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AMPEX 440B 2 Track Tape Recorder - Reel 2 Reel - WORKING

$ 498.96

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Model: Ampex 440B
  • Brand: Ampex
  • Type: Tape Recorder Reel to Reel
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Condition: Transport and electronics have been tested and are in good working order. Good cosmetic condition.
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted

    Description

    I'm happy to be listing a Vintage Ampex 440B  Reel to Reel Tape Recorder with  2 Track heads and electronics.
    Also includes a fabricated remote and an original Ampex 440b Manual.
    The heads are 2 track and made for 1/4 inch tape.
    This  unit was originally acquired in the 1970's and has been kept in temperature controlled storage in a home studio for quite a number of years.
    Unit was powered up, tested and is in good working order. Electronics are working.
    VU Meters working well-  ( Bulbs need replacement)
    All Motors tested well. Puck rubber is in good shape. Puck and capstan has lot of grip on tape. Capstan motor measured 600/1200RPM on Laser Tachometer. Capstan motor runs on the louder side.
    Transport controls, buttons and switches all work- FF, REW, Play Stop etc.
    Switches and buttons all working. Transport parts, motors, caps, plugs, springs, etc. are intact - see photos
    When tape reels are loaded, Play, Stop, FF, RW functions all work correctly. Record and playback to tape tested well but machine will definitely need an alignment.
    Erase, Record and Playback Heads have r
    espectively, 95%,
    62% and 70% life left in them and have been tested and evaluated by John French at JRF Magnetic Sciences.
    - see photos.
    Evaluation report and condition of the tape heads is visible in several close-up pics. (
    Will include the head evaluation
    paperwork)
    Both Preamp Electronics are working correctly.
    All switches, buttons, relays, etc. are intact and functioning.
    ****Bottom Preamp, the r
    epro card has an old penciled notation that reads "noisy/crackles". Not sure if that was corrected. During testing I didn't hear noise.
    Cosmetic condition of Transport and electronics is good to very good -  does have a couple of small dings on left side of transport
    - see photos.
    Plate should clean up nicely.
    **** wood cabinet is not included.
    Also Includes:
    2 Metal Preamp plate covers - ( both in excellent cosmetic condition) No photos available
    Fabricated remote - see photos-  I was unable to test remote but it was found with the unit so I believe it should be functional.
    Original, complete  Ampex 440 Manual -
    After such a long time in storage, the machine will need to be operated normally to get it back into shape. Using the machine will exercise the contacts and will help keep the relays, switches and contacts working well. A good cleaning and lubricating should also be done as well as an a
    lignment and
    tweaking some adjustments. All components are original and I'm sure will need to be evaluated at some point if machine is to be put into long term use.
    Upon delivery, you can expect it to arrive intact and function exactly as I have described in this listing.
    I'm experienced with packing and shipping expensive and delicate electronics. To be sure this shipment will arrive intact, it will be packed very securely, extra bubble-wrap, double boxed,
    Styrofoam cushioning,
    and shipped promptly -
    Transport and electronics will be shipped via FedEx in 2 separate boxes.
    I have a 100% Ebay Positive Feedback Rating on both my Blueforest0 and Bestvintagestudio Ebay Accounts. - And your satisfaction is my top priority. If you glance at my feedback, you'll only see classic high-end vintage recording equipment and parts and the many positive comments I've received.
    ***** eBay is now required to
    charge
    and collect state internet sales tax on all purchases-
    ******NO RETURNS ON THIS ITEM. ITEM IS BEING SOLD AS-IS
    ***** PLEASE ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING, OFFER OR PURCHASE-
    Key Features
    Reel size: up to 10.5 inch reel
    Tape speeds: 3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 15 ips
    Wow and flutter: 0.08% (15 ips)
    Frequency response: 30Hz to 18kHz (15 ips)
    The Ampex AG-440B is a classic  Reel to Reel Tape Recorder from 1969, with an All-American sound. It has many different uses in the modern recoding studio. It runs either 2 track 1/4" or 4 Track 1/2" tape at either 7.5 or 15ips. 440B's are famous for being good reliable workhorse machines, and have amazing specs and sound excellent when adjusted and set up properly.
    It is the most reliable out of the 3 variations of Ampex 440's - the switches were the best, easiest to obtain parts for, capstan motor is reliable,
    Ampex Model AG-440B and AG-445B Magnetic Tape Recorders and Reproducers have a very-quiet tape transport usable with 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch tape, and have solid-state plug-in electronic modules. The basic system consists of a tape transport, a head assembly, and one record/reproduce electronic unit for each channel. Each record/reproduce unit contains a built-in Sel-Sync circuit for recording added channels in perfect synchronization with previously recorded channels. Plug-in accessories, such as a microphone preamplifier, a balanced line-input transformer, and a remote control unit are available as optional equipment. Up to two channels can be used with 1/4-inch tape, and up to four with 1/2-inch tape. The AG-440B is a record/reproduce machine.
    The tape transport, designed for very quiet mechanical action, consists mostly of sub-assemblies which may be removed without unsoldering connections. Heads plug into receptacles inside the head housing for easy removal and installation. Most relays and electronic circuits are also the plug-in type.
    The AG-440B is available either mounted in an Ampex console, mounted in portable cases, or unmounted for vertical or horizontal installation in a rack or custom console. The basic system consists of a tape transport, a head assembly, and one record/reproduce electronic unit for each channel.
    Ampex Model AG-440B Magnetic Tape Recorders have a very-quiet tape transport usable with 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch tape, and have solid-state plug-in electronic modules. The basic system consists of a tape transport, a head assembly, and one record/reproduce electronic unit for each channel.
    Plug-in accessories, such as a microphone preamplifier, a balanced line-input transformer, and a remote control unit are available as optional equipment.