A very special disco rig..........

 

As per above post, great sounds, proper analogue warmth and amazing clarity! 

 

Desk manufacturer Raindirk knew what they were doing. 

 

Even the CAP RAD custom built "gram amps" (RIAA pre amps) housed within the turntable flight-cases were special!

 

Yes, external PSU.....for both desks.

 

Turntables are Technics SP-10 Mk2.  Modified by CAP RAD engineering dept. 

 

Original cartridges would have been Sure SC-35.........there was not a lot of choice back then!

 

The Ortofon carts were fitted soon after they became available - perhaps late 80's / early 90's.

 

This rig has not been used for many years!

 

I purchased it from Cap Rad mid 90's........By that time the disco "thing" had all but gone out of fashion. 

 

The later gigs for this OB rig were the "best disco out of town" series (DJ Phil Allen)......

 

Finally, Chris Tarrant did many breakfast show OB's specials using this rig from many counties around the world...........

 

At this stage I had already purchased the pictured OB rig from CAP RAD and was hiring it to them! 

 

This was because the replacement Tweed Audio desks were "late" on being delivered.

 

Ironically, the Tweed Audio replacement desks were not used much, as by that time most ILR stations were in big troubles financially.  OB's and engineering dept staff were the first thing the accountants would axe. 

 

 

 

Alchemy .........when you mix a few things together, and great things happen.

 

 

Mid to late 70's were early days for London's Capital Radio.......

 

It was also early days for a then little known PA manufacturing company based just 200 yards away from Capital's studios at Euston Tower: Martin Audio (Stanhope Street).

 

Then you add a Capital Radio DJ that was into audio gear: Mike Allen.

 

Mike heard and purchased the classic Martin Audio 4k watt rig, comprising 

8 x 115 bins / 4 x philishaves / 4 x martin horn h/f + JBL bullet packs........

 

This rig was to be used for many years on a weekly basis for the "Best Disco In Town" gigs.

 

I knew Dave Martin (as I made some proto-type cabs for him), he said Mike Allen was treated to a fairly short (and loud) demo of a single stack at the Stanhope Street factory and immediately ordered the 4k system.

 

Back then, perhaps 4k watts was not considered to be a "big" PA system, but it was huge power for a disco rig!

 

Tony ASS may confirm, but I do not think Froggy (respect is due) was on the scene at that time.

 

How did it sound? 

 

Well the first time I heard this was at the Lyceum with THAT high quality front end (as pictured on page 1)

 

I was stunned. 

 

Simply amazing "in yer face" full bandwidth audio at very high SPL's.  You tend not to forget moments like that.

 

More info in later posts about MARS (Mike Allen Rental Services) the Martin rig, amps and the great road crew that he employed to maintain and set up the rig.

 

 

Surly you mean Mike Allen? who also supplied the Martin Audio system for "the best disco in town"
[/QUOTE]

 

Confusing, but Phil Allen was a Capital Radio presenter who did late night/early morning soul / funk shows - great presenter.

 

He had no connection with the equipment pictured, or any connection with the PA system, except for using it for outside broadcasts (Best Disco Out of Town).

 

 

See below for EQ pics. 

 

Internals pics are tricky as I have put it all away in the cases. 

It is mostly hard wired, with all modules shielded from each other.  If I get time will take internal pics.