wwittman wrote on Wed, 15 February 2006 00:20 |
my PERSONAL opinions: The 3M machines sound MUCH better than MCI's (which I frankly think sound lousy) but a good sounding machine that doesn't run is of no use to you, so unless you have real maintance, skip it. I'd suggest an A800, or an MTR 90. |
drumsound wrote: |
J. My room sounds a lot like the room you described. I still have the M79 and when the JH24 went down recently I tracked basics with the 3M and she still sounds great (It possibly belonged to McSnare). Mine has been modded and rebuilt and it still has its quirks. So I got the JH24 and though it sounds different, I believe it sounds quite nice. Fixing its recent problem was a lot simpler and cheaper then when the M79 goes down... |
meverylame wrote on Fri, 17 February 2006 15:50 |
If you get it, learn the name Doug Weeks... |
J.Powers wrote on Fri, 17 February 2006 16:33 | ||
What broke on your machine? I love 3M and Ive always wanted one. Im gonna be in the Portland area soon.... may I stop by? |
mcsnare wrote on Fri, 17 February 2006 19:27 |
Also Otho Wilburn in Athens Ga. I think his company is called Intense Audio. He know 3M's inside and out. Kinda like you will, if you get one.... Dave McNair |
J.Powers wrote on Tue, 21 February 2006 07:38 |
I wonder why I thought that you were in Portland, Tony. Huh.... on a side note, Bloomington is *lots* closer to me. Huh....?! |
Brian Kehew wrote on Mon, 13 March 2006 14:27 |
Wow - there are "opinions" about gear? Go figure. My two cents (everyone has a pocketful) on 2" machines follows. [I have two 3M M79s, full disclosure!) Old Ampex 2" machines kick butt sonically, thick and full and punchy. Almost no one disagrees with this. You do NOT want to own one. Too much trouble. Need mods just to work properly. 3M M79 - musical, beautiful and clear. Not as "punchy" as Ampex but maybe more fidelity of sound (The M56 16 track is like an Ampex mixed with this, amazing.) Worrisome tech problems. Good news is - I paid $1000 each for the last two M79s I bought - lots of spare parts. MCI - punchy, almost like a little brother to the Ampex, but not in the same league as the two above. MCI construction is detailed and thoughtful (VERY easy to service), crappy connectors all throughout. Studer - there are so many versions. All sound good, built and designed very well, the oldest ones sound great, but punch badly and are tougher with parts and service. The newer ones are good but not quite as full and clear as the Ampex and 3M. Otari - not that good-sounding, all the ones I've heard. Used to be my main machine, VERY good with tape. Easy enough to fix. Stephens - rare, great sound, amazing design. Rough sailing if you want it fixed. Scully - punchy like the old Ampex, but not as clean, tough on tape, some bits are very hard to service. Soundcraft/Aces - run away! |