FS: 2x Vintage Audimax 4440 mono comp/limiters

[mylesgm]

Ok here are 2 Audimax 4440 comp/limiters. These were originally designed for broadcast compression and feature balanced transformer i/o, input control, output control, preset attack and a switchable realease time. Originally the release was an internally set and forget switch, and the i/o controls were on trim pots. I have moved these to the front panel so they can be easily accessed.

These are funky sounding compressors with character. You set the threshold by the amount of input gain just like on 1176's and these are great for leveling out bass, crunching snare, smacking room mics, and thickening up heavy gtrs. Can also be fun as sidechain comps. Supposedly they were competitors of 1176's but these are not as flexible though they are still alot of fun.

These particular units are slightly different as one is badged CBS labs and the other Thompson labs. They are exactly the same circuit internally, the boards have the same part numbers and the transformers and other obvious parts are also exactly the same. I think one is a year or so older and the company changed hands in between.

I'm hoping for 300 each or if you buy both I'll throw in the postage.

I have a pdf of the manual too.

From the manual:
"The audimax is totally different in concept from ordinary compressors, limiters, or AGC devices. Two features which are unique to the audimax are: the gain platform and the gated gain stabilizer.
The exclusive gain platform principle permits gain the remain on a stable plateau over a wide range of input levels rather than continuously being allowed to rise and fall with consequent distortion, thumping and pumping, and audio "holes". The unique gated gain stabilizer bridges program lapses and thus eliminates "swish-up" of background noise. A special return-to-zero funstion returns gain to normal standby operations.
Both the gain platform and gated gain stabilizer use logic techniques to make processing decisions based on the incoming signal. Thus the audimax is not just another AGC amplifier, but a sophisticated processing device that eliminates the drawbacks of conventional units."

And that goes to show that the 70's were no different than now with amazing sales rep that leaves you wondering how on earth did they ever come up with something so cool and how you would be so lucky to own it. blah.

[mylesgm]

[TimS]

were they the ones at Mixmasters a while back??

[mylesgm]

Hi Tim,

Nope, I purchased them from Richard North in sydney and modified them myself. The ones at MixMasters had been modified by Rob.

Myles

[TimS]

Hi Tim,

Nope, I purchased them from Richard North in sydney and modified them myself. The ones at MixMasters had been modified by Rob.

Myles

Cool - thanks Myles

[rob]

coincidently I have two of these on the bench right now getting some love and mods

I reckon this units are pretty cool and what they do is very different to a studio compressor or limiter. They both increase and decrease gain around a threshold point (which can be manipulated with the input level control ).

[Chris H]

coincidently I have two of these on the bench right now getting some love and mods

I reckon this units are pretty cool and what they do is very different to a studio compressor or limiter. They both increase and decrease gain around a threshold point (which can be manipulated with the input level control ).

Mine were modded by the previous owner, Ray Emery, who sadly passed away a few years ago. I was told he changed a few resistors,lowering the level of upward expansion so the resultant dynamic range would be be wider. They are great for getting a track to sit in the mix, definitley more handy in "loud band department" on bass kick or snare but also good for things like when brushes come and go in a mix.

[mylesgm]

Thanks for the bumps guys. Can be difficult to sell stuff that only a few people are familiar with.

1 sold, 1 left. Any takers?

M

[Chris H]

Thanks for the bumps guys. Can be difficult to sell stuff that only a few people are familiar with.

1 sold, 1 left. Any takers?

M

He who bought one should have got them both............
.......... buy gear always in pairs when possible.

[The Tasmanian]

I'll get the other CBS if its still available

[mylesgm]

both sold, pending payment.

Cheers to all pm's...

[The Tasmanian]

Chris - I'll now have 3 - a hat trick I suppose.....

[Chris H]

Chris - I'll now have 3 - a hat trick I suppose.....

Three of something... Now that's novel. I seem to manage a pair or go the whole hog with a dozen:)

[chribble]

haven't got too much use from this unit and looking to pick up an SM7

it works well as a leveller but can't afford to keep it right now

Will trade for an SM7 or i'll take 300 for it

[chribble]

and sold already