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View Full Version : "World first installation of Infrasonic Monitor" Designed by Tom Hidley



Machineghost
12-18-2009, 01:36 AM
http://www.rast.com/bauten/20_Mmabatho/1010_3_montage.jpg

One interesting bit of information that I came across researching horn speaker systems was this:

http://www.reyaudio.com/large-e.html

"World first installation of Inflasonic Monitor reproduces 9Hz.
Designed by Tom Hidley, 1991"

Where is this you might ask? Here in sunny South Africa of course!

Mafikeng Recording Studios (formerly BOP Studios) http://www.mrstudios.co.za/

The speaker system was manufactured and installed by KINOSHITA.
Amplifiers are rumoured to have been a set of 1kW Van Den Hul FET based units. I have a good suspicion where those amplifiers might be now. Interestingly a guy that I know bought a set of "faulty" VDH 1kW amps from someone... put 1 and 1 together - these amps were custom built for BOP Studios and probably the only set in South Africa.
The amps are currenly at a friend of mine for repairs but it proves to be a difficult task as all the parts ID numbers have been removed to "protect" the design.

The QUESTION now begs...! Are those beautiful KINOSHITA monitos still installed and in use at MRS?

The studio complex had been sold to a private establishment and seems to have disappeared into the mist of the past. It is a pity really as it once where a world-class recording complex.

More image can be viewed here: http://www.rast.com/bauten.php?cat=bauten&dir=2&init_dir=0

I love the angular design of the building! Typical late 80's design.

http://www.mysouthafrica.tv/be_inspired/picture/412.html

I would like to undertake a trip to this studio. It is approximately 500 kms from where I live. Would be interesting to see it in real-life.

More info here: http://www.proaudioeurope.com/160/bop-studios-sa

A thread on the downfall of the studio: http://www.mio.co.za/forums/index.php?showtopic=13548


** Please note: I am not affiliated in any way whatsoever to the establishments listed above.

Machineghost
01-11-2010, 01:38 AM
The QUESTION now begs...! Are those beautiful KINOSHITA monitos still installed and in use at MRS?



I contacted the new owners and the answer is a resounding YES! Only problem seems that the amplification needs maintenance. Some tubes needs replacement 216 KT90 tube to be replaced... cough!!

Tri-amped with MANLEY Labs 600 Watt Reference "Ichiban" amplifiers. Cool hey...?