Revox A77 VU meters on playback - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

speigel · 23rd Mar 2018, 4:15 pm

Ive just acquired a MK1 A77, and I was wondering if anyone has upgraded one so that the meters work on playback as well as record. Thanks, Robert

Ted Kendall · 23rd Mar 2018, 8:57 pm

A77 VUs don't operate on playback except on the Dolby version, which has considerable detail redesign of the electronics, aside from the incorporation of the Dolby circuitry. I'd be inclined to leave well alone - there are other issues with the Mk 1, notably soft heads which have a different fixing from later types.

lesmw0sec · 24th Mar 2018, 10:42 am

If I recall, you can switch the track1 -> track2 and monitor the playback on the meters without re-recording.

Ted Kendall · 24th Mar 2018, 2:19 pm

Quite so, but the level on the meter is dependent on the record gain setting, so without calibration the reading is meaningless.

lesmw0sec · 24th Mar 2018, 5:12 pm

How do you know it is 'meaningless' unless you know what the OP wants it for? A general indication that something is on the tape might do the job.

Welsh Anorak · 24th Mar 2018, 5:20 pm

I agree - I find it's handy for cueing to know when the music starts without having to use headphones. In fact having the controls set too high helps in this case. I think that the L and R channel meters are reversed when done like this, though I might be wrong.

speigel · 24th Mar 2018, 10:56 pm

Thanks everyone. Its quite right, the meters do register if you set the record controls to I-II and II-I, although the meters are switched and are dependent on the level set. I don't actually need them for any reason, just like them registering when playing.

23rd Mar 2018, 4:15 pm	#1
speigel Diode Join Date: May 2016 Location: Somerset, UK Posts: 5	Revox A77 VU meters on playback Ive just acquired a MK1 A77, and I was wondering if anyone has upgraded one so that the meters work on playback as well as record. Thanks, Robert

23rd Mar 2018, 8:57 pm	#2
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,671	Re: Revox A77 VU meters on playback A77 VUs don't operate on playback except on the Dolby version, which has considerable detail redesign of the electronics, aside from the incorporation of the Dolby circuitry. I'd be inclined to leave well alone - there are other issues with the Mk 1, notably soft heads which have a different fixing from later types.

24th Mar 2018, 10:42 am	#3
lesmw0sec Octode Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Carmel, Llannerchymedd, Anglesey, UK. Posts: 1,507	Re: Revox A77 VU meters on playback If I recall, you can switch the track1 -> track2 and monitor the playback on the meters without re-recording.

24th Mar 2018, 2:19 pm	#4
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,671	Re: Revox A77 VU meters on playback Quite so, but the level on the meter is dependent on the record gain setting, so without calibration the reading is meaningless.

24th Mar 2018, 5:12 pm	#5
lesmw0sec Octode Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Carmel, Llannerchymedd, Anglesey, UK. Posts: 1,507	Re: Revox A77 VU meters on playback How do you know it is 'meaningless' unless you know what the OP wants it for? A general indication that something is on the tape might do the job.

24th Mar 2018, 5:20 pm	#6
Welsh Anorak Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Wales, UK. Posts: 6,921	Re: Revox A77 VU meters on playback I agree - I find it's handy for cueing to know when the music starts without having to use headphones. In fact having the controls set too high helps in this case. I think that the L and R channel meters are reversed when done like this, though I might be wrong. __________________ Glyn www.gdelectronics.wales

24th Mar 2018, 10:56 pm	#7
speigel Diode Join Date: May 2016 Location: Somerset, UK Posts: 5	Re: Revox A77 VU meters on playback Thanks everyone. Its quite right, the meters do register if you set the record controls to I-II and II-I, although the meters are switched and are dependent on the level set. I don't actually need them for any reason, just like them registering when playing.