- Now including scans of original mixing consolette manual: https://www.dropbox.com/s/idf6vc8n4hnxhba/Optronics%201963%20Mixing%20Consolette%20Manual.pdf.
- Scans of rack setup: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qbt2e7r2lgmmies/Optronics%20Rack%20Setup.pdf.
- After much consideration, we have opted to let go of this vintage Optronics recording rig that was custom built by Graham Thirkell 50 years ago in 1963. Please PM me by August 31st 2013 if you are interested in taking ownership.
This custom 'studio' built by Graham Thirkell includes:
- 1 x Optronics 8-channel 'Mixing Consolette' with knobs, built in 1963.
Scan of original manual is here (included and signed by Graham Thirkell): https://www.dropbox.com/s/idf6vc8n4hnxhba/Optronics%201963%20Mixing%20Consolette%20Manual.pdf
From the manual:
The eight channel mixing consolette is a fully transistorized mains operated studio mixer.
All input channels, output channels, and the power supply are constructed on plug in cards for speed and ease of maintenance.
The eight input channels consist of six microphone inputs and two high level inputs.
The four output channels consist of an A and a B line output, Echo line output and Monitor line output.
All eight input channels carry A/B Selector switches on their outputs; thus allowing any inputs to be switched to the A or B output line amplifiers via master gain controls, so providing simplicity in stereo splitting.
The A and B outputs provide the stereo upper and lower track inputs for recording. CA output - upper track and left hand of stereo system; B output - lower track and right hand of stereo system; as per international studio standards.).
Two standard 311 V.U. meters are normally connected across the A and B outputs via two metering switches. These switches also allow the Echo or Monitor line outputs to be metered. - 1 x free standing steel rack (custom built) including the following:
- 2 x mono Optronics valve preamps, possibly early version of Rola 77’s (in top of rack).
- 1 x power amp built by Graham (unlabelled, under the preamps)
- 1 x Optronics speaker switching unit
- 2 x patch bays (one in rack, other unmounted)
Scans of the setup diagrams for the rack equipment are here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qbt2e7r2lgmmies/Optronics%20Rack%20Setup.pdf - 1 x Ferrograph Series-4 reel-to-reel tape machine in case (built in UK) - complete with ‘Final Test OK’ tag dated 26 Jun 1962. This was custom modified by Graham Thirkell to run at 15ips (rather than 7.5). Please note the first photo shows a different Rola tape deck (in front of the rack) which is not being sold and was not part of original setup (we need to keep this to transfer some old recordings). The tape deck included in this setup is the original Ferrograph Series-4 which the desk was built to accommodate in the left cavity.
- 1 x Wooden desk built by Graham Thirkell to accommodate the Optronics 8-channel mixer and Ferrograph tape deck to the left.
- 1 x Optronics user manual and associated diagrams that were created for this equipment (links above). The user manual includes Graham's signature on the Guarantee page (which is now 49 years out of guarantee!).
- 2 x Speakers originally supplied by Graham. One is a tall standing wooden box / tower about 1.5m high and 40cm in width, the other a more traditional speaker box. Again, no photos of the speakers as these were sitting under piles of boxes, but they’re included if you want them.
- All the cables that link everything together.
If you are interested to take ownership of this rare 50 year old equipment, please PM me your interest by the end of August including these details:
- Please confirm if you intend to keep this equipment together as a unit?
- What do you plan to do with this equipment (e.g. display piece, restore to working order, etc)?
- Are you able to pick-up or arrange pick-up from south-east Melbourne? (most pieces are quite heavy and will require a few people for transport!)
- What price do you offer for the entire lot?
At the start of September I’ll let you know if you've 'won'.
As previously mentioned, this is first about ensuring this museum-grade equipment sees a good home and is cared for. Multiple offers have already been received into the thousands, but again, it's mostly about where this equipment will end up.
Please note that the last time this equipment was powered on was likely in the early 80’s, so I cannot guarantee it is still in working order. But importantly, this equipment has spent much of its 50 years untouched sitting in a closed, cold room in the dark.
Let me know if you have any questions. I can even speak with you on the phone if you send me your number, and I’ll be revising this post throughout August as needed to keep you informed.
Cheers
Cameron
