Turtlerock Forum

I'm looking for a tape machine to run stuff through from my DAW, and occasionally mix down onto.
A close friend will lend me an Ampex 440-C which apparently needs new heads. It's a stereo 1/4" version.
Has anyone here got any insight on this machine?
I've read some conficting opinions on these machines as I decide weather to start tracking down some new/reconditioned heads for it.
Also, do any of you analogue buffs know a good place to start looking for parts for a machine like this.

Cheers

Aaron.

Hi there,

I have a 440b being serviced at the moment.

For great info join the Ampex list at

http://recordist.com/ampex/

A few years ago we restored one of our stock standard 440b's for this purpose (1/4" 2-track with, from memory, 520nW/m ref and used with Telcom C4 NR). Daniel here may have 440 parts. Email me if you like & I'll pass it on.
Much of the colouration comes from the transformer outs. Have barely needed it though since restoration of the ("hugely heavy, let's never shift it again") Studer C37 valve 2 track!

Thanks for the link NYMo, I'll trawl through that later.

Adam - The only parts that I know I'll need at the moment are the heads.

I'll be going around next week some time to check it out.
Anything in particular I should look out for?