Studer A80/R tape path alignment after bearing replacement
Vložit
- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- My Studer A80/R was making some high-pitched noise when winding. This is the result of worn bearings. That is not surprising because they are over 30-40 years old. So I replaced the bearings. That was an adventure in itself.
After that, the tape path had to be re-calibrated again. In this video I will show you how I did most of the steps, but NOT ALL.
I will follow the Studer manual that I got, but I will keep an eye on my laptop that has the revised PDF with a new version from 1976; newer than my printed copy.
After the adjustments, the Studer is functioning smooth and fluently again in all the tape functions.
I apologize for the noisy camera-mic.
Watch the complete video for a surprise @ 23:00 and bonus material at the very end.
Thank you for watching!
V for Victory van Audionautix is gelicentieerd onder een Creative Commons Attribution-licentie (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artiest: audionautix.com/ - Věda a technologie
Studio reel to reels and cats. Nothing is missing for a good video :D
Got myself an A80R so great to find these videos to help me on my journey. I noticed the braking at 5.50 in the video is actually correct at 200 p since you are using a 100mm diameter spool. The asterisk near the 180 text is telling you 200 is the correct measure below the table so all fine there.
Okay okay, THIS maybe isn't the best idea for a home recording studio, since after all you'd need to become your apprentice for twelve years before being worthy of popping its hood! But seriously, a Studer is a WISE WISE purchase! Granted you'd need to be aware of the dedication to understanding this piece of beautiful machine. So, even IF I win the lottery, I'll probably just stick to my Tascam Porta 7. I would love to find a job as an apprentice to a Studer repair guy, or even to printing press, bindery, or clock and watch repairs! It's gonna take that type of commitment and dedication if humanity is to have any hope in it's future. Those who understand this stuff won't live forever and that means someone's gotta step up and re-learn what our predecessors have learned already, or at least if any things gonna work again! THANKS FOR SHARING THIS! Really a great taste of what it takes to keep a top of the line reel to reel maintained and properly serviced! GREAT STUFF!
Bravo! It is great!
Hi Philip.
I got my hands on a Studer A80-R Master Recorder (no VU-Bridge) this early summer, which I'm going through from a-z now, both electronically and mechanically.
So it's good to see your work.
Your video is very instructive and inspiring. Mostly I have done electronics, changed the Frako caps and cleaned the machine. I also did some electronics adjustments to the machine - but not to audio yet. I have measured the wow-flutter and it is within specs at 15" but not at 7½".
So I need to go through the mechanics and then go back to the electronics (it says so in the manuals). And for that, your video is just what I need.
I have a zero-locator button on mine, which doesn't work. And I have found a guy on a vintage hifi site, who helps me with that.
Being the guy with the Studer - is actually a real treat. You're suddenly SOOOO popular.
:)
I have added you to my subscriptions. Hope to hear more about the Studer.
I have a number of videos - but all in danish language and not posted here (yet). Maybe I should do a series in english?
Hi Gunnar,
I'm glad that you find my video inspiring!
The W/F on my A80 is also worse on 7 1/2.
Maybe if you don't want to reshoot the videos, you can make english subtitles?
That might be an idea. Or voice over. :) _ recorded on the A80. :)
I just went through the brakes and made small adjustments. That's how inpiring it was.
Can you help regarding distance between capstan and pinch-roller.
The distance measures 1" exactly on mine - NOT counting the rubber.
And the position (angle of the 'arm') of the pinch roller in 'off' position is apparently correct (as suggested by drawings in the manual) - but there's 5mm rubber, so that way it does not measure correctly.
IF i break the lacquer sealing on the adjustment rod, and align it differently, I fear that it will get all out of whack.
Mine was also off but there was no laquer so I just adjusted it. What matters more in the end, is the pinch roller pressure, and the tape tension.
Hi, can i test the spooling bearings without disassembling? Maybe i can unbend the breaks manual?
A lot of work! But analog is worth it, it's worth it to give your music "soul"! Digital is easier, but "soulless"! In my opinion! Wonderful machine you have!
True!
Hi philip
I am George and some time ago I gave you some informations about the tension roller bearings, remember? I noticed in this video that you adjust the tape tension with the tentelometer to 100grs. In my Service manual they say 50grs with tentelometer and 100grs with spring scale. Ok my machine is a A80RC but possible so big difference??
might whant to put the tape guide back that's missing after play head.like studer built it that way