Early audio control 520a

[johnny_boy]

Hi All,

I just bought myself an AudioControl 520a from eBay, that I received today. I was cleaning it up before plugging it in and testing it, and was baffled by what I saw: in the spot for serial number, I see 0002, hand-carved... This got me thinking, wait, is that possible? I checked the transistors; they're all dated 7703, so indeed very early production for audio control, given that, from the sources I found, the company was founded in 1977 also, and the 520a was their first device. I also read that Greg Mackie started the business out of his basement in 1977, could it be he did not have the tools to stamp the serial 0002 yet?

I mean, there's probably no way to know for sure, but anyone knows enough audio history could tell me if I may have the 0002 unit 520a, or if that number means something else? It would not change much how I use it, I just love it and am glad I have it, but I don't know, I feel that would be exciting to have search an early piece, and autographed!

And yes, all original and works as it should, smooth control, good and even gains, everything still perfect almost 50 years after.

 

[Buck Rogers]

The "Hand carving" is a Electric engraver.

It's a common way to add an indelible marking to a metal chassis.

Edit: Be-careful those switches have internal grease that when ages can be problematic.

Cool Item for sure~~!

 

[RVT1K]

Hi All,

I just bought myself an AudioControl 520a from eBay, that I received today. I was cleaning it up before plugging it in and testing it, and was baffled by what I saw: in the spot for serial number, I see 0002, hand-carved... This got me thinking, wait, is that possible? I checked the transistors; they're all dated 7703, so indeed very early production for audio control, given that, from the sources I found, the company was founded in 1977 also, and the 520a was their first device. I also read that Greg Mackie started the business out of his basement in 1977, could it be he did not have the tools to stamp the serial 0002 yet?

I mean, there's probably no way to know for sure, but anyone knows enough audio history could tell me if I may have the 0002 unit 520a, or if that number means something else? It would not change much how I use it, I just love it and am glad I have it, but I don't know, I feel that would be exciting to have search an early piece, and autographed!

And yes, all original and works as it should, smooth control, good and even gains, everything still perfect almost 50 years after.

Unfortunately there is no single convention for applying serial numbers to essentially anything, every company does its own thing.

All that being said, I think you could present a strong argument that you have the 2nd production unit.