ReVox A77 Reveiw

Reset the input volumes to try a recording from the Tuner or Compact Disc and switch it from "input" to NAB on the monitor selector, this allows you to compare before to after recording. There should be no audible difference between them after setting the output volume to match the levels. Rewind and play back the piece while switching from 2 on the monitor to the source on the hi-fi amp. Again, no audible difference should be heard.

You may notice, when recording in stereo with both channels selected, that the volume controls cross over, volume 1 controls meter 2 and vice versa; this is correct. If all this has been satisfactory then the record and replay circuits are working properly. You can check the sound-on-sound track transfer by selecting record channel 1 channel two off, plug a mic into input one and with the level on the meter set, sing or talk and record on the first track, change the skirt from "mic" to "1 to 2". Release "record 1", press "record 2", and the volume of channel one will now act as the transfer volume when the mike is put in "input two" which will control the mike. The channel one volume will go from the 3 or 4 for the mike to 7 or 8 for the transfer. Turn the monitor to channel two and record a new voice. Playback, and the two voices should now both be on channel two.

The wow and flutter can be checked by recording a piano or plugging a guitar in on "mic lo" and recording long notes and check for any wobble effect. There should not be any audible tremor.

Apart from the click of the

solenoids when the buttons are operated and a slight whirring when gathering speed in fast foreword or rewind, the operation of the mechanics should be smooth and silent.

So, having checked the electronics in record and replay, listen carefully for any mechanical noise. Measure the heads and check the serial number and there is no more to do but form an opinion and act accordingly.

If the machine has been looked after then it is very unlikely that, apart from head replacement, any faults should cost more than £80 to cure.

As the new owner of a ReVox, don't forget to budget for tape at around £40 for a 101/2 " spool plus you will need a couple of NAB adaptors if you want to use professional tape. Then there is a splicing block for joining the tape when it's cut, plus leader tape and small empty spools if you are making demos, not forgetting splicing tape to stick it all together. A couple of rolls of tape and all the other stuff can easily come to £100 or more, not to mention a demagnetiser if you don't have one. You will also require a spare 101/2" empty spool which will set you back around £15.

Many thanks to the service and sales departments of F.W.O. Bauch Ltd., who were the main Revox and Studer agents in England.

Any queries, request for spares, conversions or service should now be addressed to:

Brian Reeves

184 Finney Lane

Cheadle

Cheshire

SK8 3PU

Tel. 0161 499 2349

Fax. 0161 499 9381

Appointed by ReVox GmbH as their authorised service centre for the UK.