Category: Studio

Wohler B&B AM-2B Phase Scope Repair

When mixing there is a tool outside of your DAW to view the image of the stereo span. Here is the Wohler B&B “AM-2B” phase scope. It takes a stereo signal and transforms it to a visual representation of the pan stereo signal showing the spread of high and low frequencies. Essentially when you mix if it’s squashed it will look flat and when the tonality and stereo range is wide you will have a nice circular representation. This rack mount unit is super and has never let me down as long as its properly calibrated. (See rare attached manual for info). For this unit I replaced the power supply and also decided to replace the bridge rectifiers. I was able to source the exact power supply from the supplier Frost Magnetics in CA. They happened to have 2 original NOS on their inventory shelf. The units are not cheap but if you can get one for little and fix it’s so worth it. 🙂

Main Board Header
Old Power Supply
New Power Supply Top
New Power Supply Bottom
Inside Unit
Replaced Bridge Rectifiers
Main Board Back
AM-2B Service ManualDownload
AM-2B Tube Schematic D10-181GYDownload
AM-2B Tube Sheet D10-181GY_1988Download
D10Download

I was recently asked about this transformer shown above. I also have seen this model installed in some of these units. Please use the below photos for reference.

Eurorack-Modular for Guitarists and Beyond

For the longest time I’ve always been a traditional effect pedal fanatic for guitar, keyboard, bass and vocal rig setups. Recently I was intrigued by my friend Tada at BPNYC, explaining to me the flexibility, compact size and capabilities found in today’s modern eurorack-modular options. For a list all all boutique gear across the board including eurorack-modular please visit http://www.boutiquepedalnyc.us/ As a pedal board layout enthusiast, I was always faced with the problem of manufacturers custom sizing their brands of effects pedals. This always became challenging to find the correct layout for transport and live situations. For many years we have used standard 19″ racks in studios to stack our expanding collections of gear. The Eurorack format calls for modules of 128.5mm (slightly over 5″) height. Horizontal width is measured in “horizontal pitch”, where 1 HP = 5.08mm (exactly 0.2″). 3.5mm mono phone jacks are used for interconnection.

The physical specification is based on the Eurocard standard of:

  • 3U (133.4mm), where height “U” is measured in rack units, rounded for a lip.
  • 1HP (5.08mm), where width “HP” is measured in horizontal pitch units, rounded down. A card width is integer multiples of 1HP.

Eurorack modules may be further characterized by depth: shallow modules (2.5cm to 4cm[1]) can fit into “skiff” cases.

So through the past couple of years, musicians have been migrating away from laptops on stage using VST plugins to complex stompbox pedals in various shapes and sizes. Now that Eurorack-modular suppliers have grown and the new smaller standard has been adopted + quadrupled in complexity will we soon see musicians wearing their controls for live gigs into the expanse of this ever changing music technological period?

Below is a video clip of Tada from BPNYC demonstrating the possibilities of a eurorack-modular guitar rig setup. It was exciting to see the ranges and depths with just a few of the possible units that one can aquire to expand their musical inspiration. http://www.boutiquepedalnyc.us/eurorack-modular/

Mesa Stereo Simul-Class 2: Ninety

Replacing my FET power amplifier that drives my “Studio Mains”. Upgraded the reserved 2U space in my rack with the Mesa Stereo Simul-Class 2: Ninety. I’ve choosen the second version of this Mesa because on the back of the unit you will see a selector switch for Instrument/Line & Lift/Ground. This allows me to easily integrate. Soon I will construct a custom foot-switch to change amp modes. Below you will find some inside unit photos and the manual.

Stereo Simul 2-90 ManualDownload
  • Mesa Ninety I
  • Mesa Ninety II

La Boite Concept Elipson Record Player System

La Boite concept combines its family history in the traditional high fidelity industry with the design of ergonomic “all-in-one” products optimised for new technologies. Transmitted from generation to generation for 80 years, this know-how is carried with passion by Timothée Cagniard and his team in the tradition and the rigor that imposes on him the respect of this technical inheritance.
https://laboiteconcept.com/en/products/

AKAI AX-80 SYNTHESIZER

This is a unique synth that reminisces through a time of particular circuitry. The unit itself looks the part, but it’s true glory in design relies on how you interpret the controls to master it’s depth. This was the video I watched before I saw it’s potential for what I sought.

It is my main controller via MIDI. Note: Reflow the solder of joining connections to membrane button boards. Inspect with a loop. Never should you have to press hard on the buttons unless the tact switch is bad, I did this fix and the my problem of intermittent control went away permanently.

In edit mode you select a number which corresponds to the illuminated bars above, adjusting the level of the parameter. This feature can be simplified (finding your tone/characteristics) by running a midi-in arpeggiator sequence while adjusting your parameter/s. After you like your sound, save it and try playing without the midi.

I route my tape-out midi dump straight into a DAW for archiving. Attached you will find patches 1A, 1B, &1P.

This is the eprom replacement info:

EpromAX80-L NEC Japan D2764D 8S23XXD42

midi dump, 1A, Rec (4)Download
midi dump, 1B, Rec (8)Download
midi dump, 1P, Rec (12)Download

Now you can get this awesome synth as a vst plugin. Here is a link to the site where you can buy.

https://www.uvi.net/en/vintage-synth/uvx80.html#

UVX80_manualDownload
installing_uvi_soundbanks_enDownload

Stereo Rackmount Mixers

For this setup I ran all the 16 synth’s into two 8 channel stereo mixers using 2 16ch snakes. I took the stereo mixes of each rack mixer and ran them into 2 stereo channels on the main mixer. Using the mute buttons I can easily select which synths to blend for unique single tracking sounds. This is helpful if you don’t have 32 available inputs for all your synths. During Installation custom ears were made to double mount the two mixers on the underside of this table becoming part of the main mixer sub mix controls.

About to mount the 2 units with an extended plate.
RX1602_ManualDownload
Outputs of these synths are going to the 2 rack units pre mixer.

Setting up Patch Bays Routing Configurations

Wiring all of your devices accessible in the signal line can be daunting if you don’t use patch bays. Whenever a larger number of devices are present patch bays help simplify. Wire every device and connection to your patch bay, IN’s and OUT’s. Using small patch cables you choose which effect, synth or keyboard to run. Here are some useful images to understand the different arrangements a patch bay may be configured. If you wondering which one to get, buy a full TRS patch bay with selectable routing on the front.

If you would like to dive deeper into patch bays you can learn more by downloading this resource below.

patchbaysDownload