This page about Ampex Corporation 601 is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step back in time with the Ampex 601, a classic preamp that has been a staple in recording studios since the 1950s. Known for its distinctive tube sound, the Ampex 601 provides a warm and rich audio quality that is highly sought after by musicians and producers alike. This vintage piece captures the essence of analog recording, bringing an authentic touch to your modern studio setup.

The Ampex 601 is equipped with a high-gain, low-noise tube preamp section, which is perfect for capturing the subtle nuances of vocals and instruments. Its easy-to-use controls and rugged design ensure that it can handle the demands of both studio and live environments. This preamp is not just a piece of history; it's a functional tool that continues to deliver exceptional audio quality.

Whether you're looking to enhance your recordings with a bit of vintage charm or simply want to explore the sound of classic rock and jazz, the Ampex 601 is a versatile and reliable choice. Its timeless appeal and consistent performance make it a valuable addition to any recording arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Classic tube preamp design
  • High-gain, low-noise performance
  • Warm and rich sound quality
  • Rugged construction for studio and live use
  • Simple control interface for ease of use

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampex Corporation 601.

Setup and maintenance

  • Ensure the input transformer is present; it's a plug-in device essential for using the 601 as a mic preamp with standard mics.

    Source
  • Disconnect the power and playback head connectors before testing to avoid unnecessary power to the tape transport mechanism.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider replacing main power supply electrolytic capacitors if experiencing 120-Hz hum, as they may have decreased in value over time.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The VU meter on the Ampex 601 is full-size and noted for its quality, adding a significant visual and functional element to the device.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mick Gordon uses Ampex Corporation 601

Mick Gordon

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

"off/on. Fabulous old Ampex 601 preamp resurrected from the dead. ????????????"

See how John Mellencamp uses Ampex Corporation 601

John Mellencamp

Guitarist, Singer

Buzzin' Cousins

...
Verified via John Mellencamp's Official Website

Used on No Better Than This, as stated in this August 17, 2010 Music Angle (now Analog Planet) article archived on Mellencamp's official website.

Equipped with John Mellencamp's then recently acquired vintage 1/4" reel-to-reel 1955 Ampex 601 mono tape recorder and a pair of iconic 50's era RCA ribbon microphones ( a 77 DX and 44 used singly) presumably supplied by producer T-Bone Burnett, the duo, accompanied by Mellencamp's wife Elaine, who shot the album's cover photo, hit the road during a break in last summer's Bob Dylan-John Mellencamp-Willie Nelson tour to record thirteen freshly penned songs Mr. Mellencamp had written over thirteen prolific days.

See how quickly, quickly uses Ampex Corporation 601

quickly, quickly

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

QQ uses the ampex 601 for tracking guitar + bass

See how Ivan Julian uses Ampex Corporation 601

Ivan Julian

Guitarist

Richard Hell & The Voidoids

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Ivan Julian shows us his eclectic collection at Super Giraffe Sound" on YouTube, Ivan Julian is seen at 34:02 demonstrating the use of an Ampex 601 Tape Machine.

Album Usage

The Ampex Corporation 601 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ampex Corporation 601, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Ampex Corporation Preamps

Avalon VT-737SP

$1,500.00 - $4,168.00

# 1

Rank

Matthew Bellamy Skrillex Chris Stapleton
106 artists using
API 512c

$827.95 - $968.00

# 2

Rank

Kevin Parker Jack White Ray Toro
33 artists using
AMS Neve 1073

$3,176.89 - $4,115.00

# 4

Rank

Kevin Parker Billie Joe Armstrong John Mayer
86 artists using
Focusrite ISA One

$511.00 - $699.99

# 5

Rank

Mac DeMarco Lil Peep Bonobo
10 artists using
Universal Audio 4-710D

$1,750.00 - $1,999.00

# 6

Rank

Ray Toro Dijon Oneohtrix Point Never
10 artists using
AMS Neve 1073LB

$931.59 - $1,285.00

# 7

Rank

Chris Martin Lorn Manny Marroquin
14 artists using
Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

$333.00 - $464.00

# 8

Rank

Chris Cornell Masaru Teramae James Taylor
11 artists using
Rupert Neve Designs 511

$769.00 - $849.00

# 9

Rank

Josh Dun Oliver Ackermann Bibio
5 artists using
AMS Neve 1073DPA

$1,933.22 - $2,830.00

# 10

Rank

Steven Wilson Avicii Matt Berry
12 artists using
AMS Neve 1073 SPX Preamp / EQ

$1,645.00 - $2,095.00

# 11

Rank

Geddy Lee Keshi Andy Morin
9 artists using
Warm Audio WA73-EQ

$729.00 - $899.00

# 12

Rank

George Clanton Josh Turner nothing,nowhere.
6 artists using
Focusrite ISA Two

$795.00 - $999.99

# 14

Rank

Frank Ocean Yuki Kajiura Sick Individuals
3 artists using
Universal Audio 710 Twin-Finity

$849.00 - $999.00

# 16

Rank

Josh Farro Steve Aoki Bad Snacks
5 artists using
ART Tube MP

$45.00 - $129.99

# 17

Rank

Mac McCaughan Tobin Sprout Andre .S
5 artists using
Audient ASP880

$760.02 - $1,799.99

# 18

Rank

Tim Henson Alex RĂŒdinger beaux
5 artists using
Great River ME-1NV MIC PREAMP

$980.00 - $1,435.00

# 21

Rank

Andy Schichter Matt Didemus
2 artists using
Art Tube MP Project Series

$143.00 - $169.00

# 22

Rank

James Petralli mndsgn Mirrored Theory
3 artists using
ART Pro MPA II

$492.00 - $579.00

# 24

Rank

Josh Turner Ivan Julian Zac Tiessen
3 artists using
Warm Audio WA12

$230.00 - $449.00

# 25

Rank

George Clanton Jonwayne
2 artists using
Vintech Audio X73i

$1,200.00 - $1,375.00

# 26

Rank

Joe Bonamassa Kashiwabara Yuzuru Headscan
3 artists using
AMS Neve 1073DPX Dual Mic Preamp / EQ

$2,999.00 - $3,655.00

# 28

Rank

Travis Barker Madison Beer Jon Bellion
4 artists using
Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast

$549.00 - $699.00

# 29

Rank

Mandrax Icon
1 artist using
BAE Audio 1073 MP

$1,233.00 - $1,370.00

# 30

Rank

Mk.gee Travis Scott Deadmau5
12 artists using
API 3124+

$2,380.00

# 31

Rank

Aphex Twin Toru Kitajima Hozier
17 artists using
sE Electronics DM1 Dynamite

$68.40 - $109.00

# 32

Rank

Logan Paul
1 artist using
Triton Audio FetHead

$55.99 - $79.95

# 33

Rank

DJ Jino
1 artist using
Avalon VT-747SP

$3,866.00

# 34

Rank

Armin Van Buuren Boys Noize Diplo
13 artists using
ART Voice Channel

$440.24 - $689.99

# 36

Rank

MatuĂȘ Nico Astegiano
2 artists using
BAE Audio 1084

$1,200.00 - $3,945.00

# 37

Rank

Kevin Shields The Weeknd Justin Meldal-Johnsen
7 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides