My first post, lots of images to show you........

 

It's a very special disco rig (front end) that dates back to 1975, and was used at least once a week for over 16 years. 

 

First image.......(loads more to follow), in storage and cased up. 

 

Has been in storage in Somerset for many years:

 

Thanks.  The original cases were by Packhorse and blue.  The cases pictured were made in 1992.

The self-op / engineers desk in detail:

 

 

The DJ / presenters mixer in detail........bare minimum of controls!

 

Notice no gain trim, just a fader and PFL for each input.......then remote machine starts, talk-back & metering.

 

The usual stage layout..............

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It could be said that millions of people listened to the output from the equipment!  

 

Originally the Friday night broadcasts were from the Empire Ballrooms (London), then for many years the venue would have been the Lyceum in the Strand (also London)........

 

In later years, there were many OB's from venues outside of central London.

 

The equipment pictured above was always used with a very nice PA system........more details to follow in later posts.

 

  

 

Would love to see some pics of the rig in action, all multipin'd up, proper tour spec mentally, doubtless the best sound you can get from a disc to output......

 

Awesome!

 

 

 

I will find some black & white images and post up......but yes, this OB set-up was very high quality. 

 

Incredible sounds. 

 

The sound / tech performance had to good, as this was in the days of IBA "code of practice", when ALL ILR studio output (including outside broadcasts) had to be to a set (and very strict) minimum standard!

 

The custom desks were made by Raindirk (Norfolk or Suffolk based IIRC)........google Raindirk to see their impressive client list. 

 

NO IC's in the audio signal path, all discrete components.  These desks ran warm / very hot - especially the engineers desk.

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

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

 

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).

 

Mike's was the first really big system I heard (at the Lyceum) like you I was gobsmacked at the quality and power of that system.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left pic: Mike Allen                                                             Right pic: Peter Young

 

 

 

Top: Mike Allen............Middle: Greg Edwards........Bottom: Graeme Dean

 

 

 

 

Re Froggy,he was using the matamp/Orange rig from around 1971-79,the big ASS rig first appeared late '79 early 1980.

love to hear that 

nice and refreshing upload!!

 

The first amps they used with the Martin rig were Phase Linear.

 

They were soon replaced by Crown DC300A 's (for mids & highs) and BGW's for bottom end.

 

A few years onwards, and they were using Crown PSA 2's......

 

By that time they were doing outdoor gigs too, like Pickets Lock Centre (north London), and Leatherhead Leisure centre (Funk & Soul alldayers).

 

When you look at amplifier power outputs of that era, the Martin Audio kit HAD to be high sensitivity / horn loaded throughout. 

 

Without a doubt Dave Martin was "on the ball".

 

Nowadays we know them as "Capital Sound Hire", the Merton / Wimbledon based company run by Keith Davis. 

 

I heard the complete MARS Martin rig was sold to a PA company in Italy. 

 

This would have been because Capital Sound needed to make room for the RS1200 stock that was to be the new standard in quick rigging flown PA.      

 

I may visit or phone Keith during the week find out for sure. 

 

Having moved to Somerset, I have not seen or spoken to Keith Davis for over 20 years.

 

Spoke with Keith Davis today (Capital Sound Hire), he is 100% sure the MARS Martin rig was sold to a customer abroad, but cannot recall the country. 

 

Original owner of the PA system (Mike Allen) may know, but sadly it's not possible to ask him.