Ampex AM-10 mixer mods

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Rodgre
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Ampex AM-10 mixer mods

Post by Rodgre » Mon May 10, 2021 10:16 am

I have had a Ampex AM-10 mic mixer for 20+ years and while I have used it as a 2-channel mic pre in the past, using each of the stereo outputs, I would like to wire it up more permanently to use as individual mic preamps.

Schematic of the preamp here: http://www.davegroupjapan.com/am10-2.gif

If I tap off pin 8 on the card connector, should I need to go to an output transformer and then to an XLR? Is it as simple as that?

If so, what would you recommend for a transformer?

Thank you!

Roger
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digitaldrummer
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Re: Ampex AM-10 mixer mods

Post by digitaldrummer » Mon May 10, 2021 12:06 pm

looks like that would work, but it would be an unbalanced output. you could use an output transformer (the Edcor's are pretty inexpensive and they have a 600:600) or if you want to go big, then you could get a Jensen or Cinemag, etc....
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Re: Ampex AM-10 mixer mods

Post by digitaldrummer » Mon May 10, 2021 12:10 pm

Mike
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Re: Ampex AM-10 mixer mods

Post by Rodgre » Mon May 10, 2021 12:34 pm

That looks perfect! Thank you for the link!!

Roger

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Re: Ampex AM-10 mixer mods

Post by digitaldrummer » Tue May 11, 2021 6:03 am

otherwise, the JT-11 or the JT-123 series -- https://www.jensen-transformers.com/tra ... ne-output/

many options depending on how you want to mount it, how quickly you want it to saturate, the sound..., etc. I've used the JT-123-DMCF before. note there is also the JT-123-DBX (for the DBX 160 series...)
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Re: Ampex AM-10 mixer mods

Post by digitaldrummer » Tue May 11, 2021 6:08 am

also, just looked back and I see these are the Edcor's I used -- https://www.edcorusa.com/tpc600600

one nice thing is they have mini screw terminals on a PCB so very easy to wire up - price is still very reasonable and lead time is 3 weeks vs the 10-12 I saw for the others...
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Re: Ampex AM-10 mixer mods

Post by Rodgre » Tue May 11, 2021 6:20 am

digitaldrummer wrote:
Tue May 11, 2021 6:03 am
note there is also the JT-123-DBX (for the DBX 160 series...)
Which brings up a totally unrelated question. I have a pair of DBX 161s that I use unbalanced. Is it going to make a huge sonic difference if I put transformers in it and balance it? This should be another thread....

Roger

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