Ampex 600 and 601 Tube Mic Pres (API and Beyer Transformers)

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Ampex 600 and 601 Tube Mic Pres (API and Beyer Transformers)

Year: Mid-Century

Origin: USA

Cosmetic Condition: Very Good

Description:

If you're looking at these, you probably already know how amazing these vintage Ampex tape machine electronics are when converted to work as mic pres, and that's exactly what you're looking at here. Expertly modified by Vintasonic in Chicago, these units are two seriously awesome all tube vintage mic pres that have been modified to provide modern functionality such as super stable phantom power, input pads for hot signals, and vintage Beyer and API input transformers. And they're both packaged in an original Ampex suitcase that was once a reel to reel recorder!  I have used these on drums, guitars, bass, and vocals yielding glorious results. These are "turn key" so once you get them, you can plug them in and you're ready to go! Here's some technical info for all you beautiful nerds out there:-These were originally intended to be used as input sections for portable reel to reel recorders, so they're built like tanks with old school NASA level soldering and robust components.-The entire circuit is point to point, so they are very serviceable and sound great by design.-Both units have been recapped and retubed where needed and have nice low noise operating levels and big dynamic range. All vintage tubes were preserved where possible.
-Both units have had vintage mic input transformers added and the circuits modified to work well with them. One has an API input transformer that was taken from a retired 70s console, and the other has what I believe is an 80s  Beyer transformer.-Both units have a TON of gain and will actually self oscillate if pushed too hard. This is the nature of some of the mods which we decided to leave alone so we can benefit from unbridled gain. If it starts oscillating, just turn it down a little. -One of the units has a DI input and it's really fantastic on Bass. Especially if driven a little.-Both units have input and output gains, so they will function as relatively colorful but tame pres and can be easily pushed into a more iron infused/tube driven realm. This is extremely fun.So why the hell am I selling these then?! Because I have two more and I need to thin out the herd. I have too many things. Please help me help you.*NOTE: These are not a matched pair. Although they do OK as a stereo pair if you do some knob tweaking, they are voiced differently, so don't expect a true stereo image.