Category: Rack Gear

EXEF PSE 1000 M

Exef was a German manufacturer of electronic music equipment. This is a preamp with a programable effects foot controller, the EXEF PSE 1000 M. Three dedicated programable, pan-able effects options A,B & C. They can be saved in any combination as recallable, each with a send & return. There are 3 additional send & returns controllable as inserts. The Sidekick foot controller has a large floor display and can manage easily.

I dug this up from an auction sellers description and AI translated it.


World famous and good quality such as Bogner and Diesel
Germany is also known for its many guitar amplifier brands.
This is the famous machine "PSE 1000 M MK2 by EXEF" from Germany. This product integrates a programmable preamplifier and switching system. It's unique, and I don't think I've ever seen a product with this kind of concept. It was released in the early 1990s, and at that time it was expensive at about 400,000 yen, and it had a strong image of being a professional device. I don't think there are many people who know this brand because it disappeared without being popular with general users. It is also known that Mr. Hiroshi Shibasaki of WANDS at that time used the 1000 M MK2 during the WANDS era. In addition, Mr. Tomoyasu Hotei used the company's switching system LOOPER in the early 90's. ... apparently ...

If I find a manual or get a peek inside I will post additional information. I found this option, the mk2 exchange module in the gallery below. This would be nice to hook it up to a stereo tube amp. A long cable can send the controller front stage and back stage you have your rack.

Below is a list of products by Exef.

  • PSE 1000 M (preamp effects controller)
  • B300PR (300w bass amp)
  • VP-42 (guitar preamp)
  • VPA-260 (stereo tube amp 2x60w)
  • Concrete 260 (solid state amp)
  • 6 Shot (midi programmable guitar preamp)
  • Triton (3 channel tube guitar preamp)
  • 4 Tune (4 channel tube guitar preamp)
  • Jambird (guitar amp)
  • Looper (loop programmer for preamp effects)
  • MSW4 (midi programmable switching system)
  • Switcher (function audio combi switcher)
  • Micro Switcher

4 Tune

Sidekick, Switcher, Microswitcher, VP-42, Jambird & PSE 1000M

Looper, Mapper Plus, 4 Tune, & Additional Photos

Vintage Peavey Sampler SP SX II PC1600 & Kurzweil K2000R SCSI Zulu Emulator Build

I am working on a vintage sampler build. This rack set will include fully expanded Peavey SP, (2) SXII and a Kurzweil K2000R. Added control will be used by a peavey PC1600X. These Peavey units take the old apple ram modules and on the SP you have to set the jumpers correctly on the main board to enable the full use of the ram.


UPDATE: I have decided to move away from external storage rack units and run with the Zulu emulators.
Rabbit Hole Computing. It turns out that you can create .iso files using Power ISO of the Akai S1000 disks you have. Then you can set the configuration files of the zulu to read each scsi drive as a cd. For the Peavey gear, I had to order a scsi selector switch to jump between SXII and the Zulu drives because I kept getting out of phase errors. The selector box has the SP connected in the middle, and the two zulu boxes and SXII are connected to remaining locations. Doing it this way, I can have everything powered on and not worry about phase errors.

Inside the K2000R I fully upgraded it with Expansion Sound ROM and PRAM from https://sampler-expansions.dxp.pl/ Then I added an internal Zulu drive and configured it, this machine is loaded with sounds, plus I copied all my floppy’s to the emulator as well as the internal disk drive… pretty awesome.
So, keep in mind if you have the current OS installed in K2000R it wont read the Zulu. Zulu emulation is working on a fix for this problem with an update soon. I was able to move forward by rolling back the OS of the K2000R to V3.54.

Above are some examples of how I set my configuration files of the Zulu. Each folder can house the set of scsi drives. To make a change you just edit the pointing directory.

Below are some pics of adverts from the time period by Peavey.

Below are some internal pics from the internals of the Peavey SP, SX and PC1600.

PC1600X-_rev-h3Download
Peavey-DPM-SP-ManualDownload
K2000_K2000R_SERVICE_MANUALDownload
K2vxDownload
K2000R_UpgradeDownload
dpm_sx_iiDownload
dpm_spDownload
dpm-sp-manal-updateDownload
HD20_512 Synths Volume 1Download

I am adding an update here for those who may be confused about how the architecture of the Peavey SP is set up. Please remember that it is all apple based so the ram and the floppy is reflective. It will not accept standard floppy drives but need to be apple based. Here is a model of a verified floppy drive that will work with this unit. Sony MFD-17W-10 or internal label of MP-F17-10-10 SMM.

Don’t forget that you can stack SP rack units to add polyphony. Here are the instructions, additionally I am posting some photos of factory disks.

Palmer Macht 402 Guitar Power Amp

Specially Designed for Guitar Applications

For my guitar rack build I wanted to add a power amp that was small but powerful & tuned for guitar. I have been searching around for a while and the only models I liked were overseas manufacturers. This particular model is great because it can run 110 or 220 with a standard rack plug cord. It offers stereo channels and two outputs per channel. I found this to be a great 1u solid state amplifier. I wanted to have that option in my rack since I sometimes blend tube and solid state outputs. Below is some commercial information you can read about it. I bought my unit at Gear 4 Music and it arrived quickly and hassle free. Here are some pics of the inside of the unit, very nice.

The MACHT 402 offers many features that have been tailored towards the electric guitar, allowing for incredible amplification with ease. Offering 200 watts of power per channel, with 400 watts available when bridged, the power amp can be used with virtually any speaker cabinet, allowing you to use an array of cabinets without needing extra equipment. The hi and low controls featured on the MACHT 402 have been tailored for guitar signals, providing extensive EQ facilities to create a wide variety of sounds.

The Ultimate Power Amplifier

Designed with a compact shell, the MACHT 402 offers a range of features to enhance your sound and deliver the ultimate amplification. An efficient switch mode makes the power amp and excellent source of power, while special circuits protect it against overvoltage, DC, short circuits, and overheating. The low noise fan keeps the unit cool, allowing the MACHT 402 to deliver authentic tube power stage characteristics that make it an ideal power station for guitar preamps, small amp, modelers, and some effect pedals. The power amp also provides a rumble feature with an on/off function, allowing you to suppress the low frequencies to let the low end sound great at high volume levels. A limiter restricts the power amp’s max output, preventing clipping distortion and protects your speakers.

Specifications

  • Rated Output Power (1kHz @ 4 Ohms): 2 x 200 W
  • Rated Output Power (1kHz @ 8 Ohms): 2 x 100 W
  • Rated Output Power (1kHz @ 8 Ohms, bridged): 400 W
  • Output Circuitry: Class D
  • Frequency Response: 20 – 20000 Hz
  • THD: Less than 0.1
  • Gain: 32 dB / 26 dB / 28 dB
  • Input Sensitivity: 0,68 V / 1,4 V / 1,2 V
  • Protection Circuits:
    • DC
    • Short Circuit
    • Soft Start
    • Thermal Overload
    • Over-Current
  • Controls:
    • Sensitivity
    • Volume
    • On / Off
    • Mode
    • Low
    • Limiter
    • High
    • Ground Lift
  • Indicators:
    • Protect (Protection Circuit Engaged)
    • Signal
    • Power
    • Mode
    • Clip
  • Line Inputs: 2
  • Line Input Connectors: RCA, 6.3 mm Jack
  • Loudspeaker Outputs: 2
  • Speaker Output Connections: 6.3 mm Jack, Speakon Compatible
  • Cooling: Low-Noise Fan
  • Operating Voltage: Switching Power Supply
  • Power Consumption @ Full Load: 470 W
  • Operating Voltage: 115 V AC / 230 V AC (Switchable)

Dimensions

  • Width: 482mm
  • Height: 44mm
  • Depth: 244mm
  • Weight: 3.8kg

This unit fit nicely in my power section of my rack.

Mesa Boogie Tri-Axis

I am posting some internal photos from my Mesa Tri-Axis. I decided to acquire an earlier version of the guitar tube preamp. Basically, I wanted to have the unit as close to the original factory design, version 1. Not only does this mean there are less components to fail, but I do not require the continuous control feature. I actually like and use the tone character of this older preamp better than with the Phat mod and TX4 Recto board.

TriAxis_DatingDownload
TriAxis_ManualDownload
TriAxis_SchematicDownload

M80 Records Guitar & Bass Rack Rig

Recently I put together a few rack components to make a guitar/bass rack rig. I have the outputs running stereo to a pair of Ampeg SS-212 EC cabinets. See my Palmer Mach 402 post for a pic of the power amplifier rack used for this rig. These cabinets are stereo and the power amps have double outputs on each channel output. This could allow me to cross the speakers if I wanted, meaning running a true stereo on each cabinet. Currently I have them panned full left/right. This rig has the following items: Samson CR-3M wireless system, Korg DTR-2 Tuner, Samson S-Patch Bay, Mesa Tri-Axis Preamp (Tube), Carvin Quad X Preamp (Tube), Rocktron Prophesy II (Tube), Trace Elliot G-RP3 (Tube), Yamaha PG-1 Guitar Preamp (Solid State), Roland GS-6 Guitar Preamp (Solid State), BBE Model651SVC (Solid State), Hughes & Kettner Fortress (Tube), & Roland SIP-301 (Solid State).

The rack case I picked up on Ebay from Seismic Audio for cheap, new with casters, double mounting rails & covers. On the back I placed a Mo West Custom Custom Preamp and Rack Rider. For all the preamp units mounted in this rack I have the original footswitches.

Siegmund Midnight Special 5 Watt Octal Tube Amp

I was searching around for small tube amps to add to my collection. I came across this rackmount version which would have fit nicely in my guitar rack. The layout looks super clean and the sound is what I am looking for. Unfortunately, I just noticed their website www.seigmundguitars.com is down at the moment. Anyway check out the pics for reference and keep your eye out for this custom build in the used market.

The Midnight Special 5 Watt is an enhanced version of the tried-and-true Midnight Special Combo introduced in 2000 and the best known Siegmund amplifier.
The chassis is a 2U rackmount with removable brackets and a variety of features with ‘Live Amp Sound’ Line Out and Pentode/Triode switch.

Hand wired point to point cloth wiring
NOS vintage Octal tubes
Versatile, interactive tone controls
Optimized features for recording and live gigging
Transformer-less Reverb
True bypass Master Volume
Unique no-compromise Custom Output Transformer
by Mercury Magnetics
Highest quality NOS components

Class A single-ended 5 Watts
self-biasing output stage
Pentode and Triode switch
Tube Rectifier 5Y3
Octal base preamp tubes 2x 6SL7
Transformless tube reverb
LAS Line Out ™ with Level Control and XLR and TRS outputs
Series FX loop
Reverb On/Off jack
Sprague Vitamin Q paper/oil tone capacitors
Carbon composition resistors
F&F; and Sprague ATOM TVA filters
Point to point wiring
Powder coated Aluminum chassis

100,120,220,240VAC 50/60Hz
Handmade in USA

17 x 8 x 3.5 ; 10 lbs.

This compact version of the Midnight Special is designed for the player who desires a versatile tube amp for both recording and live gigging, making the speaker cabinet an option but not a requirement.
The LAS Line Out ™ mimics the response of a speaker voice coil and can be plugged into a mixer or PA, giving a big lively tube sound without the need of transporting a large and heavy tube amp and speaker cabinet.

Octal preamp tubes have a wider tonal spectrum and sound more relaxed and revealing with less compression than later 9 pin versions.
In combination with the harmonic richness of the custom wound extended range output transformer by Mercury Magnetics
the Midnight Special reveals the pure power & beauty of the vibrating string.

The Midnight Special is entirely hand-built, using the best-sounding NOS caps and resistors.
Point-point wiring is the same technique used by the military and in aviation construction for reliability.

The class A self-biasing output stage has musical even-order harmonic break-up.
The 6V6 power tube can be switched to give 5 Watts in Pentode or 1 Watt in Triode operation.
The LAS Line Out ™ with Level control has XLR and TRS outputs. When the speaker cable is unplugged an internal load takes over.

ENGL Tube-Power Amp 2X100 E920

There are many all tube stereo power amplifiers out there for guitar rugs. This unit I usually don’t see too often so here are some pictures of it. I was tracking this one from an auction site I use called JAUCE The unit was labeled as non functioning so it seemed like a bargain project at $100 USD. They are a very reputable broker for Japanese gear. Be very careful about purchasing heavy objects since it can get costly to ship.

engl-e920-manualDownload

Alesis Nano Modules

So apparently there has been a lot of buzz around these modules lately. I fully remember when they came out and no one cared back in 1997. This was the same year Antares launched Auto-Tune. In my opinion, other full rack mount units back then were pretty awesome comparatively and that was the better choice. Small is in now and the sounds within these units are usable. If you want them in a rack, you wont have that flush rack mount look but can fit three side by side. I believe they will have to be adhered to a rack or you can drill custom holes in through a 1u shelf. They were really geared for the small desk user that probably had a USB audio box interface. If I order a few for testing or modification I will open them up and post. Below is the compiled resource for quick reference.

Nano-Bass-ManualDownload
Nano-Comp-ManualDownload
Nano-Piano-ManualDownload
Nano-Synth-ManualDownload
Nano-Verb-ManualDownload

Hunting for Used Rack Gear to Enhance your Setup

Right now many people are uploading their rack gear for sale. To be honest it’s heavy it takes up space and much of it is old and many not high end grade. So you ask why would I mess with it? Well bargain hunters and repair diy people can make it bring a whole lot more for less money. Below you will find some example I was using to bring more to my keyboards, samplers and alternative track takes. Here I created two separate rack cases, one primarily for reverb/effects and the other to lift, sculpt and project my final results. I added a patch to the effects rack so I can quickly play with different settings outputting to my mixer channel aux. The other rack I added to my mixer main inserts for final gloss and lift but did also route it through a patch bay. The tube amp was used for powering my audio main monitors. Other than the tube amp most of these I bought cheap and or broken. They made fun projects to restore and most of the repairs were simple fixes. The key to picking easy fixes is not always straight forward. I collect a lot of spare parts and that always helps. I used to pull broken gear out of the graveyard all the time. Even if it doesn’t work there’s always parts on it that still does so save or sell.