Hughes SRS ak-100 question

[jarbar]

Hey all.

I just got a Hughes SRS ak-100 in the mail (ebay), and am testing it out. I put a stereo reverb through it (I'm mixing ITB, but often output to hardware and reenter the computer).
Seems to me that the unprocessed track is actually wider. I've got the Center channel off, and Space and Level at full. The button with the SRS symbol is on, but nothing else (other than power of course).
Even with the Center all the way down, I see the center meter moving, but not as much as when I turn the Center knob up.

Is this normal? did I get a bum machine? It seems to work fine, but I was expecting a bit more widening than this. In fact, it seems less wide through the Hughes.

Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

[jarbar]

Just thought of this....

IS the Hughes SRS better for stereoizing mono signals than it is at widening stereo signals?

Thanks. I just want to know if this is working the way it should or not.

[Gav G]

Hi Jarbar,

I know this question is from long ago but, for what it's worth....... I have a Hughes AK-100 and I frikkin' love it.

The most common ways I use it is:

- On a group send while mixing (like an aux effect)

Or..

- In parallel with the entire mix, feeding a little bit of the process underneath the mix.

It's also great to stick after other effects like doublers or delays.. but I find it's usually best in parallel.

I run mine with a balancing box so that it operates at +4, otherwise I find I have to trim the input way down and then the OP is too low.

I find that rather than making stuff wide (which it sort of does do anywy), for me the process has the effect of bringing things "forward" and out of the speakers. Like creating relief between sounds - to use a visual analogy. It's also quite source dependant... sometime when using it on the full mix, it's can seem a bit random as to what it throws out so mixing "into" it is a good idea rather than slapping it on at the end if you don't want your balance to change.

It's quite likely that by now you have found your way with it anyway... but in case this might be of any help..

[Silver Sonya]

Such an obvious thing to for someone to model in plug-in form. Wonder why nobody has yet!

- c

[Empire Prod]

Originally Posted by jarbar

Is this normal? did I get a bum machine? It seems to work fine, but I was expecting a bit more widening than this. In fact, it seems less wide through the Hughes.

You either have it hooked up wrong, have a setting wrong, or it is broken. The Hughes is my secret weapon. I have 3. It makes things wide beyond belief. Like the previous poster I use them on auxes, returns, in the mix on busses, etc. There is no plug that widens in the same way that the Hughes does. If worse comes to worse you can buy one of mine. I do not need 3. When you get it going you'll love it.

[Gav G]

Hey Empire,

I know this thread is getting a bit long in the tooth but I only just happened across your post.

How much would you be willing to let go of a Hughes for? As mentioned above, I have one but could really do with a back up. Also, Hughesing the Hughes can be a neat effect too. Gotto be careful with that trick tho as it can quickly make one feel a little sea sick. A little can go a long way.

Let me know as 3 seems a bit excessive!!

Cheers,
Gavin

[Empire Prod]

Originally Posted by Gav G

Hey Empire,

I know this thread is getting a bit long in the tooth but I only just happened across your post.

How much would you be willing to let go of a Hughes for? As mentioned above, I have one but could really do with a back up. Also, Hughesing the Hughes can be a neat effect too. Gotto be careful with that trick tho as it can quickly make one feel a little sea sick. A little can go a long way.

Let me know as 3 seems a bit excessive!!

Cheers,
Gavin

Sorry man, I am down to just 1 now. Can't let it go.

[Picketl]

Does anybody know if the RCA inputs and outputs of the the Hughes AK100 are balanced or unbalanced? Thanks!

Anybody have a PDF manual?

[MicDaddy]

Originally Posted by Picketl

Does anybody know if the RCA inputs and outputs of the the Hughes AK100 are balanced or unbalanced? Thanks!

Anybody have a PDF manual?

I believe they are unbalanced line, RCA Left Tip to pin 2, RCA Right Tip to pin 3, tie shields/sleeve/what-ever-you-call-it-on-an-RCA from both Right and Left to XLR Pin 1.

Right now I have RCA--->XLR on each of the In/Out Left/Right for a total of 2 in Left/Right 2 out Left/Right, but I'm going to change some wiring and configure how I laid out above.

If you find a manual email it over please... ben@micdaddy.com

I've found it a fun unit to play with.

[MicDaddy]

FredC over at AudioKarma was kind enough to provide me with the manual.

Here it is...17.6MB PDF

AK100.pdf

I've also found some articles regarding the AK100 if anyone is interested.

[Flyingeyepro]

I'm very interested. I recently picked one up myself. I like the process, but would like it to sound a little more open. I rack mounted mine on a tray and added 2 pair of transformers and XLR I/O. I found reference to an article in AVA magazine about some guy modifying an AK-100. But I can't find any other info other than it existed. I'll provide a link to the page I found.

avahifi - Complete reviews of Audio by Van Alstine equipment

I would also like to come across a schematic. Any luck?

Thanx
Chris

[MicDaddy]

Hey Flyingeyepro

Stero enhancement and directivity servo - Hughes Aircraft Company
Stereo enhancement system - Hughes Aircraft Company
Stereo synthesizer - Hughes Aircraft Company

There's the Arnold Klayman patents I could find relative.

I'm curious what iron you used and if you care to share a diagram.

I haven't opened mine, does the discrete circuitry look like it can use upgrading?

[Flyingeyepro]

Thanx for the links. I had a few Tamura GA80990 600:600 transformers left over from a butchered Yamaha PM2000. They are very similar to the Jensen JT-11. I'll draw up a diagram and attach tonite.

There is a single PCB that contains the power supply and the processing. Among the myriad of DIP ICs, I found 15-LF347 quad opamps, some switching/mux ICs and a few others with no cross reference at all. The opamps and the power supply are the ones I will concentrate on. The power supply will need new caps, diodes and regulators. These are easy and inexpensive. The opamps are a different story. Analog Devices makes a quad opamp, the AD713, that is advertised as an upgrade for the LF347. But they are hard to find and $12ea. I don't think all 15 opamps will need to be upgraded, but I will need a schematic to know for sure. I've seen reference to upgrading them with either the MC33079P or the LME49740. I don't like the the specs on either, but specs aren't everything.

Thanx
Chris

[Flyingeyepro]

nice article

Popular Science - Google Books

[Tom@Metro]

Ha, I just happened across this thread. I have two of these and wasn't aware that anyone still used them. I thought I was the only one.

[cbrock]

Have one of these that I no longer use. Would let it go to a fellow slut for cheap.. Tchad Blake approved!