Category Archives: RCA

RCA BCM-1A Auxiliary Console c.1953

Earlier this year we ran a piece regarding the c. 1952 RCA BC-2 broadcast console.  T.F. has also provided us with a subsequent scan from AE mag, 1953, which highlights the companion BCM-1A “extender” console, designed to add an additional … Continue reading

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Compressor Roundup c. 1963

Today on PS dot come: a short but v v informative piece from BROADCAST ENGINEERING , July 1963, which gives specs for nearly all of the broadcast compressors that were available that year.  Models covered include: Collins 26J Auto-level, Collins … Continue reading

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Building an (almost) RCA OP6 Mic Preamp

(image source) The RCA OP-6 ‘Portable Amplifier’ is one of a handful of truly visually-iconic vintage mic preamps.   The OP-6 was designed as a “remote,” as-in, ‘on-location’ single-channel mic preamp for radio station broadcasts.  It uses three 1620 (6J7) tubes  … Continue reading

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RCA Mixing setup at the Hollywood Bowl arena c.1955

You gotta wonder where this thing ended up.   Consider the history that passed through these faders.

Posted in Concert Sound, RCA | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Cuttin’ Records: RCA Recording Filter and Cutting-Arm Assembly

Most days in the studio end with me making WAV or MP3 files of scratch mixes or final masters.  I will then upload, copy, or email the files to the musicians.  It takes mere moments to do this.  60 years … Continue reading

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TECH: antique theater equipment

It’s a sign of real accomplishment for an artist to have a monograph of their work published.  I would imagine that a few hundred are published worldwide by recognized publishing companies each year.  But much more rare is the collector’s … Continue reading

Posted in Custom Fabrication, History, RCA, Technical, Western Electric | 5 Comments

TECH: RCA BE-100

The BE-100 is a plug-in equalizer module that was made for use with the RCA BC-100 mixing console.  I have never seen a BC-100 in the flesh, nor am i aware of any albums that were recorded with a BC-100.  … Continue reading

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ICONS: rca and evaporating knowledge

The story of RCA is a great American industrial story.  From its origins in WW1 to decades to breakups and re-configurations due to government regulation and shifts in consumer patterns, the Radio Corporation Of America was a consistent presence in … Continue reading

Posted in History, Icons, RCA | 4 Comments