von Gert Redlich im Feb. 2019 - Von einem neuen Kontakt in Mainz ist uns eine US-Preisliste aus 1964 zur Verfügung gestellt worden. Dort sind nicht nur alle 1963er Ampex-Produkte aufgeführt, auch deren technische Daten und Besonderheiten und - ganz ganz wichtig - auch mal die US-Dollar-Preise aus dieser Zeit.

In 1964 hatte Ampex bereits so richtig viel Gegenwind bei den professionellen Audio-Bandmaschinen. Die ernsthaften direkten Wettbewerber waren Studer aus der Schweiz und Telefunken aus Deutschland. Die Firmen aus dem Ostblock (die Ostzone und Ungarn) bekamen im Westen keinen "Fuß in die Tür". Alleine bei den Video-Recordern für die weltweiten Fernsehsender und bei den Data-Bandspeichern, die sie für IBM gebaut hatten, waren sie fast noch alleine auf dem Weltmarkt. Bei den wissenschaftlichen Instrumenten-Recordern für tieffrequente Ereignisse wie Erdbeben und Erdöl mussten sie sich mit Schlumberger schlagen.
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AMPEX EUROPA GMBH
DUSSELDORFER STRASSE 24
FRANKFURT/MAIN
GERMANY - TELEPHONE: (0611) 252001

NOTICE: THIS AUTHORIZED PRICE LIST COVERS DELIVERY OF 100 PER CENT USA MADE GOODS AND CONTAINS SUFFICIENT INFORMATION FOR YOU TO ISSUE DELIVERY ORDERS. BUY U.S. EXEMPTIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED. IT IS A COMPLETED CONTRACT THAT OFFERS DELIVERED COST ADVANTAGES TO YOU THAT QUALIFY FOR REPORTING UNDER THE COST REDUCTION PROGRAM. BASE SUPPLY OFFICERS SHOULD CODE THEIR STOCK RECORDS TO REFLECT THIS BUSH CONTRACT APL AS THE SOURCE FOR GOODS IDENTIFIED HEREIN.
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Ampex was founded in 1946 by Alexander M. Poniatoff, an electrical and mechanical engineer. Our name comes from the initials of our founder, plus the letters EX for excellence. Ampex has specialized in the technology of magnetic tape recording and has set many of the electronic and mechanical standards of that industry. Today Ampex is expanding into wider fields by applying the same standards of excellence to the new requirements of industry, education, commerce, medicine, defense and communications.

The most practical method for collecting, storing and reproducing widely varied forms of data is magnetic tape recording. Magnetic tape recording allows the recording of picture, sound, digital information or analog signals in their original electrical form. It allows the immediate reproduction of those signals at the same speed at which they happened ... or at faster or slower speeds. Thus data can be captured and controlled.

Ampex introduced the first high quality audio recorder for radio broadcasting in 1947. Soon after, the company pioneered magnetic recording for laboratory and airborne instrumentation uses. Then from Ampex came high fidelity recording and stereophonic sound for the home, multi-channel stereo for wide screen motion pictures and high-performance tape transports and electronics for digital computers.

Next came the invention of the Videotape* television recorder, the development of miniature recorders for spacecraft and advanced multi-megacycle recorders for specialized use in defense, medicine and industry. Latest has been the introduction of ferrite and lithium core memory devices for electronic computers. In the future are a great many more new products from Ampex.
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• Anmerkung :
  Das muß etwas gerade gerückt werden. Denn vieles ist arg aufgehübscht bzw. definitiv falsch dargestellt.
• Ampex gab es bereits um oder vor 1944, als die kleine Spezial-Firma Antriebsmotoren für amerikanische Radar-Anlagen gebaut hatte. Diese ganz speziellen Militär- Entwicklungs- und Herstellungsverträge wurden sämtlich nach der Kapitulation Japans im Herbst 1945 von der US-Regierung ziemlich abrupt und gnadenlos gekündigt.
• Ampex "habe" viele Standards gesetzt - ist auch deftig übertrieben, die wichtigsten Standards bezüglich der Magnetbandtechnik kamen aus Deutschland und Ampex bzw. der allererste Ampex-Auftraggeber Bing Crosby hatte sie (Geschwindigkeit und Breite des Bandes leicht abgewandelt) übernommen.
• Ampex hat sicher in USA die erste Rundfunk- Bandmaschine gebaut und auch eingeführt, aber es war ein erkennbarer Ableger der deutschen AEG K4 Geräte, die von Jack Mullin herüber gebracht wurden.
• Angeblich kamen von Ampex die ersten Hifi-Home-Recorder. Das stimmt auch nicht, die hatte Ampex erst dann seinen teuren professionellen Maschinen "nachgeschoben", als andere US-Hersteller an Ampex (in diesem Home- Marktsegment) vorbeigezogen waren.
• Ampex hatte auch nicht den Videorecorder "erdacht" oder "erfunden", die Idee kam von dem Deutschen Dr. Fritz Schröter bereits in 1932, als der das Konzept in seinem Buch vorgestellt hatte. Der Deutsche Eduard Schüller hatte sogar ein Patent auf die Schrägspuraufzeichnung erhalten.
• Ampex hatte auch nicht den ersten Videorecorder entwickelt. Da gab es mehrere Firmen in den USA, die außer der großen RCA daran gearbeitet hatten. Ampex hatte dagegen 1956 den ersten wirklich sauber funktionierenden professionellen Videorecorder den US-Fernseh-Medien vorgestellt.
• Diese Historie ist also teilweise schon sehr weit hergeholt. Aber wir hatten ja auch erst 1964 und keiner kam auf die Idee, sich mit dem Weltmarktführer Ampex "anzulegen". (Ein Vergleich mit den gepflegten Legenden und Mythen um Walter Bruch ist durchaus angesagt.

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DESCRIPTION
Records and plays 4-track stereo and monophonic; also plays half-track and full track. Two tape speeds: 7 1/2 and 3 1/4 ips. Three separate heads, erase, record, playback, give maximum performance for each specific function plus ability to monitor tape while recording. Ampex Fine Line alignment holds tape in ultra-precise position on the 4-track heads.

VU-type record-level meters and record indicator lights for each channel. Specially designed hysteresis-synchronous motor with internal fan. Simplified control system - only two knobs for all transport actions. Automatic shut-off. Multiple sound-on-sound facility.
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• MODEL 4450: Uncased basic deck with record and playback electronics.
• MODEL 4452: Same as 4450 but with mike input jacks on top plate instead of side and without playback volume control.
• MODEL 4460: Same as 4450 but in portable case. (Add two 2044 speaker/amplifiers for a complete portable stereo system.)
• MODEL 4470: Complete stereo system in one portable case. Uses basic 4450 deck, adds built-in dual-channel amplifier (3 watts peak each channel) and two 7" eliptical speakers, sound-directing panels. Speakers disconnect when headset plugged in. Can also be used with external speakers (such as Model 2044) or external hi-fi or sound system.
• MODEL 2044 SPEAKER/AMPLIFIER: Designed for use with any of above recorders. Can be used singly for monophonic or used as a matched pair for stereo. 10-watt amplifier, 8" speaker and a tweeter with crossover network, in compact portable case (matching recorder's case).

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DESCRIPTION
Uses time-proven basic Ampex 600 transport design, but with new advancements and all new electronics, Lightweight, small size, yet rugged construction.

Sturdy, die-cast parts, high quality components and safety factors well above specifications, assure reliable operation during rugged operating conditions in field use, even after rough handling. Operation is simple, yet provides full fidelity recording and playback to meet professional requirements. Can also be rack mounted (with adaptor panels) for in-studio recording and playback.

Operates in horizontal or vertical position. Three separate heads, individual record and playback electronics. Individual mixing controls for mike and for line on each channel. Professional meters read directly all operating levels on each channel. Built-in low impedance mike transformer. Record/safe switch on each channel of 602-2 models. Hysteresis Synchronous drive motor. DC filament for low noise. Cool operation (silicon diode rectifiers).

MODEL 622 speaker/amplifier is designed for use with any 602 recorder. Can be used singly for monophonic or used as a matched pair for two channel operation. Portable case matches recorder case. 10-watt amplifier, special design 8" full-range speaker. Has jack for external speaker.

DESCRIPTION
Compact professional recorder for portable or rack mounting (takes only 14" of vertical rack space). Studio quality performance. Can be operated by remote control. Plug-in equalizers and transformers. Gently handles thin base tapes. Four-position head assembly with separate erase, record and playback heads; extra position for optional, 4-track stereo playback head or special requirements. Front panel accessibility to all bias, level and equalization alignment controls. Positive push button control; relay-solenoid operation.

Large, continuous duty, hysteresis synchronous motor. Eddy-current clutch system. Horizontal or vertical operation. Compact electronics include "record-safe" switch, "A-B" monitor switches and hi-lo speed equalization switches. Individual record and playback electronics. Record selector on 2-channel model permits half-track stereo, or parallel track monophonic and sound-on-sound recording. Two dual-speed models: 7 1/2-15 ips or 3 3/4-7 1/2ips. Matching speaker/amplifier (Model SA-10) and professional mixer (Model MX-10) available (see accessories).

DESCRIPTION
Professional recorders designed to sustain professional quality over a long life of continuous duty operation. Three motors, including two torque motors and heavy-duty, hysteresis synchronous direct drive motor. Pushbutton, relay-solenoid operation permits using optional full-remote, plug-in control. Reel size selector switch adjusts tension.

Individual electronics panels for each channel; input selector switch for low-Z mike, unbalanced or balanced bridging inputs. Large VU meter has selector; reads input, tape level, bias and erase current. Separate record and play electronics permit monitoring while recording. Dual speed models, 7 1/2 - 15ips or 3 3/4 - 7 1/2ips.

DESCRIPTION
Uses same transport as 351 series, but combines its two electronic channels into one compact unit. Fits into same space required for a single-channel electronics. Front panel access to electronic alignment. "Record-safe" switch, "A-B" monitor switches. Record selector permits halftrack, stereo or parallel track monophonic and sound-on-sound recording. May be fully remote controlled. Unbalanced bridge inputs; balanced bridge or line inputs available with accessory plug-in transformer.

DESCRIPTION
Uses same basic transport as 351 series, but contains playback facilities only ... protects irreplaceable tape recordings from accidental erasure. One-channel model has Full-track reproduce head; two-channel model has two-track reproduce head (quarter track reproduce head available on special order).
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DESCRIPTION
Unexcelled performance verified by the continued domination of these units in the professional master recording industry. Available in single or multi-channel models (2 to 8 channels), up to three equalizations and a variety of mounting types. Transport uses three precision, heavy-duty motors.

Rigid unit assembly virtually eliminates flutter and wow; massive flywheel, precision capstan drive and long tape path assure no skewing. Starts and stops instantaneously.

Fast/slow start switch permits "on" and "stand-by" capstan motor operations; provisions made for remote control. Precision head alignment assures perfect playback of multi-channel recordings. Exclusive Sel-Sync* optional feature provides switching to convert any of the heads to serve as temporary playback while others are still recording; permits sound-on-sound recording and other special effects.

A-B switch allows monitoring by VU meter, headphones plugged into front panel, or by line-connected studio monitor circuit. Sel-Sync* only available on units with 3 or more channels. All models available in console or unmounted configuration.
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DESCRIPTION
The Ampex VR-1100 transistorized Videotape Television Recorder/Reproducer provides operating economies in all studio and mobile TV programming applications. The all solid-state design of the VR-1100 yields long-term performance and reliability requiring minimum routine maintenance. In addition, no special air-conditioning is required under normal operating conditions. It also offers compatibility and interchangeability with all standard broadcast recorders. An array of accessories are available to provide additional production flexibility at the lowest possible cost.