Turtlerock Forum

Just recently opened up my mixing desks master section for the first time. I was adding lineouts to all the channels (thanks Rob) and unearthed 4 large output transformers. They are Harbuch AT 204's and i'm a bit puzzled as to whether they are original or a mod. The desk is a Soundtracs and i'm assuminng that they are for the 4 buss outputs. I have the scematics but im no good at reading them. Anyone had any experience with Harbuch transformers, any good?

DrAlienSmith wrote:Just recently opened up my mixing desks master section for the first time. I was adding lineouts to all the channels, thanks Rob, and unearthed 4 large output transformers. They are Harbuch AT 204's and i'm a bit puzzled as to whether they are original or a mod. The desk is a Soundtracs and i'm assuminng that they are for the 4 buss outputs. I have the scematics but im no good at reading them. Anyone had any experience with Harbuch transformers, any good?

I have some Harbuchs transformers in some of my custom guitar gear - power supplies, etc..
Custom wound jobbies - they work fine and I've never had an issue..

If you send Peter ( sales@harbuch.com.au ) an email, telling him the AT code, he can send you some specs of the transformers.

I have had custom transformers wound from them, no problems.

Excellent, thanks guys. I'll get in touch with Peter for sure. From his website these are Line drive 1:1 +24dBu 600W:600W output transformers. Their size amazes me a bit, I get the feeling that these are not stock, added in as a mod. Anyone think a midrange Soundtracs console from the UK in the early 90's would have output transformers like these?

Al

Just heard back from Peter at Harbuch, he thinks these are a mod to the desk. Now I just got to work out if these Harbuchs replaced any stock transformers or if this desk was originally transformerless.

If you were modding an midrange desk from the mid 90's, would you be adding these transformers just for balancing the groups outs, or for adding some sort of sonic flavor?

being output transformers made in sydney and desk in the uk
i would figure they didnt come with the desk

i doubt anybody did a "flavour" mod in the 90s
they probably had issues feeding a set of old dbx limiters or the like and the desks unbalanced outs or puesdo balanced were crapping out under a load of somekind from some older pro gear

i would view them as a bonus and be happy to have them .

ditto to Rick's post, they would have been added, these consoles didn't have output transformers.

btw, how did that direct out mod work? Get you into the ballpark?

rob wrote:ditto to Rick's post, they would have been added, these consoles didn't have output transformers.

btw, how did that direct out mod work? Get you into the ballpark?

Yeah, I'll take it as a bonus for sure, thanks for the replies. I've been ignoring these outputs so far, I will have to try incorporating them into my set up more.

Rob, that mod definately did the trick, much better level. Finished all the channels tuesday, tracking with it friday so i'm looking forward to giving it a full test/workout.

crikey...you're up early!

rob wrote:crikey...you're up early!

Yeah, a combination of a 2 year old and 4 year old, both early risers!

ahh, let me tell you as someone who had young children over 20 years ago, and despite the fact that they have all grown up and moved out......you will NEVER sleep in again....the die is cast.

rob wrote:ahh, let me tell you as someone who had young children over 20 years ago, and despite the fact that they have all grown up and moved out......you will NEVER sleep in again....the die is cast.

Haha, i believe you mate, it already seems normal! I let my wife sleep in though, she is not and will never be a morning person. I've taken it for the team so to speak.