I'm running out of tape monitor loops!

[premiumplus]

Sooooo, I've got a bunch of outboard gear, signal processors, tape decks, cd players, etc.
I'm running out of tape monitor loops and I've been checking out the dbx 400X and 200X program-route selector switching systems.
Very cool, they allow me to change the order that different gear interacts with each other, and have led indicators.
They will handle 3 signal processors and 3 tape decks, using one set of tape monitor jacks on my preamp.

Does anyone know of a better system out there than the dbx? I've been looking around and I can't find anything that is even close.
Thanks, guys. I love this place! View attachment 200-400x (1).pdf

 

[BubbaH]

I have a DBX400X, great unit. I'm doubtful you'd be able to find anything "better". Akai, and Sony both made tape switchers. Teac might have had one too. As well their is the realistic/radio shack version of them as well. That being said, I believe the DBX units offer more than any of those units. The only one that might come close to the DBX is the Pioneer branded switcher. Youll need to ask Nando about that one though.

You can also use the 3 processor lines as record loops as well.

 

[laatsch55]

The U-24 Pioneer route selector was the model. Very pricey...

 

[BubbaH]

The U-24 Pioneer route selector was the model. Very pricey...

That was my guess Lee. I dont think they are all that common either. At least not like the DBX units.

 

[laatsch55]

Agreed, the U series stuff was rare anyway and the u-24 even moreso..

 

[premiumplus]

Yeah, the dbx 200x and 400x are as common as houseflies! I never heard of the Pioneer unit before. How come they're so expensive? They're just passive patch bays, with indicator lamps/leds, right?
Two brands that I've got a real soft spot for, Pioneer and dbx. You can get some GREAT systems by juggling those two manufacturers around!

 

[laatsch55]

I think it's the rarity Dave..

 

[BubbaH]

The U-24 doesnt have any indicator lights. But.... you can run 3 power amps, 4 tape loops, 2 Aux lines, and 3 turntables with it.

 

[orange]

Being able to patch NR units and signal processord into the dbx units and have them available in whatever configuration is pretty nice, short of a mixing board.

 

[premiumplus]

Yeah, that's what I dig about it. I do believe I'm going to pick up a 400X...

 

[Elite-ist]

Dave: The dbx 400X is a great route selector. You can't go wrong with that unit. I use it in my system and I have a 200, if needed, for a second tape loop.

The Pioneer U-24, unfortunately, is just too expensive and rare to find. That's why I have one.

Nando.

 

[laatsch55]

The Pioneer U-24, unfortunately, is just too expensive and rare to find. That's why I have one.




That, my friends is a classic Nando-ism!!!!!!

 

[premiumplus]

Dave: The dbx 400X is a great route selector. You can't go wrong with that unit. I use it in my system and I have a 200, if needed, for a second tape loop.

The Pioneer U-24, unfortunately, is just too expensive and rare to find. That's why I have one.

Nando.

Nando, What a BRAT! Just kiddin'... Is it all passive, or does it have any buffer amplifiers in it? Not an issue unless one was to drive multiple power amps simultaneously. The reason that comes to mind is that yesterday I noticed a definite change in tone when I ran a line from the tape output of my PL-1000 Autocorrelator to the "Aux" input on my Pioneer SX-1010. It didn't like it at all, the high frequencies dropped out.

 

[laatsch55]

I drive multiple power amps with a Spec 1 all the time, no problem, and shouldn't be....

 

[Elite-ist]

Dave: I think the PL-1000, like most sound processors, are recommended to be connected via the tape loop or Adapter RCAs of a receiver/preamplifier. I've never connected a SP to the Auxiliary connections.

The Pioneer U-24 does not have the flexibility of a dbx 400X. I have to read my OM on the U-24, but I am going to guess it's all passive as are the dbx route selectors. The 400X is a recording artist's dream.

Nando.

 

[premiumplus]

I drive multiple power amps with a Spec 1 all the time, no problem, and shouldn't be....

I was using the tape in/out jacks on the 1000 to drive the Pioneer's Auxilliary input jacks. Probably an impedance mismatch, and it ran out of gas trying to to drive the Pioneer. It's the only time I've ever encountered that before.

 

[laatsch55]

I think generically that's referred to as "transfer function"??? Or am I nuts??

 

[TheDutchOwner]

I use a Realistic Tape Switch in order to get 3 tape loops instead of just 1. But I am already running out again (Though on my Technics I can use both DIN and RCA at the same time.) :

If you Google for Realistic Tape Switch, and go to images, you will find my setup. Though it's an AK image, and sharing them on other forums never seems to work.

 

[Nick Danger]

Ran into the same problem and bought a Yamaha RX V1 receiver, problem solved for me. I now have 5 tape decks that I can record with in my system.

I now have a Niles TSB 3 about to go up for sale if you are interested.......

 

[BubbaH]

Hrrm that is something I forgot to mention Doug, and also a good idea. Especially if you have any video needs. I used to run a Denon AVR 1800 series into my pre amp via the zone out and use it for anything and everything really.