Pro Audio Asylum

Posted by grhughes (M) on October 05, 2004 at 13:09:22

In Reply to: Ampex 300-4 question? posted by theron d on October 05, 2004 at 10:38:54:

The value will be determined by how much it is modified or lack thereof and the condition of the heads. Heads for this thing are not cheap! The 4 tracks had less signal to noise than the 3. The 3 track 1/2" was pretty much standard. About the only thing you need to do is replace the motorstarting caps and electrolytic caps, re-tubed and keep it oiled (capstan). Some people remove the power transformers from the electronics and locate them on a remote chassis for less hum. Some have also bypassed the first (first half of a 12ax7) gain stage of the record amp if using the line amp input only. Compared to digital recorders of today it's relative noisy. Always make sure the capstan motor is pulled away (parked)from the capstan flywheel when not in use or it will wear a spot in the rubber tire. Getting these rubber tires resurfaced is getting more difficult with each passing year. Good luck! Ray Hughes