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Good Low-Budget AM Audio Processing

R

RadioMan203

OK, I'm working on a low-power AM project where I need to achieve decent audio processing for some extended testing.

One of the engineers assisting me suggested trying to locate an Optimod 9000a mono unit since I don't need to process stereo audio. The only problems are that even these older units seem to go for "crazy / stupid" money and, of course, many of the components needed for any required repairs are no longer manufactured or otherwise available. I would have been interested at the right price but even with the remote chance for finding a cheapie that was hit by lightning there would be little realistic chance of rehabilitating a unit of this vintage without going totally broke.

I would be interested in hearing suggestions from others of a processor, preferably multiband, that may be fit a very economical budget and capable of decent processing on the more aggressive side along with allowing 125% positive modulation.
 
The Omnia One is way, WAY out of my working budget. I had a chance to pick up a Tri-maze about 6 months ago but thought it was only an FM box since I didn't see any asymmetrical modulation control on it.
 
Bill DeFelice said:
The Omnia One is way, WAY out of my working budget. I had a chance to pick up a Tri-maze about 6 months ago but thought it was only an FM box since I didn't see any asymmetrical modulation control on it.
Click to expand...

Sorry Bill, you didn't say your price was "free". I have seen the Ones for $2500 which is a damn good price for a great processor such as it is.
 
Bengalsfan said:
Bill DeFelice said:
The Omnia One is way, WAY out of my working budget. I had a chance to pick up a Tri-maze about 6 months ago but thought it was only an FM box since I didn't see any asymmetrical modulation control on it.
Click to expand...

Sorry Bill, you didn't say your price was "free". I have seen the Ones for $2500 which is a damn good price for a great processor such as it is.
Click to expand...

That's correct, I didn't say free, but the project doesn't have the nearly $3k for a One, either. Heck, I doubt I could muster $1k for available capital for this. In no way I'm expecting to find a digital box, but I would like to find something without tubes that will run longer than a day before turning into dust in the wind.

While I have been lucky enough to work with and for people who have beaucoup bucks, this particular project doesn't have that luxury so I'm trying to work within the given confines. I probably should have specifically stated asked what gear should I look for in the used market - that was something I overlooked in my original post. I was hoping for suggestions of used gear I might have a chance of finding in a typical station engineer's storage that may "get 'er done" even if there are some rough edges.

I wasn't aware that CRL had an AM version of the Amigo, either. Depending on its processing that may be an affordable alternative for the group.
 
Sgeirk said:
I think the CRL Amigo is an outstanding value for the money. It's not true multiband, but it is stereo.
Click to expand...
Actually it has a dual-band AGC and a tri-band limiter. CRL processing just doesn't sound "multiband" because it emphasizes openness and consistency rather than an obtrusive "sonic signature". And on a wideband receiver, I still think CRL's AM processing sounds better than anything else.
 
Also, one small AM daytimer near me was able to do amazing things with equipment literally pulled from another station's junkpile: an old Harris AGC, a CRL Spectral Energy Processor, and an Inovonics 222. Very loud and bright.
 
Hi Bill

Try out the DSPXmini-AM. It's a 4+4 DSP box with all the bells and whistles you would expect nowadays, like dayparting, ethernet control etc.

http://www.audio-processor.com/dspxmini-am

It really does sound amazing and most people who have tried them have commented that they sound as good as if not better than the popular 4 band units from the competition.
If you don't like it you can have your money back.

Its list is $1800 but the whole DSPX range is about to have a pricing overhaul so that list should drop closer to $1500, then by the time your local dealer gives you a deal your going to be lower than that.

Regards
Scott
 
Bill DeFelice said:
OK, I'm working on a low-power AM project where I need to achieve decent audio processing for some extended testing.

One of the engineers assisting me suggested trying to locate an Optimod 9000a mono unit since I don't need to process stereo audio. The only problems are that even these older units seem to go for "crazy / stupid" money and, of course, many of the components needed for any required repairs are no longer manufactured or otherwise available. I would have been interested at the right price but even with the remote chance for finding a cheapie that was hit by lightning there would be little realistic chance of rehabilitating a unit of this vintage without going totally broke.

I would be interested in hearing suggestions from others of a processor, preferably multiband, that may be fit a very economical budget and capable of decent processing on the more aggressive side along with allowing 125% positive modulation.
Click to expand...

Bill,

I'd start with an Inovonics 222 NRSC limiter. They are available used for a few hundred dollars. Add a Compellor and or Dominator and you have a pretty aggressive and cheap chain. The 222 can be operated barefoot and you'll still get good 125 percent positive modulation. It just won't be very dense. I have a 222 spare right now if you need it, let me know off list. [email protected]
 
Thanks for the input, folks. I know where I can borrow a 222 and while it's not a multiband box it beats running without anything.

I plan on doing some networking with the handful of local engineers I know to see if they may some leads on something a little more substantial, sound wise. I can only guess that with the state of the economy that more stations are holding on to older gear for backup and emergency use.
 
I think I saw a CRL AM Amigo in the SCMS Broadcast Used equipment list.
Lightner Electronics had a Hnat Hindes TM-4013 AM processor listed recently.
Good luck.
 
The 250 watt daytimer I inherited had the CRL Amigo, I felt it needed a little front end help in the form of an audimax or gentle AGC, but it sounded fantastic.
 
I heard some good things about Breakaway but I guess I'm one an "old school" guy who prefers a box instead of software paired with a PC.
 
Bill DeFelice said:
I heard some good things about Breakaway but I guess I'm one an "old school" guy who prefers a box instead of software paired with a PC.
Click to expand...
I can understand that, but if you're talking '(almost) no budget' and 'asymetrical modulation' _and_ throw quality in the equation... there's you're answer!
 
I had the older CRL stuff at one AM that I engineered and it sounded all right. When pressed hard it got gritty and a little nasty. The following generation of the same boxes sounded a bit better.
 
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