Two years ago we were contacted by Genuine Sound in Chicago regarding service for an 1965 EAB 8 into 2 tube desk. Several phone conversations later one of our technician flew to Chicago to take a closer look. After inspecting the console on location it turned out that the unit was in a very poor condition, it had to be shipped to Seattle.

As soon the console arrived here, we took it apart to get a basic idea of required work. A phone call to the ZDF television station in Germany revealed more historic details of the EAB RE85.

Original made for the ZDF in 1964 it was mainly used for monitor support in TV specials, like sports and concert shows. Compared to the standard version of RE85 (approx. 300 were made) it was a stripped down version, just 8 channels into two with passive hall plate send on each channel. Several different output options were disconnected by the 2nd owner, that bought it somewhere between 1980 and 1984 from the TV station.

Aside the missing output options several major modifications were made, but with minor use because most of them were just passive and too noisy.

It turned out that six of the 8 VE12P modules had damage (someone tried to apply +48V) or burned out input x-former, defect switches, pot, etc. Compared to the damage in both of the two powersupplies, and the main frame it was a small problem.

All VE12 were rebuild to original specs with a few minor upgrades in the input stage and hall sending section. Nearly all input x-former were rewound, with new shock mounts and higher insulation resistance, so +48V won't be a problem in future use. The VE12 circuit is very similar to Telefunken V101/102 micpres with a two band +/-9dB EQ and a Danner fader module. A max. gain of 60dB is accomplished by two DC heated Valvo made E283CC, a very low noise version of the E83CC pin layout is different), only disadvantage is that if overdriven the E283CC just shuts off, so the light meters are very handy.

The main frame was an disaster, all routing function, meter sections, etc. were in a bad state of health. Instead of patching up the disconnected sections and power sup. we decided to rewire it complete. We added a few option like XLR connectors, phantom power and a beefed up 24V5A powersup. The two high voltage power sups. needed complete rebuilding and while doing so changed over to 120V. The pre owners added pan section to four channels, but proved to be inaffected and to noisy, so that a complete new active pan pot for every channel was installed. The standard left/ right out switches were replaced with conductive plastic dual pots, insuring a smooth pan with minimal crosstalk. Two new V372s (the 19 inch production version will be available soon) build into custom made channel housing, take care of the summing part in pan section, to get an better S/N ratio for this otherwise all tube console.

We also found enough space in a 2nd channel housing for eight more V372s that provide a balanced post fader (+4dB) recording out for each VE12. S/N unweighed is an average of -90dB @60dB setting.

A 3rd channel houses three new V376S mic pres for PFL and an aditional left right monitor out.

Both VS21 main modules were rebuild by the previous owner and the only good working parts of the console. The basic circuit is very similar to the Telefunken V41 mic pre, instead of EF12 three very low noise EF806s (the same type we use in the new V72s) do the 47dB end boost, controlled via a Danner made fader. Plate choke and output x-former are identical to the V41. Aside minor adjustment and tube replacement we could use them as they were.

Rebuilding, cleaning, rewiring, modifications and metal work, we finished the work after nearly six week of work. The end result is quite amazing, now it is technical a entire new console looking like an historical EAB RE85, please take a look at the pics, High Voltage power supplies sit on the left and right, the two Black Boxes from the right, house the 24/48V powersup, and the eight V372s recording amps, the other one on the right the PFL and mains monitor buffer. Soundwise it ranges very close to a V72/76 based board, with different mid range response, but definitely a smooth tone that you would want from a desk like that. With a matched pair of Studer J37 the Genuine Guys have the perfect classic recording set-up.

Overview:

Eight input channels VE12P 20Hz to 18kHz, +4dB balanced recording out (via V372s) S/N -90dB
into
two VS21 main channels 20Hz to 18 kHz +12dB max. balanced out S/N -70dB
via eight active pan pots (-55 dB crosstalk typical)
two active V376s monitor out
two summing PFL outs (via V372s)
weight 110kg,