Ampex 440C in action (video)

  • Thread starter Thread starter sweetbeats
  • Start date Start date
Great vid! The action and sound of the transport, the clicks and clunks, it's all just fantastic, looks like a very pleasing tactile experience. Of course it goes without saying that they sound good. I want one now too :D I still think I'd break tape on one, though...getting spoiled with the MCI transport, "I'm in fast rewind, now I'll hit play and go do something else while it sorts itself out..." :o :spank:
 
Ive got that identical machine under restoration. The 440C has tape motion sensing to avoid nasty things happening when switching modes. Still a good idea to slow down the tape before hitting stop or engaging play.
 
Excellent. :D I don't mind that I have to shuttle mine. I just wish I had a counter!
 
Very nice machine!
Is it required to slow the tape down like that with all machines?
Even on something like a 388?
 
j.harv said:
Is it required to slow the tape down like that with all machines?
Even on something like a 388?
Click to expand...

Not sure about a 388, but it's not necessary with our MCI machine. The machine keeps track of reel tensions and when you're in FF/REW and hit stop or play, the logic automatically slows the tape down then pulls the lifters in and puts the machine into the next commanded function only when it's safe to do so, very smooth but also makes me form bad habits :D
 
Pretty much anything built from about 1980 onwards is safe to stop, since they are logic-controlled and will tend to slow down first. Having said that, I'm not completely sure about the Fostex A8 - it seemed rather fierce in its braking, but on the other hand it did this itself in return-to-zero mode.
I think the 388s are all microprocessor controlled, I'm not sure.
 
j.harv said:
Very nice machine!
Is it required to slow the tape down like that with all machines?
Even on something like a 388?
Click to expand...

No sweat on a 388, and as was mentioned the 440C *technically* doesn't have to be shuttled to a stop state because the 'C' version features motion sensing, but the motion sensing unit can fail and its just best practice to shuttle the tape and then hit PLAY. I've read some pretty harried stories of folks that didn't...but as was also mentioned machines like the 388 and even briank's MCI have transport logic to handle tape "logically"...the 440 relies on human logic for best operation...its a partnership.
 
Hi guys. I'm glad you like the video. I forgot I even had an account here!
 
sweetbeats said:
No sweat on a 388, and as was mentioned the 440C *technically* doesn't have to be shuttled to a stop state because the 'C' version features motion sensing, but the motion sensing unit can fail and its just best practice to shuttle the tape and then hit PLAY. I've read some pretty harried stories of folks that didn't......the 440 relies on human logic for best operation...its a partnership.
Click to expand...

I will admit to turning my fair share of audiotape into monofilament fishing line while hurriedly trying to complete a radio spot back in the day on Ampex 440s. But they are indeed great machines.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top