Digital Delay for VMS70 - Gauging Interest

[adamgonsa]

Hi Everyone,

If you use a VMS70 and would like a digital delay made with cutting in mind please let me know. Another batch of the Shea Ako delays could be made but only if there is enough demand. The delay is a simple 1U box with a 33/45 selection switch on the front panel. It splits an incoming AES signal so you can send a straight signal to preview and a delayed signal to mod. There's no internal conversion and it works up to 96k. Using a delay allows you to work through an analog chain without needing 4 channel gear. The delay is currently used by Chicago Mastering Service and Bonati Mastering,

I think the price would be around $2200.

If you're interested please reply in the thread or PM me.

[dietrich10]

If he does make more it should really do 192

[adamgonsa]

If he does make more it should really do 192

I think these are as-is rebuilds from the original boards so 96k would be the max sample rate. I'll double check that though.

[Greg Reierson]

96k is already overkill. Since you use your own converters you can find the most transparent set at 96k. I don't think anyone will ever be able to hear the difference between a 96k and 192k digital pass on playback.

[dietrich10]

I never do cut above 96 but was thinking long term.

[audiocarver]

If anything to make your list of interested parties bigger, put me down for one too.

[jjgolden]

The Ako delay I have goes up to 192k.
Bought in 2011-ish

JJG

[adamgonsa]

The Ako delay I have goes up to 192k.
Bought in 2011-ish

JJG

OK, if the existing boards do 192k then that's what we'd be getting. Thanks for clarifying JJ.

[concretecowboy71]

Why not just set the delay up in your DAW? It takes almost no time and eliminates a piece of gear. I have clients who demand 192k on a regular basis. Whether you hear the difference or not, I am not going to tell them no. Also, this set was cut at 192k and it sounds pretty amazing.

https://www.discogs.com/Miles-Davis-The-Prestige-10-Inch-LP-Collection-Volume-One/release/6354729

[gold]

Why not just set the delay up in your DAW?

Because they want to be able to cut live through their two channel analog chain.

[jjgolden]

Adam,
Have you talked to Shae?
How many orders does he need to make it happen?

JJG

[Stevie342000]

What are the delay times for all cutting speeds i.e. 16 2/3, 33 1/3, 22.5, 39, 45 and 78 rpm I have included the half speeds for all 3 standard speeds I am curious as to what the delay times would be if you were using analogue or digital techniques.

I assume the time will remain constant in either domain? Plus you would need to move the turnover/crossover point of the Inverse RIAA equalisation for half speed cutting.

[concretecowboy71]

How does the box accomplish the delay if it is not converting the signal to digital?

Just curious.

[jjgolden]

It's designed to work from an AES input. (no analog inputs)
The unit has 1 AES input and 2 AES outputs.
O/P 1 is straight and O/P 2 is delayed for either 33.3 or 45 via a switch.
You take the AES outputs and feed them to your D/A converter(s) of choice, which feeds program and preview.

Yes, if you are doing all processing in the box, it's not needed.
For those playing audio from the DAW & using outboard digital or analog gear for processing it's really great.
Yes, if you are processing analog, then you need to get back to digital first before the AKO delay.


JJG

[mischmerz]

This may sound really, really well ... crazy .. but why would one convert an analog signal to digital only to cut it back onto an analog medium? If it comes out of a DAW - well, that's one thing. But if it comes from tape - well, it's just not analog anymore once you feed it through a digital delay. Might as well burn it on an SACD .

Just my two cents.

Michaela

[Stevie342000]

This may sound really, really well ... crazy .. but why would one convert an analog signal to digital only to cut it back onto an analog medium? If it comes out of a DAW - well, that's one thing. But if it comes from tape - well, it's just not analog anymore once you feed it through a digital delay. Might as well burn it on an SACD .

Just my two cents.

Michaela

if that is a reference to what I asked i only wished to know what the delay times were that are required for each speed.

[audiocarver]

I don't know, this is starting to seem like a nice item to have that may not become reality again. Like trying to find a new preview tape deck with 1/4" or 1/2" interchangeable head stacks.

As interested as I am in this, since I'm still cutting from an analog console and working OTB, I'm afraid most people are cutting from DAW now instead.

[concretecowboy71]

I don't know, this is starting to seem like a nice item to have that may not become reality again. Like trying to find a new preview tape deck with 1/4" or 1/2" interchangeable head stacks.

As interested as I am in this, since I'm still cutting from an analog console and working OTB, I'm afraid most people are cutting from DAW now instead.

Well, there is nothing to be afraid of. I guess it depends on what your business model is. We have the ability to cut both ways, but the overwhelming demand is for digital cutting. Even high end, historic restoration project are being cut from high resolution restored files taken directly from master tapes.

So this piece of gear would then allow you to buy only one chain of signal processing instead of having multiple units of each piece of gear. That is a pretty darn good idea the more I think about it.

[adamgonsa]

Most people are cutting from DAWs. As Clint said though, there really isn't anything to be scared of. Having it as an option will allow you to get more use out of your chain.

[Bonati]

I own an AKO delay. I love it. Couldn't have asked for a more well-designed box.