1989 Amek TAC Matchless 36 channel console, includes stand with 12 extra channel strips and parts/project - needs some standard maintenance.
Located in a smoke free studio in NE San Antonio. We are moving to a more outboard approach and
need the added footprint in the control room so it’s time to make space.
This console is LARGE- roughly 96”Wx37”D. It takes 4-5 people to move
Print and digital manual with schematics included.
The desk has been in service & has been largely functioning
as 16 preamps and eq’s via 16 busses as analog front end in a hybrid digital/analog studio.
36/8/2 inline configuration for running tape, fx, monitoring, and returns or using your digital IO like a
tape machine.
Left side of board is mostly operational along with the master bus. Right side of board is not connected
for unknown reasons. Phantom/+48v is currently disconnected due to patchbay requirements, we use inline external 48v where necessary and it was worth the extra step for the tone of the
channel strips. The power supply was reconditioned professionally in Austin a few years back.
The board was taken apart and cleaned down to the switch and potentiometer about eight months ago
with enough success to complete several entire records over the following period. The sound has a lot of
dimension and the British EQ is excellent as one would expect. Most of the 24 left side preamps are solid
and Langley mic pre/capacitor kits for the strips are available online for around $50 per channel should you
choose to refurbish them. Inserts seem to work for most channels. Auxes have not passed audio while used in our studio but
that has not been a priority for us so we left that issue unaddressed.
Meter bridge is functional but no backlights are working.
The 12 extra channel strips are from a 1987 Matchless and have not been serviced or tested. 3 complete
24 pair Elco to TRS snakes are also included. The
There is an extender card and a box of lamps for the channel buttons included as well. We have yet to
see a channel light but the aforementioned channel strips work fine otherwise.
This would be a good project for anyone with some electronics knowledge, workshop space and time to
go through everything, or you could start refurbishing strips and be recording as you work. Or refurb and
flip strips and make a profit.
Local pickup preferred but driveway delivery is an option in south central Texas. If you want to send a
truck for it we can schedule a time as well.
