Around the Shop

At the Vintage King Tech Shop, we’ve had the privilege of working on some of the most iconic microphones in recording history. Each one tells a story, from the engineers who designed them to the artists who brought them to life in the studio. But every now and then, something truly special arrives on our bench—like this rare Neumann U60. Continue reading →

When a vintage Neve 33609 compressor arrives at the Vintage King Tech Shop, it's always cause for excitement. Especially the original “Metal Knob” 33609 units, which are becoming increasingly rare finds. This particular unit represents the first iteration of what would become one of the most revered stereo compressors ever made, featuring a completely discrete signal path and custom transformers that helped establish the signature Neve sound.   Continue reading →

At the Vintage King Tech Shop, we’ve had the privilege of restoring and selling countless vintage Neumann U47s over the years. They’ve come to us in every condition imaginable, from busted and broken to clean and pristine. But nothing compares to the three extraordinary microphones that arrived this week. Continue reading →

Every now and then, a piece of studio history comes through our doors that feels like holding a time machine—Neumann's U48 is one of those rare, remarkable microphones. Known as the sibling to the iconic U47, this rare microphone carries the same rich tonal characteristics that made its predecessor legendary, while introducing unique features of its own. Continue reading →

In the world of audio engineering, few names evoke as much reverence as Neve. The Neve 2254 compressor/limiter stands as a testament to this legacy, bridging the gap between vintage warmth and modern functionality. Originally designed in 1969, the 2254 quickly became a cornerstone in professional studios, famed for its rich, creamy sound and its ability to glue tracks together seamlessly. Continue reading →

Designed by Brad Plunkett in 1969, the UREI LA-3A audio leveler is a cult classic compressor known for its quick response and subtle harmonic distortion.  Plunket, who invented the wah pedal and worked on the 1176LN with Bill Putnum Sr., sought to combine vintage opto-style compression with the quickness, clarity, and punch of solid-state designs.  Continue reading →

The Vintage King Tech Shop is always buzzing with activity as our talented technicians restore classic studio gear to its former glory. This month, Vintage King Audio Technician Scott Krause is especially excited to be working on six vintage TAB/Telefunken W695 EQs. You might be familiar with the TAB/Telefunken V7x family of preamps, and while the EQs from that era are significantly more rare, they are equally as treasured. The TAB/Telefunken W695 is a solid-state 3-band equalizer, originally designed for German broadcast consoles in the 1970s.  Continue reading →

What comes to mind when you hear the term “vintage audio gear?”  Perhaps a well-worn preamp from the 70s, or a classic compressor from the 60s? It may be hard to believe, but gear as recent as 2004 can be considered vintage. While we work on our fair share of 1073s and 1176s here in the Vintage King Tech Shop, we also see a lot of modern classics, like this Avalon Design AD2055 equalizer and VT-737SP tube channel strip that recently came through the door. Keep scrolling to learn more about these popular pieces of outboard gear from not so long ago, and check out pictures of the internal components as our audio wizards work their magic. Continue reading →

Here at Vintage King, we love vintage studio gear of all kinds, but Helios consoles will always hold a special place in our hearts. Originally commissioned by Olympic Studios in 1969, Helios consoles have been used on countless hit records. Continue reading →