jjones1700
Learning, always learning
Soundmaster 16x8x2 mixer and Lacy Thomson Sound Linear Decibel Compander. Anyone know anything about these units?
Studiomaster 16x8x2 mixer and Lacy Thomson Sound Linear Decibel Compander
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
Wow, did I stump everyone?
Or is it just that it's junk?
Or is it just that it's junk?
Richard King
New member
Studiomaster is a British console and was quite common in its day in small studios AND sound reinforcement. I sold many of them, including one that went to a fellow who went on to mix live sound for folks like Kansas, Bob Segar, Prince (for several tours), Genesis, Phil Collins, etc. A Studiomaster 24x4 was the first rather complex mixer that he used. It has good eq and was quite nice for the money back in the '70's/'80's.
The "Linear decible Compander" sounds like some kind of single ended noise reduction unit. What a compander normally would do is expand the dynamic range of what is on the tape. In the process it would make the quiet parts quieter, thereby dropping hiss down in quiet parts, and make the loud parts louder, which would tend to mask tape hiss more in those parts. The only problem is that, as with any single ended noise reduction unit, it is very hard to make these things so you can't hear them working. I've played around with several different single ended units (Burwen, DBX made a single ended compander, and a couple of others) and have never really been pleased.
You can probably find out more here: http://ltsound.com/company.htm
The "Linear decible Compander" sounds like some kind of single ended noise reduction unit. What a compander normally would do is expand the dynamic range of what is on the tape. In the process it would make the quiet parts quieter, thereby dropping hiss down in quiet parts, and make the loud parts louder, which would tend to mask tape hiss more in those parts. The only problem is that, as with any single ended noise reduction unit, it is very hard to make these things so you can't hear them working. I've played around with several different single ended units (Burwen, DBX made a single ended compander, and a couple of others) and have never really been pleased.
You can probably find out more here: http://ltsound.com/company.htm
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
Excellent Richard. Thanks! I'm acquiring the mixer, "compander", and a Tascam 38 as a package deal (for insanely cheap!). I'm basically just doing it to get the 38, but wanted to know if any of the other equipment would be keeper material or not. I think I'll keep the mixer, sell the compander, and work on getting a pair of DX-4D for the 38.
I've already got a Tascam M-2516 (which is used with my TSR-8), so I figure this is my "backup" setup.
I've already got a Tascam M-2516 (which is used with my TSR-8), so I figure this is my "backup" setup.
sweetbeats
Reel deep thoughts...
PM me about DX-4D's if you are interested. I have a pair for sale that were recapped with high-quality Nichicon audio caps and have been calibrated by Ethan.
Put up some pics of that board when you get it.
And please, don't leave us hanging with the "insanely cheap" statement...how much?
Put up some pics of that board when you get it.
And please, don't leave us hanging with the "insanely cheap" statement...how much?
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
PM me about DX-4D's if you are interested. I have a pair for sale that were recapped with high-quality Nichicon audio caps and have been calibrated by Ethan.
Put up some pics of that board when you get it.
And please, don't leave us hanging with the "insanely cheap" statement...how much?
$175 for everything.
sweetbeats
Reel deep thoughts...
OH that's a gut-punch...in a good way...WOW!
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
This is the best photo I could find of a 16x8x2 Studiomaster. A guy must have one and he had it posted on his Flickr account. The guy I'm buying the actual mixer from is just sending me the photos. The mixer is a little rough, but a little TLC should have it in good cosmetic order.
Attachments
sweetbeats
Reel deep thoughts...
That...is a cool looking board!
Keep us posted!!
Keep us posted!!
SteveM
New member
$175 for everything.
Good deal. Looks nice.
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
This is a pic of the 38 that he sent this morning. Still has the box! The only thing I see is that the capstan shaft looks a bit rusty, or lots of oxide. Can't tell which.
Dang it, can't get the photo to upload...
Dang it, can't get the photo to upload...
Richard King
New member
The thing to look for on the early Studiomaster boards was solder joints on the busses. If roaded for a while they tend to wiggle loose. They didn't use plug in modules, instead using buss wires going through each board and soldered to the board. To remove a board you had to remove the knobs, then the bottom sheet metal, then cut the buss wire and solder in a jumper until the module you removed is repaired and can be replaced. The one you are looking at is newer (LED meters rather than analog meters) and may be a bit easier to service.
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
Ok, time for an update.
After about a 300 mile round trip and 5.5 hours of driving, I have arrived home with the following items:
Studiomaster 16-8-2 mixer (with manual)
Tascam 38 deck (with RE-1013 reel, warranty card, box, and operations manual)
Lacy Thompson LT8 compander (like the dbx DX-4D, but cheaper)
AT8501 mics (2 of 'em)
A JVC wired remote that was "modified" for the 38.
Not bad for $175 huh?
I haven't had a chance to hook anything up, other than to power them up to see what happens.
The mixer seems to have some stiff action with the faders and pots. LOTS of De-oxit I'm assuming will be used on this. The board (face) itself needs a good cleanup. In terms of this vs. my M-2516, I like the way the Tascam has the channel buss buttons color coded so it's easier to tell if one is engaged or not vs. the all white buttons on the Studiomaster. The master channels look to have aux send/receive as well as EQ, which is unlike the Tascam. I'll have to read up on that and see how it all is supposed to work. At the moment, that's all I've got. It's 1 am. here and time for me to go to bed. I'll post some pictures up tomorrow. I'm eager to get everything cleaned up and put them through their paces. I'm no expert, so my "review" can be taken with a grain of salt once I put the boards "head to head" so to say.
After about a 300 mile round trip and 5.5 hours of driving, I have arrived home with the following items:
Studiomaster 16-8-2 mixer (with manual)
Tascam 38 deck (with RE-1013 reel, warranty card, box, and operations manual)
Lacy Thompson LT8 compander (like the dbx DX-4D, but cheaper)
AT8501 mics (2 of 'em)
A JVC wired remote that was "modified" for the 38.
Not bad for $175 huh?
I haven't had a chance to hook anything up, other than to power them up to see what happens.
The mixer seems to have some stiff action with the faders and pots. LOTS of De-oxit I'm assuming will be used on this. The board (face) itself needs a good cleanup. In terms of this vs. my M-2516, I like the way the Tascam has the channel buss buttons color coded so it's easier to tell if one is engaged or not vs. the all white buttons on the Studiomaster. The master channels look to have aux send/receive as well as EQ, which is unlike the Tascam. I'll have to read up on that and see how it all is supposed to work. At the moment, that's all I've got. It's 1 am. here and time for me to go to bed. I'll post some pictures up tomorrow. I'm eager to get everything cleaned up and put them through their paces. I'm no expert, so my "review" can be taken with a grain of salt once I put the boards "head to head" so to say.
nate_dennis
Well-known member
How/Where did you score all of that for $175? If I'm not mistaken . . . that's a killer price just for the 38!!!
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
It was listed in the Craigslist in Shreveport, LA. I have an RSS feed set up for Tascam stuff in about a 250 mile radius. I was just looking for the 38 myself. Wasn't really interested in the rest of it. The guy didn't really want to part it up, which I can kind of understand, so I decided it was still too good to pass up! I took a 3 hour drive to meet up with the guy about half way. He is a really great guy and turns out he has a pretty hefty history in television and sound production. He's done voice work for years. He has answered a bunch of questions I've had via email after I brought all of the stuff home.
I made a mistake earlier, the 2 mics are AT813R. Nice mics.
I've started to clean up the mixer, although I haven't popped anything off it other than the knobs so I can get into everything. It appears to be fully functional. I just need to clean the pots and faders.
The 38 fires up and runs without a hitch. The meter lights for channels 2 through 5 are out. The only thing that bugs me is that the right side reel table seems a bit low as the reels I put over there seem to rub on a screw on the face of the deck. I think I can adjust that can't I? I know my Pioneer is easy to adjust; just turn the screw in the middle of the shaft.
Other than those minor things, it's pretty much ready to rock and roll.
I took a 3 hour drive to meet up with the guy about half way. He is a really great guy and turns out he has a pretty hefty history in television and sound production. He's done voice work for years. He has answered a bunch of questions I've had via email after I brought all of the stuff home.I made a mistake earlier, the 2 mics are AT813R. Nice mics.
I've started to clean up the mixer, although I haven't popped anything off it other than the knobs so I can get into everything. It appears to be fully functional. I just need to clean the pots and faders.
The 38 fires up and runs without a hitch. The meter lights for channels 2 through 5 are out. The only thing that bugs me is that the right side reel table seems a bit low as the reels I put over there seem to rub on a screw on the face of the deck. I think I can adjust that can't I? I know my Pioneer is easy to adjust; just turn the screw in the middle of the shaft.
Other than those minor things, it's pretty much ready to rock and roll.
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
Oh yeah, there is a 32 that just popped up in my area that I will have to snag to make this setup complete.
sweetbeats
Reel deep thoughts...
jjones,
picspicspics!
You can get replacement meter lamps at Parts Express.
There are two height adjustment screws on the hub that you should be able to access through the top of the deck once you remove the upper front dress panel (if the 38 is anything like the 48 and 58 in this regard). Check it out and if the solution is not apparent its in the manual and I can find the reference page for you if needed.
picspicspics!
You can get replacement meter lamps at Parts Express.
There are two height adjustment screws on the hub that you should be able to access through the top of the deck once you remove the upper front dress panel (if the 38 is anything like the 48 and 58 in this regard). Check it out and if the solution is not apparent its in the manual and I can find the reference page for you if needed.
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
I'll see if I can get some pics posted up this evening. They are kind of rough as I haven't cleaned anything yet when I took these photos.
jjones1700
Learning, always learning
