Correct way to wire, drive & amplify AKG spring-verb

[starseed]

The unit in question is an AKG BX-2, a really basic piece of gear (which I still can't get my head around). I bought it a while back and would like to see if it works or if it is damaged.

There are two poles on the input and two on the output, I can't remember the impedance ratings on the in and out's, but I'll add that info here, if needed.

For pre and post gain, I've got plenty of options, from Maihak 4 watt tube power amps, Siemens 2 watts power amps, to TAB 34 dB pre amps and console pre's, in case that is all that's needed...but how to connect them?

Apart from getting it up and running, it would be interesting to hear what kind of chain would be appropriate for getting the right sound happening as well, considering the unruly nature of spring-verb. Any tips?

For what it's worth, I have been considering getting a reverb plate and using the Maihak amps for that...but that is another dilemma.

As always, I'd be very thankful if one of you took the time to set me straight here

Best regards,

Jeremy

[starseed]

Still no response.

I'm trying pre ---> Spring ---> pre soundcard. I think the input is too weak to drive the spring and will try a power amp soon...but that might be stikea really bad ideastike

I dunno...but it seems like the input rating has plenty of room for some power, I mean:

Input reads: "130 Ohm (less than) 5 V eff"

Output reads: "260 Ohm (less than) 10 mV eff"

[dlmorley]

did you ever sort this out??

[starseed]

Gave it another shot today, funnily. No go.

There is some kind of magnet array, and a small transformer inside, on a little circuit board. There are very thin wires as well, similar to those inside microphones...you know, the red ones. They look OK, but I'll have to look with a lens to really get in there, could be that simple.

I will still be looking for the right way to get it hooked up though.

I did a similar eperiment with a Hammond organ, and within 10 minutes of fiddling with cables and pre's, I had a workable spring reverb sound. Too easy. I don't get this li'l AKG sucker.

I gave the Hammond to a neighbor too...

Do you have any ideas?

I was considering just connecting the wires straight to the spring, bypassing the circuit board. I nearly got into it today, but decided I had more important things to do.

[dlmorley]

I have 2 BX2 stored and will get them out this week and see how they were wired in..

[starseed]

Wow, that is a breakthrough. Google turns up nothing but lists of people who have them...AKG have schematics of the BX20 but not the lowly BX2...it would be nice to get it in gear, finally.

Thanks for lookin' out for me

I appreciate it.

thumbsup

[dlmorley]

I'll see what I can manage. Mine have been stored for ages..

[dlmorley]

Originally Posted by dlmorley

I'll see what I can manage. Mine have been stored for ages..

I just did a quick hook up and basically it is line input and then the output needs to come in to a Mic Pre.
I need to solder the connections on mine to be certain though (just help them there..)
I have 2 units so I'll probably put them both in a cabinet..

[TheLibraryStudio]

BX-2? First time I've heard of that one. Do you have any pics? Is it rackmount like the BX-5?

Al

The Library Studios
http://www.thelibrarystudios.co.uk

[dlmorley]

Originally Posted by TheLibraryStudio

BX-2? First time I've heard of that one. Do you have any pics? Is it rackmount like the BX-5?

Al

The Library Studios
http://www.thelibrarystudios.co.uk

Attached a couple of pics.
They are basically simple units with in/out and that is it. Mine have these mounting rings so you can screw them to something but they would be too large to rack (about 50cm long) . I'll probably make a box for them one day!

[starseed]

When you do, let me know what works best. I have a dead one.

Anyone else have a tip for a good rack-mounted version, or should I spring (har har) for a BX-20. I think they are priced a little beyond what I would expect from them, but I will investigate. That is basically what I did when I bought the BX-2...dipping my toes. I should have gone all the way, I'm thinking.

[Marcocet]

I've got no clue on the BX-2, but I can tell you that the tough part with BX-20's isn't the pricing, it's finding them! I've been looking for well over a year and have only seen one come up for sale. And nobody wants to ship them.

[mig27]

Sorry for necro-posting, but I can confirm that the BX-2 works with line level on the input and mic level on its output.
It can be driven by any healthy line amp, even better is something sturdy like a headphone amp or a small power amp.

This thing sounds really nice by the way!

[starseed]

Well, I found the fault with mine. Precious owner must have broken a tiny wire coming off a coil, and so I have an extremely small repair job to handle.

I thought there was something broken, kind if relieved actually.

So, what's a good spring reverb for not so much money?