Metroplex Mastering Ampex ATR-100 Rebuild is complete!

[metroplex]

I am celebrating today because I finally finished my Ampex ATR-100 rebuild. I wanted this machine to be the centerpiece of my studio, and it has been working wonders since it's completion. I decided to give the machine a custom stealth flat black finish which looks cooler than anything I could have imagined. I opted not to go to the 1" upgrade, but instead to just get brand new 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch he*******s. My tech here in Dallas had new rubber custom made for the capstan by a custom "rubbersmith" and boy is it something else! I posted some pics of the response curve on my website and it's truly amazing... I actually have two seperate he*******s for the machine so they are interchangeable which has been way too much fun as well. If anybody needs some old tape transferred just let me know and if i'm in a good mood I might even do it for free!

Best,

Julian
Metroplex Mastering
Dallas, TX
Metroplex Mastering
214-603-2726
julian@metroplexmastering.com

[ninohernes]

Cool! I just finished doing some work on my ATR-102. I think I am going to spring for the Flux Magnetics extended response heads from ATR Services. ATR's are great decks!

[metroplex]

And I bet that upgrade to Flux heads cost you quite a bit! I have used and heard some 1" ATR's and I can't yet hear or measure the difference between the 1" and the 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch. From what I can tell, each he******* has a different feel, and depending on how your EQ card is adjusted and calibrated, the end result is totally subliminal. I run my machine on a scope, and adjust it visually and by ear. I happen to be using "new-old-stock" original Ampex heads so I can't say much about the Flux heads, but I have had several people in the know tell me that the ten grand upgrade to 1" is unnecessary, mostly because the machines are very tempermental and sound just as great with good 1/2 inch tape. Strangely enough I enjoy using 1/4 inch most of the time anyway. I enjoy what it doesn't pick up as much as what it does.

Best,

Julian
Metroplex Mastering
Dallas, TX
Metroplex Mastering
julian@metroplexmastering.com

[ninohernes]

Originally Posted by metroplex

And I bet that upgrade to Flux heads cost you quite a bit! I have used and heard some 1" ATR's and I can't yet hear or measure the difference between the 1" and the 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch. From what I can tell, each he******* has a different feel, and depending on how your EQ card is adjusted and calibrated, the end result is totally subliminal. I run my machine on a scope, and adjust it visually and by ear. I happen to be using "new-old-stock" original Ampex heads so I can't say much about the Flux heads, but I have had several people in the know tell me that the ten grand upgrade to 1" is unnecessary, mostly because the machines are very tempermental and sound just as great with good 1/2 inch tape. Strangely enough I enjoy using 1/4 inch most of the time anyway. I enjoy what it doesn't pick up as much as what it does.

Best,

Julian
Metroplex Mastering
Dallas, TX
Metroplex Mastering
julian@metroplexmastering.com

I am not going 1 inch. I just run quarter inch, although I might consider getting a set of half inch heads and guides. I am currently using stock Ampex metal quarter inch heads. They sound great, but I just had them relapped and they don't have much life remaining. When I replace them, I might as well go all the way and get the Flux Magnetics extended response quarter inch heads. The price is actually quite reasonable considering what you are getting.