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musical instrument details
Vortexion MR/12/30-12 Channel Valve/Transformer Mic Preamp/Mixer-Vintage-BBC
Estimated price for orientation: 2 300 $
Category: Preamps and Channel Strips
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition
Vortexion MR/12/30 12 Channel Valve microphone Preamp.I don't know where to start in selling this absolute beauty but it just hasn't been getting the use it truly deserves these past years and I can't justify holding onto it, though it's going to be very hard for me to part with!It is an extremely rare Vortexion mic-amp mixer, most likely from the mid/late sixties built naturally in Wimbledon in the UK. It has been expertly and extensively modified and customised by audio electronics expert Matt Syson (who used to work for Vortexion/Calrec/Amek) here is a rundown of its features:12 x Channels of 60dB valve (currently EF86EH) and transformer (vintage BBC) based microphone preamps4 position gain pad switch on top row of chassis - 15 dB intervals giving 0, 15, 30 and 45 dBCustom built 1U output strip, Dsub connectors with variable output level potsDsub Direct-outs for all channels including the two summing buses2 x Valve mono summing busses to mix channels via the large 3-way toggle switches (up=bus A, centre=mute mix, down=bus B) on the front panel, the beautiful large knobs control the level to each bus2 x 1/4"unbalanced inputs on the front 1&2 channels, these make fantastic D.I inputsPhantom Power switches on back panel4U chassisCustom built power supplyThe whole unit is in good cosmetic condition for its ages, it's housing has surface marks and slightly bent ears but nothing that isn't sorted when installed in a rack.The sound of the channels is wonderful, a hard to describe the warm 3D detailed tube & transformer sound with big low end and rounded top end. The unit is very usably quiet for such an old item but might struggle to record the quieter volume/classical style sources. The beast is really a rock 'n' roll machine and absolutely shines typically on guitars/bass/drums and can handle most vocals brilliantly. The 1/4" D.I inputs rank as genuinely the best bass preamp I've ever used!Currently I am using Electro-Harmonix EF86 valves, but I am sure there is fun to be had in trying out other EF86 types - the transformers are all ex-BBC spec vintageThe mix buses come in very handy for doing a separate drum/guitar mix, and can be really pushed into subtle or intense saturation.Just look inside this thing! It really is virtually an all-in-one recording studio for someone recording any type of band, which I have done a couple of times with amazing results, but it deserves to be doing so more often than me only using single channels at a time which seems to be all I muster now!Please ask if you have any more questions! Sorry but no returns.The item is currently on sale elsewhere (Reverb go buy it there for lower fees!).Postage to UK/EU only - set to include packaging/insurance/tracking for such a delicate piece - if in the U.K I'd recommend picking up personally if possible.
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition |
Vortexion MR/12/30 12 Channel Valve microphone Preamp.I don't know where to start in selling this absolute beauty but it just hasn't been getting the use it truly deserves these past years and I can't justify holding onto it, though it's going to be very hard for me to part with!It is an extremely rare Vortexion mic-amp mixer, most likely from the mid/late sixties built naturally in Wimbledon in the UK. It has been expertly and extensively modified and customised by audio electronics expert Matt Syson (who used to work for Vortexion/Calrec/Amek) here is a rundown of its features:
12 x Channels of 60dB valve (currently EF86EH) and transformer (vintage BBC) based microphone preamps4 position gain pad switch on top row of chassis - 15 dB intervals giving 0, 15, 30 and 45 dBCustom built 1U output strip, Dsub connectors with variable output level potsDsub Direct-outs for all channels including the two summing buses2 x Valve mono summing busses to mix channels via the large 3-way toggle switches (up=bus A, centre=mute mix, down=bus B) on the front panel, the beautiful large knobs control the level to each bus2 x 1/4"unbalanced inputs on the front 1&2 channels, these make fantastic D.I inputsPhantom Power switches on back panel4U chassisCustom built power supply
The whole unit is in good cosmetic condition for its ages, it's housing has surface marks and slightly bent ears but nothing that isn't sorted when installed in a rack.The sound of the channels is wonderful, a hard to describe the warm 3D detailed tube & transformer sound with big low end and rounded top end. The unit is very usably quiet for such an old item but might struggle to record the quieter volume/classical style sources. The beast is really a rock 'n' roll machine and absolutely shines typically on guitars/bass/drums and can handle most vocals brilliantly. The 1/4" D.I inputs rank as genuinely the best bass preamp I've ever used!Currently I am using Electro-Harmonix EF86 valves, but I am sure there is fun to be had in trying out other EF86 types - the transformers are all ex-BBC spec vintage
The mix buses come in very handy for doing a separate drum/guitar mix, and can be really pushed into subtle or intense saturation.
Just look inside this thing! It really is virtually an all-in-one recording studio for someone recording any type of band, which I have done a couple of times with amazing results, but it deserves to be doing so more often than me only using single channels at a time which seems to be all I muster now!Please ask if you have any more questions! Sorry but no returns.The item is currently on sale elsewhere (Reverb go buy it there for lower fees!).Postage to UK/EU only - set to include packaging/insurance/tracking for such a delicate piece - if in the U.K I'd recommend picking up personally if possible.