Comments on: The Incredible Past Lives of Our Favorite Tools

By: Don Bell

Don Bell — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 02:11:58 +0000

Years ago I built a copy of an Altec 436. I used a UTC A-10 for the input so it was low Z. I used to use it with a 3 channel passive mic mixer to run 3 vocal mics into the 436 and into a high level input on an Ampex MX-35. The remaining 3 inputs had Neumann U-64’s hung above the bandstand for left, center and right. It worked pretty well for recording bands in clubs.

By: Steve Palermo

Steve Palermo — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 04:25:07 +0000

I have owned an Altec 436c for more than 20 years and earlier this year I tasked myself with doing TLC to all of my vintage gear. My 436c was finally on the bench for the refurbishment and subsequently I did the listening test confirming it was operational. To my surprise it became one of my favorite comps in a rather obscene line up of vintage gear. The incredibly pleasant sonic character gave tracks of all types a wonderful listening experience. It’s so easy to find functional gear today, but, finding something make a track special is really fun for a change. It’s not made with the best practices but it sure sounds nice. I’ve been looking for more but they are kind of hard to find today.

By: Steve Young

Steve Young — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 05:31:27 +0000

I remember the amazing bi-amped Altec-Lansing speakers from the early 70’s…used by a lot of bands and mobile sound operators.

By: chris

chris — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:02:09 +0000

In reply to Pete C. Jesus I don't know man. I don't find the time actually. It's more like I lose a little more ground every day. the 436 comp is cool, easy to build... if you can do a redd47 you can do a 436.

By: Pete C

Pete C — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:24:35 +0000

Very cool…..I now want to build one to go with the REDD47 !
Great Blog – where do you find the time ?

Studio looks fantastic btw, too.
Cheers
Pete C

By: Altec 436 C | Bit Crushing

Altec 436 C | Bit Crushing — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:49:38 +0000

[…] out Preservation Sound’s post about this vibey […]

By: rrusston

rrusston — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:11:49 +0000

If I were doing a podcast I’d like to have some of that Eventide stuff!

By: Tom Fine

Tom Fine — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:41:12 +0000

The Altec 436B compressors also can be made switchable to line amplifiers with quite a bit of gain. It’s as simple as a switch that bypassed the connection to the diode tube. When used as simple gain blocks, they exceed 40dB with input and output of 600 ohms. They probably could work as microphone preamps also, but I haven’t tried them that way. Chris is correct that, in a modern setting, they are made more useful with the EMI modifications.

By: rrusston

rrusston — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 04:10:53 +0000

Some of the solid state, transformer coupled Altec power amps make great guitar amps when paired with a proper preamp. Look for the models that can run on or charge a 24 volt external battery and have low impedance outputs.

By: Adam Kill Screen

Adam Kill Screen — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:16:41 +0000

Awesome, awesome post. Seriously love this blog. I have only read the “About” tab and this post, but will definitely bookmark and return. Where did you find some of the sourced images? For example, the City of Crokkett letter. Really like the historical angle.