Categories: Pro Audio Archive

Orban Audio Processors of the 1980s

Download the four-page circa 1984 Orban ‘condensed catalog’:

DOWNLOAD: OrbanCondCatalog

Photos and descriptions (no specs) of the following models: Orban 111B reverberation; 245F stereo synthesizer; 418A stereo compressor/limiter; 424A Gated compressor/limiter/De-Esser (i.e.,  ‘make-it-as-loud-as-the-FCC-will-allow’ box); 516EC 3-channel De-Esser; 526A De-esser; 622B 2-channel parametric equalizer; 672A equalizer; 674A stereo equalizer.

I have been using a 111B reverb for many years in the studio to augment the usual reverb plug-ins.  It is the best spring reverb unit I have come across.  I have found that it absolutely needs a little pre-delay applied, or else weird phase cancellation occurs when I sum the reverb output back into the board along with the direct signal.  There are may easy ways to do this, but it is worth noting.

Orban was founded three decades ago by Bob Orban.  They have always made audio equipment aimed at the radio broadcast market.  Prices for their classic 80’s gear were reasonable until recently.  Plenty of these out there, tho, so if yr patient and you will get a deal.

Since Orban is in the business of supplying broadcasters, their website have excellent technical support.  You can download the original manuals for all their products at this link on their site.

chris

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  • Hello,

    I have an Orban and I have trouble setting up the right amount of reverb. I can hear it, but somehow the signal is weird.
    I work on a tape machine with a mixer, it is plugged in the effect send/return of the console, I don't know what to get as a pre-delay.
    Do you have any advice?

    • Sounds like you need a pre-delay. Any 16-bit/44K stereo digital delay should be more than adequate. You can get a used lexicon for prolly around $100 on eBay. good luck. c.

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