Studer
tape recorders have been responsible for many classic recordings, from The Beatles’ Sergent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band on a Studer J35 at Abbey Road, to Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories album in more recent years, on which a Studer A827 was in fact used. (along with Pro Tools) The Studer A827 was the pinnacle of their studio dominance and incorporated all they had learnt over the previous decades.
Like all Studer recorders, the Studer A827 was built like a tank, literally. Shipping weight is not so insignificant, 230kg. Studer built their recorders to last, to survive the daily grind in a studio shuffling tape back and forth all day, and in the case of the Studer A827, that means spinning heavy 5kg tape reels with precision. Needless to say, the motors in these machines are large and powerful, as they needed to be.
Ultimately, it comes down to sound quality and with the Studer A827, it is as good as it gets. The fact these machines were introduced in 1989, when Sony DASH digital audio recorders had been on the market for several years, is testament enough. It can be argued that the early digital recorders were not sonically a match for the sound quality of a high end Studer, and that is probably true.
Even today, the Studer A827 is very highly regarded by studio professionals. Sure no one likes the maintenance these recorders require, but the sound is still superb on a well aligned and maintained recorder. Regardless of the superior specifications of digital audio today, and those specifications truly are superior in every way to this tape recorder, it is still this sound most people seek.
Sure, you know it: professional sound recording today is unthinkable without multitrack recorders. It doesn’t matter whether it is a large studio or a small production place – multitrack technology is here to stay. Radio and Television as well as post-production studios for video and film also depend on multichannel technology. Not without reason. Efficiency and creative possibilities are more in demand than ever.
The extent to which studios implement or upgrade to multichannel technology depends largely on individual requirements. One criterion is certainly undisputed: multichannel tape recorders are work tools, they have to perform, and they must be affordable.
For this reason, a number of factors are significant: The integration and linking with existing equipment must not present any problems; reliability is important for a relaxed working atmosphere; efficient handling requires a well-engineered, ergonomical design; and the recall capability of stored tape parameters is a great time saver.
Considering the final result, excellent audio quality is a must. But likewise, the expected service life, ease of maintenance and long-term availability of spares are decisive factors.
These are basic considerations. At Studer we believe that the cost/benefit ratio of an investment can only be determined if all relevant factors are included in the overall evaluation. This is why we have built the A827 — exactly to fit your requirements.
A tape transport that will still match your requirements, even if tomorrow’s demands are more severe.
The obvious kinship between the tape transport of the STUDER A827 and the top-of-the-line STUDER A820 is neither coincidental. For drive mechanism and the associated control logic we simply make no compromises. There are solid reasons for this: An analogue multitrack tape recorder, be it configured for 24, 16 or 8 tracks, is principally a workhorse for daily use. It is no secret that studio projects tend to come under time pressure. This is why the responsiveness, and the handling play an important role. It therefore comes as no surprise that even in a machine that has been trimmed down to essentials, we still install the best tape Because only the best tape transport will guarantee for top audio quality even after years of service.
Stability, precision, speed
The tape transport accommodates 14″ (356mm) tape reels and can operate with three different speeds (7,5, 15, 30 ips) plus varispeed control. lt can also record and play in the reverse tape direction (incl. varispeed). Heavy-duty DC disc rotor motors with switched driver electronics for maximum efficiency and low heat dissipation achieve spooling speeds of up to 15 m/s (590 ips), and in conjunction with the processor-controlled pancake inertia measurement also extremely fast response times.
In synchronising applications in particular, the Studer A827 achieves short parking and acceleration times; and although the searching for cue and edit points even at short distances occurs with breathtaking speed, the tape handling is always smooth and gentle. For optimum processor control of the tape tension in all operating states the A827 is equipped with two high resolution tape tension sensors. Result: Silky tape processing as well as cat-like responsiveness.
Antiskew tracking
The A827 Antiskew tracking system based on a tape edge compensation sensor ensures ideal, Stable height guidance of the tape across the heads. For the first time the finite mechanical accuracy of the tapes is compensated so that a measurably better phase stability of the audio tracks is achieved.
DC capstan motors with microprocessor control
Also, for the tape transport only the best was good enough for us: A low-inertia DC capstan motor – of course With Hall commutation – and a separate microprocessor control. This combination ensures a wide varispeed control range as well as extremely fast but gentle start-ups, and consequently excellent characteristics for timesaving, accurate work in synchronised operation.
Menu-controlled input of the operating parameters
All mechanical parameters such as tape tensions, spooling speeds and rollback times can be entered conveniently and quickly under menu control via the keyboard. The tape transport behaviour, the definition of remote controls and also the function repertoire of the user-programmable keys can, together with other settings, be adapted to the characteristics preferred in the corresponding country or studio. All settings are stored in memory and transmitted via MDACs to the transport electronics. Avoiding potentiometers leads to highly accurate reproducibility and maintenance-free operation.
Built-in locator functions
The local keyboard supports various locator functions such as zero locator, LOC START, i.e. direct selection of the last play start position, as well as a freely selectable locator address and a loop function.
More than just enhanced flexibility: STUDER AUTOLOCATOR
With the serial STUDER autolocator (option) the user can manage 20 cue address memories. The fast forward or rewind speed can be steplessly varied with the built-in shuttle control. Every position of the shuttle Wheel can be stored. The autolocator also features remote control functions for varispeed and tape transport, two programmable tape counters, as well as several loop functions.
Parallel control interface for the mixing console
For use in conjunction with large mixing consoles of various makes which have the possibility for parallel control of multitrack recorders integrated an optional interface for the STUDER A827 is available.
More for less?
Difficult tasks can lead to fascinating results, if engineering expertise controls the solution. To be explicit: The bar graph electronics and the fully automatic alignment of the Studer A820 have been eliminated, and only external noise reduction systems are supported (to achieve greater flexibility). The audio electronics of the Studer A827 has been completely redesigned. To improve the audio quality, the reliability, and to streamline the manufacturing process, the number of printed circuits has been reduced to 5 boards per 8 channels: The back panel accommodates 4 audio boards, each of which comprises two complete audio channels including digital control and bias/erase amplifiers.
The audio inputs and outputs and the permanent synch outputs are located directly on the back panel. 0n each audio board the head signals (audio and RF) are connected via a D-connector directly to the preamplifier/headblock assembly. This must be the simplest design for wiring audio. The audio electronics is carefully and completely phase compensated. The Dolby HX PRO function for optimised treble response at low tape speeds can be selectively activated.
High precision headblock system with amorphous metal record and reproduce heads
The exchangeable headblocks are equipped with advanced glass metal heads. The extremely low wear of this hard, amorphous core material and the excellent audio data that remain constant throughout the long life are the salient features, The electronic identification of the headblock (8-16-24 channel) automatically selects the corresponding audio parameters from memory. Six complete parameter sets, i.e. two for each tape type, can be stored for the three different headblocks.
Complete electronic control
To simplify the local control panel, the audio channel control elements have been relocated to the remote-control unit which means that they are directly accessible on the engineers working area, the mixing desk. The local control panel on the recorder is subdivided into four neatly arranged function blocks (from left to right):
- Tape transport command keys
- Tape counter display with corresponding function keys and internal locator functions.
- Tape-specific settings such as equalisation (NAB/CCIR), tape parameters A and B, tape speeds and varispeed.
- Menu control with LC display and monitor mode function keys (for automatic muting during rewind and automatic changeover to input during stop or spooling) and record mode (for master/safe changeover, drop-in rehearsal and record delay compensation).
Synchronisation
With its excellent tape transport characteristics and audio electronics the Studer A827 is eminently suited for integration into synchronisation systems. The TC channel can be defined and specified by the use. A Studer tape lock synchroniser (option) can be installed directly into the machine. The machine console has already been prepared (for two 19″ modules, I unit of vertical rack space each). A separate synchroniser connector panel (option) on the machine’s rear side provides simple and convenient access to the periphery. The local control unit (LCU) of the synchroniser can be fitted into the VU-meter panel at a convenient viewing height. The Studer A827 can be readily integrated into any production and editing system.
Emulation
The Studer A827 is also well suited for direct integration into video editing systems. For audio-follows-video applications a Studer emulator (option) makes the tape recorder behave like a video machine. There is room for the 19″ emulator unit to be installed into the machine console. Because the operating unit is the same size as the synchroniser LCU it fits into the same convenient mounting location on the VU-meter panel. The A827 can easily be incorporated into any video editing system.
Menu-controlled parameter input
With a few efficient key combinations, you can call the convenient user guidance on the 2-line, high-contrast alphanumeric display for tape transport and audio parameter setting. Although the Studer A827 is not equipped with a calibration computer, the calibration work is considerably shortened by the processor assistance.
For example, when the calibration submenu (ALIGNMENT AUDIO) is called, the user is prompted in a logical sequence to enter the values for LEVEL, TREBLE, BASS and BIAS. With the ALL function you have the option to adjust the settings of all channels simultaneously. It is difficult to imagine a simpler, faster and more reliable method, particularly since all values are displayed in alphanumeric form.
If a third or additional tape needs to be calibrated, this can be easily accomplished with the built-in audio generator (option). The tape parameters can subsequently be recorded on tape from where they can be reloaded at any time.
Audio channel control – exactly where it is needed
The Studer A827 is not equipped with local audio channel control buttons. Instead, these are conveniently combined on a remote-control unit and accessible directly by the audio mixer. The remote control can also be integrated into the mixing console.
The remote-control unit also complements the local control: tape transport, locator and varispeed functions are accessible, as well as record and monitor mode functions. Six complete channel state patterns can be permanently stored and re-established by pressing a button. The remote control also indicates whether or not Dolby HX PRO is enabled, and the flux density that is currently used on the tape.
Audio connectors, well arranged and professional
The XLR inputs are balanced and transformer-coupled, whereas the outputs are electronically balanced and also terminated on XLR connectors. The inputs and outputs can be adjusted to studio level from -6 dB to +10 dB. Via D25 connectors, the sync signals, e.g. for controlling noise gates, are continuously available for all channels. If required these outputs can be switched to permanent repro by means of jumpers on the audio electronics.
The range of interfaces and remote controls available for the Studer A827 is geared to the requirements of professional applications. Included are audio and tape transport remote controls, audio interfaces, synchronisers, autolocator/timer, RS232, SMPTE/EBU bus (RS422) and controls for external NR systems (Dolby A, SR and Telcom).
The Gold Edition Studer A827
Since its introduction in 1989, the Studer A827 has enjoyed great success among professional recording studios around the world, and it is regarded as the finest analogue multitrack recording machine ever built for the industry. Its predecessors, the introduced in 1970, the legendary introduced in 1978 and the A820 first shipped in 1985 – most of them still in use around the world were the basis for the design of the Studer A827.
With the Studer A827 Gold Edition, Studer now celebrates this success with a special limited edition of this product which many regard as the industry standard. The Gold Edition of the Studer A827 also concludes the manufacture of this series of tape machines after almost 15 years of production, and it is for this reason that we created this very special version Of the Studer A827 machine.
Limited Edition
Only 95 machines of this precious version will be built, and all of them are fitted with attractive design elements. In honour of late Dr. H.C. Willi Studer, the founder of our company, every machine carries a copy of his signature on the golden Studer brass plate on the top deck cover. The splicing block on the headblock and the tape tension sensor protecting casts are anodised in gold, giving the machine a distinct look. Wooden side panels on machine and remote control are made from real wood and are in black, the handrest on the remote controller is in black leather giving the combo very elegant looks.
The Gold Edition Studer A827 is loaded with features. All-important options are included in this edition. These include:
- RS232 interface,
- Built-in sine wave test generator for alignment and testing,
- Built-in monitor amplifier/ speaker in the Meter panel for direct monitoring at the machine.
Higher sonic Performance with the A827 Gold Edition
The Studer A827 Gold Edition features further improvements in our legendary sound heads being made from amorphous metal. The gap scatter has been drastically reduced due to a new improved manufacturing process, and also the uniformity of the electrical performance among the individual tracks has been greatly improved. These improvements ultimately lead to a better sonic performance of the machine. Studer-built amorphous heads are unique in the industry, and their longevity and performance are unsurpassed.
The Studer A827 Gold Edition features further improvements in our legendary sound heads being made from amorphous metal. The gap scatter has been drastically reduced due to a new improved manufacturing process, and also the uniformity of the electrical performance among the individual tracks has been greatly improved. These improvements ultimately lead to a better sonic performance of the machine. Studer-built amorphous heads are unique in the industry, and their longevity and performance is unsurpassed.
The sad reality was that the Studer A827 came at a time of transition from analogue to digital, and even with this gold edition, sales plummeted, with many of these units being sold off for half price.
“SAN FRANCISCO, California – November 2004 – Studer USA announced at the recent AES Convention that its highly revered Studer A827 Gold Edition two-inch, 24-track analogue tape recorder is now being temporarily offered at a special price of $29,995–nearly half off of its original list figure of $58,000…Under the terms of this promotion, A827 Gold Editions must be purchased by no later than December 15 with delivery taken by December 31. All product sales will be handled directly through Studer USA and may be initiated by contacting the company via studer-usa@harman.com”
