Introduced in the early 1980's, the Studer A800 remains the preferred choice for music studios and producers worldwide, particularly in the USA. A large machine, with sturdy and fast transport, the A800 has a solid, 'punchy' bottom end and well defined sound throughout. Mechanically and electronically quite complex, the machine is reliable, but does need frequent set-up and maintainance, particularly after being moved.
Studer Mark One
Wide gap between erase and record/sync heads makes drop-in and drop-out awkward. 316 type heads ('soft' heads, preferred by some for audio quality).
Studer Mark Two (1983)
Redesigned power supply electronics improved reliablity. Close stacked erase/record and replay heads for fast drop-in/drop out. Heads as with the Mark One; 316 type ('soft' heads, preferred by some for audio quality).
Studer Mark Three (1986)
Generally fitted with close stacked 317 ('hard') heads, the 317 has longer life, but can only take a single polish (or 'lap'). As bottom end frequency response on the 317 heads differed, the reproduce electronics had to be modified, initally with a small piggyback circuit board (card suffix .82 as opposed to .81 for Mark Ones and Twos) and subsequently with card suffix .83 (as .82 but with additional electronics built into the circuit board).
The other significant difference on the Mark Three was that the machines was TRANSFORMERLESS as standard (the A800 has audio transformers for inputs and outputs built into the meter bridges). However buyers should be cautious; the Mark Three most commonoly known and requested has 317 ('hard') heads and is Transformerless, but several broadcast companies (including German and Austrian broadcast companies) specified 316 heads and transformers. We have encountered clients who bought genuine Mark Three machines from broadcast background, but believed that they had been supplied with Mark Two machines. It is for the buyer to ensure that he checks head types and transformers.
Studer Mark Three (1986)
Generally fitted with close stacked 317 ('hard') heads, the 317 has longer life, but can only take a single polish (or 'lap'). As bottom end frequency response on the 317 heads differed, the reproduce electronics had to be modified, initally with a small piggyback circuit board (card suffix .82 as opposed to .81 for Mark Ones and Twos) and subsequently with card suffix .83 (as .82 but with additional electronics built into the circuit board).
The other significant difference on the Mark Three was that the machines was TRANSFORMERLESS as standard (the A800 has audio transformers for inputs and outputs built into the meter bridges). However buyers should be cautious; the Mark Three most commonoly known and requested has 317 ('hard') heads and is Transformerless, but several broadcast companies (including German and Austrian broadcast companies) specified 316 heads and transformers. We have encountered clients who bought genuine Mark Three machines from broadcast background, but believed that they had been supplied with Mark Two machines. It is for the buyer to ensure that he checks head types and transformers.
General
When new, the A800 was always supplied with audio remote switching unit and remote autolocate. In Europe, this was not always so, and many ex broadcast machines do not have remotes. Although not essential if working with modern automated consoles such as SSL, most buyers require remotes and locates, particularly in the USA.
Spares
The A800 was discontinued in 1988, and spares are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Funky Junk has bought most of the remaining A800 spares from Studer in Switzerland for our in house service department, and additionally will from time to time dismantle machines for spares. Although we like to be able to supply spares to clients, we must limit this service to those who have purchased machines from us, to ensure that we retain sufficient spares for servicing machines and honouring our after-sales warranty.
