the last time i listened to the maselec it sounded %
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« Reply #36 on: January 31, 2006, 09:23:56 PM »
Jerry Tubb wrote on Tue, 31 January 2006 19:59 | Just for grins, here's a scan of a polaroid, of a sweet sounding Sontec I had back in the early '90's. Not a 430 series... I forget the model number.
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That's an MEP-250C.
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« Reply #37 on: January 31, 2006, 09:29:21 PM »
I put the BG throughout the entire unit It was seriously expensive, too!
I would probably do it again if I had the choice but my budget did not include doing all of my outboard gear.
On recollection I don't recall a burn in time that was very long. There were some slightly nerve-wracking moments as the caps are physically much larger than the stock caps were - so they look a bit crowded on the PCB.
it was instantly sweeter, airier, softer on first listen. That much I do remember. It was an improvement. I'll say that.
On a daily basis it amazes me how unobtrusive it is.
On the other hand, if it died i would seriously consider the GML or the Maselec - and probably be cool with it. There's a guy in LA who uses all Maselec gear and some of his stuff can sure sound good to me. But maybe it's been modded as the sonic footprint of his work sure doesn't sound like my experience - at least the few times I've had with the maselec?
For others that are curious about the sontec- it does not sound anything like the Avalon or a Massive Passive. It sounds like a Sontec.
Funny though - It takes me longer to dial in my "final" setting on the Sontec than other EQ's because everything sounds so good on the thing that it's hard to get a bad sound out of it. So, I have to agree with Joe Yannece there even if that's not his entire reasoning? Maybe Joe can elaborate?
It would be cool to use two Sontec or Sontec/ITI units like Ludwig used to use or Jensen & Marino and Brad Blackwood. A really powerful combo of EQ choices there.
Sontec esoterica: does anyone know where I can get the "tension-springs" that are part of the switch that creates the tight fit feel when you lock into the frequency? I have one switch that's starting to feel a bit loose or sloppy. Do those springs have an official name? I'll need to track some down at some point.
Phil
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« Reply #38 on: January 31, 2006, 09:36:52 PM »
Phil Demetro wrote on Tue, 31 January 2006 18:29 |
does anyone know where I can get the "tension-springs" that are part of the switch that creates the tight fit feel when you lock into the frequency? I have one switch that's starting to feel a bit loose or sloppy. Do those springs have an official name?
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These guys should have something that works: http://www.mcmaster.com/Trouble is finding the right one! I think they call it an "extension" spring. DC
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« Reply #39 on: January 31, 2006, 11:18:34 PM »
Dave Collins! of course he knows!
"extension springs"? ....unoffensive enough? now if you can just get me a line on some HS1000's?
btw, Dave do you use a Sontec these days? what's your personal "back up plan EQ" suggestion for sontecs that go south?
thanks again.
phil
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« Reply #40 on: February 01, 2006, 01:49:24 AM »
Phil Demetro wrote on Tue, 31 January 2006 20:18 |
"extension springs"? ....unoffensive enough?
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Personally, I've never been offended by a spring. Unless you count the ones that shoot off and hit you in the face. You need to take your spring out, get the dimensions, and see if Macmaster has anything like it. It's not critical, as long as it's close it should work. Quote: |
now if you can just get me a line on some HS1000's?
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I think there's some out there. Quote: |
btw, Dave do you use a Sontec these days?
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Nope, just the Davelizer, NSEQ-2 and the TF Pro P9. Quote: |
what's your personal "back up plan EQ" suggestion for sontecs that go south?
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Oh, you just call Burgess, he'll answer on the first ring, and get a RO# -- they are more than happy to overnight a unit to use while yours is being repaired -- and in a day or two it comes back with all the latest factory updates. DC
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« Reply #41 on: February 01, 2006, 03:54:27 PM »
Bob Olhsson wrote on Tue, 31 January 2006 16:35 | Collins, weren't those things called "gyrator" eqs or something like that?
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It's a lesser-known fact, but the correct term for an EQ based on gyrator circuits is "gyratory equaliser". For anyone reading that's unaware: a gyrator is an active circuit that mimics the inductive properties of, you guessed it, an inductor. Some links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyratorhttp://www.forsselltech.com/schematics/Gyrator1.htmThe Sontec 430 is quite unlike any transistor-based EQ I've ever heard; it has an "organic", almost "valve-like" quality to it, and I can see why it's a cult item. You can usually spot a 430-owner from noting the size of their wrist - those attenuators require real muscle! Justin
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Audio is a vocational affliction
"there is no "homeopathic" effect in bits and bytes." - HansP
« Reply #42 on: February 02, 2006, 12:04:22 AM »
thermionic wrote on Wed, 01 February 2006 12:54 |
Bob Olhsson wrote on Tue, 31 January 2006 16:35 | Collins, weren't those things called "gyrator" eqs or something like that?
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It's a lesser-known fact, but the correct term for an EQ based on gyrator circuits is "gyratory equaliser".
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The Sontec does not use gyrators. It's based on a type of notch filter called a T network. http://www.massenburg.com/cgi-bin/ml/parametric.htmlPersonally, I've never seen the appeal of gyrators. If you want a inductor, why not just use one? DC
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« Reply #43 on: February 02, 2006, 12:09:43 AM »
dcollins wrote on Wed, 01 February 2006 23:04 | ...If you want a inductor, why not just use one?
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Exactly!
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« Reply #44 on: February 02, 2006, 02:32:16 AM »
OK, silly question of the day #1 coming up: If the Sontecs are so special, why isn't someone building something similar? Isn't the Massenburg mastering EQ similar?.....if it's not as good, why not (both were designed by Georgy-boy, weren't they)?
How does the Avalon 2077 stack up?
Or the SPL monster?
What about the new Manley EQ?
So many questions, so little coffee!
Darius
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