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Average Price: $347

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$499

$1700+

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High-end

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Description

The Studer A820 Master Recorder is a legendary piece of analog recording technology, cherished by audio professionals for its unparalleled sound quality and precision engineering. This multitrack recorder is a staple in studios that prioritize warmth and depth in their recordings. Renowned for its smooth tape handling, the A820 ensures a consistent and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for both archival purposes and new production projects.

As a flagship model from Studer, the A820 offers a robust set of features that cater to the discerning needs of audio engineers. Its sophisticated transport system, coupled with a highly stable capstan servo, delivers exceptional tape speed accuracy and low wow and flutter. The advanced electronics of the A820 are designed to minimize distortion and noise, ensuring that every nuance of the recorded material is captured with stunning clarity.

The intuitive interface and meticulous build quality make the Studer A820 not just a tool, but a partner in the creative process. Whether you're laying down tracks for a new album or preserving classic recordings, the A820 provides the fidelity and reliability that professional studios demand.

Key Features:

  • Renowned smooth tape handling for optimal performance
  • Sophisticated transport system with highly stable capstan servo
  • Exceptional tape speed accuracy with minimal wow and flutter
  • Advanced electronics for minimized distortion and noise
  • Intuitive interface for ease of use in professional settings
  • Ideal for both archival and new production projects

Product specs

Brand Studer
Model A820 Master Recorder 1/2" 2-Track Tape Machine
Finish Standard
Year 1980s
Made In Germany
Categories Recording Gear

FAQs

What tape speed options are available on the Studer A820 Master Recorder?

The Studer A820 Master Recorder offers tape speed options typically at 15 and 30 inches per second, providing flexibility for different recording needs and sonic qualities.

How many tracks can the Studer A820 Master Recorder handle?

The Studer A820 is designed as a 1/2" 2-track tape machine, ideal for high-quality stereo recordings.

Is the Studer A820 Master Recorder suitable for professional studio use?

Yes, the Studer A820 is renowned for its professional-grade build and sound quality, making it a staple in high-end recording studios.

What are the key features that distinguish the Studer A820 from other tape machines?

The Studer A820 is known for its precision engineering, robust build, and superior sound quality, often featuring advanced electronic controls and automation for optimal recording performance.

Can the Studer A820 Master Recorder be used for mastering purposes?

Yes, the Studer A820 is often used in mastering due to its high fidelity and ability to deliver detailed, warm analog sound.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Studer A820 Master Recorder.

Build quality

  • The fascia of the Studer A820 often features well-used splicing block and razor blade scars, indicating its robust use in professional settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Studer A820, when used at 1/2" 2-track at 30ips without noise reduction, is slightly edged out by the Ampex ATR-100 in audio quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Studer A820 offers a range up to 2" 24-track, marking it as the last of the Studer analog series with high versatility in track options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Jon Bellion frequently records at Cove City Sound Studios, which houses two Studer A820 units, emphasizing its prominent use in professional music production environments.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Studer A820 is listed in this blog

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Muzines

As listed in this 1990 interview on the Music Magazine Archive

See how Steve Albini uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist

Big Black

...
Verified via reddit

Steve Albini utilized a Study A820 Master Record while recording The Breeders' "Title TK" album.

"Recorded to GP9 on a Studer A820."

See how Sheryl Crow uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Sheryl Crow

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

"Within Kingsway, a large foyer doubled as a listening area, while through an archway to the left there was a control room containing a 1976 custom API console that had formerly been housed at the Record Plant in New York. Twin stacks of 1965 Tannoy Gold monitors had been imported from Abbey Road, while the rest of the gear included a Studer A820 with Dolby SR, a 12-channel Neve desk," states this article about Sheryl Crow and her producers.

See how André 3000 uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

André 3000

Singer, Rapper

Outkast

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used to track Outkast's Speakerboxx/The Love Below.

See how Norah Jones uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Norah Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Puss N Boots

...
Verified via Gearslutz

Used to record Come Away With Me, as mentioned by producer Jay Newland in this transcribed March 2005 interview.

"The first time I heard Norah Jones sing at a rehearsal before our initial sessions, I knew she had a truly great voice," says Jay. "I only mention this because it's the crucial first link in the chain. The recording chain for 'Don't Know Why,' as well as most of the rest of the record, was a Neumann M 49 microphone into a Manley tube mic pre. We tried other mics, a [Neumann] U 47 and a [AKG] C12vr, but the M 49 had the right amount of 'air' while maintaining a real fullness and warmth. The tube pre was also warm but a little less colored than, say, a vintage Neve pre, which I love in many cases. This went into one side of a Manley Vari-mu compressor with a fast attack and release setting. The threshold was high so it was barely hitting the compressor. The Vari-mu can also be very transparent, which is why I liked it for this application. This went to BASF (Emtec) 900 analog tape at 15 ips on a STUDER A820 with Dolby SR. Although I like Pro Tools HD, we did not use Pro Tools on this session. No Auto-Tuning. The console is custom built by Al Fierstein, owner of Sorcerer Sound, and is called Acoustilog."

See how Howard Jones uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Howard Jones

Singer, Keyboardist

The Conspirators

...
Verified via Muzines

The hardware is impressive: an E-series 48-channel SSL with total recall; Westlake BBSM10 and NS10 monitors; a recently acquired Mitsubishi 850 32-track; 24-track Studer A800III; Studio 3 synchroniser; Sycologic MIDI Matrix; Studer A820 2-track; Technics DAT player; Macintosh II computers; a whole range of effects, including Lexicons, AMS, Focusrite PSU121, Teletronics LA24 limiter/compressor ("they're like gold dust. It sounds great on my voice"), SPX90s and so on.

See how Big Boi uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Big Boi

Rapper, Music Producer

Zulu Nation

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used to track Outkast's Speakerboxx/The Love Below.

See how Igorrr uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Igorrr

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

2:17 in this official Igorrr music video released in 2020 shows this machine playing a piece of the new Igorrr song Parpaing.

See how Mary J. Blige uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Mary J. Blige

Singer

Various Artists for Children's Promise

...
Verified

Mary J. Blige's use of the Studer A820 Master Recorder was confirmed by Prince Charles Alexander in an interview, stating: "We used Studer A820 tape machines, and we might have had A827’s also. Anyone who knows their technology knows that a Studer A-820 and A-827 were like the Mercedes Benz and Rolls Royce of analog tape machines."

See how Mad Professor uses Studer A820 Master Recorder

Mad Professor

Music Producer

...
Verified via Ariwa Sounds | Renowned Reggae studio in South London

Ariwa Sounds is Mad Professor's studio in London since 1979. There is an extensive list of the studio gear provided on the website.

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 Studer A820 Master Recorder, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Neumann M149 Tube
Neumann M149 Tube Condenser Microphones
2
Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
2
Avalon VT-737SP
Avalon VT-737SP Preamps & Channel Strips
2
Apple Macintosh II
Apple Macintosh II Computers & Peripherals
2
Lexicon 480L
Lexicon 480L Effects Processors
2
Avalon AD2055
Avalon AD2055 Effects Processors
2
Akai MPC60
Akai MPC60 Production & Groove
1

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