Technical Details
Brand: Ampex
Model:ATR-800 4 track
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Studio
Electronics:Solid State
Equalization:NAB , IEC
Country of Manufacture:USA
Release dates:1975 - 1980
Original Price: $10000
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 7 1/2, 15, 30
Max Reel Size("): 10.5"
Number of heads: 3
Head Composition: Sendust
Head Configuration: Quad
# Motors: 3
Auto Reverse?:No
Voltage(s): 220-240v
Outputs: XLR, XLR Balanced, 1/4" Headphone
Sound quality rating:10 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 10/ 10
Additional Details
Description
The AMPEX ATR-800 was the almost pinnacle of design of a multitrack machine. The downside was the transport was made by TASCAM and the electronics by AMPEX. The electronics fantastic the transport needs a bit of attention by engineering staff to keep it functional. If a full restoration is undertaken a lot of the transport issues can be permanently resolved. As a studio 4 track the tape handling and operational aspects are unequaled. The autolocator will autosearch within a few notes of a track and reliably every time. Drop in edits are seamless and the machine is a well thought out piece of engineering. This machine is flawless at any of the 3 speeds available.
Additional Info
Reviews
This is a machine I fully restored, about 1100 hours all up to a better state than new. You can search ATR800 on youtube to see my restoration video's and the transfer of a Peter Frampton master tape .