This is the Audio Processing Section of
The Broadcast Archive

Maintained by:
Barry Mishkind - The Eclectic Engineer
Last Update 7/7/07

Once upon a time, a man sat at a desk. If the audio got low, he would turn it up. If it got loud, he would turn it down.

If it suddenly jumped in level, it usually took the station off the air.

 

Audio Processors

Click on picture for larger view  
  ProGar - 1935

Designed by KSFO engineer. Plans sold
to Langevin, and sold commercially as 
the Langevin 119A
  Western Electric 110A - 1937
  RCA 96A - 1938 ($475)
 

Collins  26C - 1938-1941
  Western Electric 1126-A - 1939?
  Western Electric 1126-B- 1941?
  Western Electric 1126-C - 1946
  Collins 26W - 1946-1957
  GE BA-5-A  - 1947   
  SA38/39 - 1947
  GE BA-6-A ... 1949
  RCA BA6 - 1952
  Raytheon  RL10
  Frieze Audio Pilot - 196x
  Gates Level Devil
  Gates Sta-Level
  CBS Audimax
  CBS Volumax
  DAP
  Orban Optimod
  CRL
  Omnia
  Inovonics
  Aphex
  Orange County
  Arienne
  Broadcast Warehouse DSPX
 

 

Miscellaneous notes: 

From a German gearslutz user: Siemens had a first tube compressor "U13" in operation during the Olympic Games in Berlin, 1936. Only a handful were built - no units left in existence.

RCA / NBC ND-36 and ND-45 AGC units used at major national distribution centers in the late 1930's (based on construction and parts). Built by NBC in-house and not marketed, but heard by everyone nationwide.

 

I'd like to acknowledge assistance from Douglas Williams.