Altec / Peerless line transformers ???

[FlowersForHuman]

Hi, I have been looking at some old altec preamps, partictularly the 1589b mixer types, and am a bit confused as to how they are used in combination with their transformers. I noticed that many of these old units have open 8-pin "plug and play(??)" slots for transformers, and that the 1589b's tend to use the Red, Peerless 15095a types. I have also noticed other altec models have green tranformers labeld "microphone transformer" or something like that.

If one of these 1589b units has one red transformer and an empty slot next to it, wouldnt that mean that only one of the preamps was usable? And would that mean that it is set us as a line mixer and not a mic preamp?

And, can anyone explain a little more history or background on how/whether or not these different transformers can be swapped for use in other applications like as line level mixers vs mic pre's, etc?

much appreciated

[I'm Painting Again]

I think your pretty much right..

they are octal "plug and play" as you say transformers..the red is line and the green is mic, i.e., you don't have a green your not amping up a mic level signal..

I think for every mic pre channel you need one green for the input and one red for the output..I think it's that way on my 1566a at least..

[FlowersForHuman]

I have to wonder now after a bit more research if I need one of the 1588 series PREAMPS rather than just the 4722 transformer. I can't find any info anywhere on whether or not the green 4722 transformers and 1588s are interchangable. Sheesh.

[leigh]

I have to wonder now after a bit more research if I need one of the 1588 series PREAMPS rather than just the 4722 transformer. I can't find any info anywhere on whether or not the green 4722 transformers and 1588s are interchangable. Sheesh.

Check this thread over at The Lab:

http://www.prodigy-pro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3345

[Feedback]

I was just going to tell you to head over to the Prodigy site but I see someone beat me to it. And, they turned you onto my thread...I am "crash" over there and on most forums, someone beat me to my usual handle here. I had all the same questions you did. If you decide to get the green 4722 can, don't pay more than $40.00 or so for it. I have seen them go for stupid money on E-bay but as you can see, they can be had for much less.

[FlowersForHuman]

So i finally found a downloadable manual and figured out whats going on. I kinda already knew this stuff but it was worth the piece of mind to get the manual. Thanks for the help guys.

I went ahead and posted it online b/c $20 was a bit steep

http://www.exemplaryrecords.com/altec1589bmanual.pdf

[rhythm ranch]

So i finally found a downloadable manual and figured out whats going on. I kinda already knew this stuff but it was worth the piece of mind to get the manual. Thanks for the help guys.

I went ahead and posted it online b/c $20 was a bit steep

http://www.exemplaryrecords.com/altec1589bmanual.pdf

Thanks for posting that, but always ask here before you buy a manual. Somebody will often have what you need. In this case I have a copy I could have sent you for nothing.

[FlowersForHuman]

Yeah I figured as much, but I got impatient. Thanks for the offer though, I appreciate it!