Home Studio Accutronics Reverb

[Phrige]

Hi guys,

So I'm working on a home pc studio and I'm looking to incorporate as much physical gear as possible. Hence I'm looking to pick up an Accutronics Reverb Type 4. Now the thing is, I'd like to be able to use this on many things not just guitar but whole tracks, vocals, drums etc. I dont mind sending audio out from my pc to the reverb then re-recording to the mix.

My big question is, what do I need to make sure that this will work? The stock unit has an RCA in and Out. I fear it too simple to just be sending signal in and out. Anything too look out for?

I expect to be tweaking the mix on PC so I don't mind getting a 100% reverb track.

 

[mshilarious]

You need to drive the input hard to get a decent level at the output. Depending on the impedance of the tank input you have, either a headphone amp or power amp could work well--most are 150 ohm I think, so a good can amp would be ideal.

I would recommend rewiring the output RCA and using a balanced XLR connection instead, routed to a mic amp. That's the best way to avoid induced noise in your recovery circuit.

Accutronics used to have sample circuits on their site, but they are really hard to find now for some reason Do note their comments about the inductive input impedance of the tank; they recommend pre-EQ'ing the drive signal for a rising frequency response--that's if you want a flattish response out of the tank. You can EQ the recovered signal instead, but that will harm SNR.

http://www.accutronicsreverb.com/

 

[Phrige]

Thanks MS. I figured something like that'd be the case, which is not a problem. Especially for a decent spring reverb i think its a fair trade. I have a spare tube preamp/compressor which I think'll do the job well.

Good idea on the xlr conversion too, I think thatd be worth my while too.

I'll let you know how it works out. I'm thinking of even drilling it to the underside of my desk, plugs facing out. Just to keep it out of the way and keep it ubiquitous.


Thanks!

 

[Blue Jinn]

Here's a couple of circuits (unbalanced) I've built the PAIA and happy with it, but I've got a hum issue I haven't been able to troubleshoot yet.

http://www.paia.com/proddetail.asp?prod=6740K

http://gaussmarkov.net/wordpress/circuits/spring-reverb/

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=26

On the latter I think the 4136 IC might be hard to come by, NTE997 is equiv, but I don't know if I've used one or not.

 

[Phrige]

oh this is cool BlueJ! Bookmarking these pages.