue - noise. I currently own a 1592b and 1589b, and it'd take quite a bit to pry those away from me, but I wish they were quieter so I could use them on more sources. That said, on louder sources, they definitely have a color that just works a lot of the time.
And, they are green, and thus bring life to an otherwise monochrome rack of gear.
 
Jillchaw said:
What was lacking in the sound/performance of your altecs? Were they noisy at high gain settings? Because i want to get one for ribbon mics but i cant have a pissload of noise.
Click to expand...

On the 1566a's, a suitable modern day connection such as a 1/4" or xlr plug was lacking, and I didn't feel like modding them.

The 1591a was noisy, and I paid $5 for it and sold it for $325.

Like I said, if you have the time or money to invest in cleaning them old units up they can be great.

There's some really good new gear out there, too, that works right out of the box!
 
"And, they are green, and thus bring life to an otherwise monochrome rack of gear."

after hearing a 436 i have to admit i contributed their popularity to their color and maybe vu meters.

MIke
 
Unless you have a knowledge of electronics and are handy with a soldering gun.
 
I use a 1566a with my ribbons a lot and love the sound (R121, M500). It is a bit noisy, but I love the tone.

I got one that had been reworked, so I spent more than most would for it. However it is the sound I wanted, so for $400.00 I have a totally usable sounding unit!
 
Hey willis,

Where did you scoe the $5 and $10 Altec Tube pres?

Just luck or are there could hunting groundds for these?

I don't mind doing a littling modding and soldering.
 
Scooter B said:
Hey willis,

Where did you scoe the $5 and $10 Altec Tube pres?

Just luck or are there could hunting groundds for these?

I don't mind doing a littling modding and soldering.
Click to expand...
If I told you that I wouldn't get anymore Altecs for $5 or $10 anymore. :p

I work at a CSU University and they have a broadcasting program. Every 6 months or so the University has an auction to get rid of old computers, typewriters, projectors, etc.

Occasionally there's some quality vintage gear that gets moved through there.
 
Thanks,

There is a smaller community college within walking distance of my house with a broadcasting program but I have never seen them advertise a rumage sale or anything. I will have to keep my eyes out! :cool:
 
Scooter B said:
Thanks,

There is a smaller community college within walking distance of my house with a broadcasting program but I have never seen them advertise a rumage sale or anything. I will have to keep my eyes out! :cool:
Click to expand...

My work doesn't advertise their auction outside of the University.

Call your local college and get the extension for the Procurement department. Call them up and ask them if the have auctions.
 
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