Overhauling Revox A77 Reel Motors - Reworking Classic Studio Gear

In today's session, Ken 'hiwatt' Marshall is overhauling the Revox, starting with the reel motors!!! Restoring a classic tape machine is very similar to restoring a classic Chevy...a new can of worms at every turn haha!!!
This tape machine is one of my all time favourite tape echo effects, including a modified speed control of +/- 100% for some epic tape delays!
Today's session is part of an ongoing series documenting the full restoration of my Revox A77 mk4!
Thanks for sitting in!
**Includes an original song from hiwatt's own library ;-)**

[@TheSoulSynthesis]

Watching Ken repairing tape machine motors while a nice drone that leads to dystopian crossroads is going might be the best ASMR for a friday evening after a long week of tough work. I love the sound of tape, won't be able to use it myself but I'm glad you're having the opportunity and skillset to overhaul that machine. Thanks for the relaxing content and have a great weekend tinkering :)

[@dr.feelicks2051]

I came for the tech. , stayed for the shop track

[@pscwplb]

The footage: Music Dad enjoys a day working in the shop on a pet project. The soundtrack: The machines debate and decide that humanity is obsolete.

[@JamesE707]

A potential 'can of worms' - absolutely Ken! And a carefully throught response is required at each stage. Back in the day when a new Revox was rocket money for most of us, we'd shy away from tampering with these decks. But at least today, their costs to us isn't usually so much (sec hand), so perhaps we are not afraid to take on such jobs!? Thanks for your video!

[@RIDEFASTDRINKCOFFEE]

I love the track! makes me think of Coil for sure... good luck with the project!

[@matthiasgutjahr2501]

Ken, thank for this video and sharing your experience. I just bought an A77 2 Months ago and I fully agree with you. It is fun to work with it ( perfect piece of engineering) and the tasks sum up quickly. I enjoy the Restauration and learn a lot new stuff. Best Regards Matthias

[@seantrottier2466]

This episode was awesome! I would love to see more of these nitty gritty "talk shop" sessions!

[@matthewsetzer1188]

Ken!! Those motors are looking good! Just last night I got my old wax cylinder dictaphone working, I'm absolutely thrilled it works. You and I are working on hardware projects. One thing, you should talk about your dream board. What a great tool to keep focused and positive. Hope you are well man, hugz and kisses.

[@Trig242]

I love to-do lists! I have one growing of so many projects to audio gear mods, repairs and fun "want to dos". Thay would be an awesome subject on this channel.

[@RockyMountainSounds]

Just got an A77 MKiv from my dad. So enjoying this process!!

[@neveser]

Nice job Ken. When you said the bearings had seized I though oh that's it... buying new motors. I have never seen that release agent technique for getting those bearings out. Very cool, learn something new everyday. Oh and... that music is mesmerizing!!!

[@scum3825]

Nice lava lamp!

[@Mixarteaudio]

Beautiful work you are doing, I love the Revox I knew I had several, at this moment I do not have any and I miss them, despite the fact that I have professional machines like the tascam BR-20 and the Teac 80-8 I do not rule out getting one again . I follow you from Argentina. a hug Fer

[@miss.wright3035]

The PR99 pinch roller ctr bearing was seized on the shaft. Had to cover surrounding area with aluminum foil and used my rework heat gun on it. It worked but I had about 10 sec's to yank it out before it cooled. Your videos are very valuable !

[@BogoEN]

I just picked up an Otari MX5050 8SHD 8-track 1/2 machine. Just looking at how much rust is inside the chassis is making me realize this lack of schedule is what this machine will require. Great video, and appreciate your zen while working on what some would consider a tedious task.

[@deadmaydie]

Looking forward to more on this project and Looper sounds awesome. ;-)

[@AbominusRules]

very interesting. thanks for sharing and ill continue to watch!

[@marke5174]

Oooh that music....

[@micindir4213]

The track is absolute quality. How you achieved such clear timestretch effect? It stayed with me after the video, which says something!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Hey mic indir! Thanks for your comment and question my friend, it inspired yesterday’s session! It was my Eventide H3500 responsible for the time trenching on ‘Looper’ (the entire track was made with the H3500!). Check out my session upload Jan. 28.2022 Thanks again mic indir 🙏 -hw

[@chriswareham]

The "looper" track sounds like something Hainbach would create. Would love a breakdown of how you constructed it, and whether it's hardware or done all in the box.

[@derkernspalter]

Can i send you two my C-64s so you can recap them? Just kidding. :P

[@WestCoastDP]

Good job. Where did you get that circlip tool? And, the bearings?

[@ronthys]

La musique elle me plaît...Une version longue peut-être ?

[@twitch451]

Awesome!! Hands on gear porn ;) Beautifully done sir. I'm jealous! :D