Happy fall to all! It’s been an interesting year to say the least. I haven’t updated the site much because life took a turn this summer. I injured one of my biceps lifting a piece of furniture, and underwent surgery to repair it. There was a mistake made during the surgery that paralyzed one of my hands. I’ve seen several surgeons, doctors, and physical therapists. My schedule has been loaded with weekly appointments. The outcome is uncertain at this point as to how permanent the damage will be, but in the meantime I’ve been re-teaching myself new ways to do old things. Most importantly, my goal is to stay productive and creative, but it sometimes takes twice as long to accomplish the even most simple tasks. It definitely has not stopped Elektrophonik though, and we have some amazing new things to share!
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New Product – The Magnetophon
I’m extremely excited to officially announce a product that has been in R&D for the last 1.5 years. I present, The Elektrophonik Magnetophon tape machine simulator! Before you roll your eyes and suggest, “There are so many other units like this, so why do we need another one?”, or “Eh, I’ll just grab a plugin.”.
And I think you know the answer just as well as I do. It’s what pushed me through this project. The fact is nothing out there quite hits the mark, and I’ve also found some of the most popular software and hardware units don’t even scratch the surface of what really happens in a real tape machine. Everything seems to lack that intangible quality and charm that you get from real tape. So I say yes, we need another one, and we need a better one.
I’ll be writing a blog post in the coming weeks going over the several technical aspects of this project. A few key elements and highlights is that the Magnetophon isn’t just one machine, but 4 user-selectable machines. These machines aren’t “based-on” any existing designs, which guarantees you’ll have a completely original piece of equipment that doesn’t try to be something it’s not. And also allows you to make it sound like what YOU want, or even sound just like another machine if you choose. The controls are all there for you to design your dream tape sound!
These circuits were built from scratch according to NAB, CCIR and AES specifications, and are calibrated just like a real machine, but it also includes some highly advanced circuitry with one-of-a-kind circuit topologies that let me pull off quite a few tricks in making a truly beautiful tape model.
Instead of trying to copy the sound of another machine, I started from the ground up, went through months of studying vintage schematics and service manuals, and all of the vintage technical white papers from the 50’s through the 80’s that I could get my hands, in regards to tape machine design. Throughout my career, I’ve also spent countless hours of listening time and hands on servicing on actual reel-to-reel machines, so I’m quite familiar with the territory.
I could go on forever about it, and I just might, in the next blog post! But for now some key takeaways are:
– Digitally controlled, 100% analog signal path
– 4 machine selections, 3 speeds, 3 industry standard specifications
– 4 tape formulas, which include the ability to take the tape out all together and just get the sound of the machine. (A popular trick that Butch Vig uses)
– Post-machine Baxandall shelving EQ to create the ultimate high or low end response
– True magnetic coupling, and hysteresis extraction (not pictured in prototype)
– True bias oscillator and bias trap (not pictured in prototype)
– Extremely accurate head bump circuit, that you can dynamically adjust and align. Allowing you to dial in either no head bump, or any head bump shape that you can make, and every setting in between. Shown below are real-time analyzer curves as it’s being adjusted. (not pictured in prototype)
– True post-tape THD meters which show the magical 1% and 3% distortion levels. (Shows distortion rating at greatest pre-emphasized frequency)
– Ability to save your favorite preset and retains its setting after power on.
Pre-orders start Jan 1st for the first quarter of 2025. Join the new mailing list and be sure not to miss out! There are a few controls not pictured in this prototype model above, which I’ve listed, but will be included in the final production model.
Vintility Rack & EVE mk2
Currently on the bench, and close to completion is the rack mounted version of the Vintility 2-channel valve preamplifier. I’ve redesigned parts of the circuit which just enhanced the usability in the studio, and greatly enhanced the amount of flavor you can pull from it. I’ve added a slew of new features, like a 6-way HPF, variable input impedance, much more gain control, an output trim, 2 bands of shelving, selectable mic, DI, and Line inputs, a 3-way switch allowing you to change the preamp voicing, and an ultra sexy faceplate you’d come to expect from our gear. The Vintility is just at the beginning of the tooling and manufacturing stage, and will be complete in December. I’ll be sure to post all about it.
After that, I have a majority of the EVE mk2 design complete and it’s almost already on deck for tooling. I have loads of updates for that piece as well which are long overdue. I’ve expanded and retuned the low frequency selections to be more flexible and usable. I’ve revised the “Air” band frequency, I’ve increased the range of the “Q” adjustment to allow for even broader bandwidths in the treble. I’ve retuned and added 3 additional high cut bands, front panel line level adjustments, upgraded the power supply, and redesigned “THD mode”. It’s hard for me to estimate the exact time frame of release for that, but it should be soon, within the next few months.
Thank you for all of your emails, I enjoy hearing from you. Cheers to you and yours this season.