User:Tchrapkiewicz/sandbox

Audio Designs and Manufacturing (aka ADM Technology aka ADM), Detroit, Roseville, Troy, Michigan, USA Audio Designs and Manufacturing (ADM) was an international audio company incorporated in Detroit, Michigan in 1966 by Robert A. Bloom ('Bob Bloom'). Initially serving the recording industry, ADM branched into the Radio and Television Broadcast Markets, then the Film Industry. Sales were directly with staff in the US offices, and the company was distributed outside of the USA by Ampex International Operations. [11] Products ranged from standard to custom audio consoles, audio distribution systems, audio monitoring systems the Vu-Scan tm, the patented audio switching system Audex tm and Slidextm linear fader. About 50% of company revenue was from custom audio systems and consoles. In addition, standard and custom audio assemblies were produced - such as Distribution Amplifier Systems, Audio Switching Systems, Jackbay Systems and other components according to customer specifications. The systems were well known within the industry as being highly reliable, and as such most applications were for 'On-Air' situations. The company maintained a '5 year' warranty against all defects - including light bulbs. All components were highly serviceable and all systems were provided with redundant power supplies. Many systems and components are still in operation decades later. (Case: JO5351 operational since 1984 to 2022).

History and Locations: Bob Bloom had served some time in the US Navy and became well educated in electronic circuitry design and fabrication there. After Bob returned from the Navy, Bob Bloom worked with Bob Fine who was a well known recording engineer - producing many of the 'Mercury Living Presence' recordings. [14] Mr. Bloom worked with Mr. Fine while recording the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Bloom also worked with Artie Fields in Detroit. Bob Fine knew that Bob Bloom was being challenged in past jobs so he said, 'Why don't you go to Detroit and work with Artie Fields'. When Bob came to Detroit, he drove through Dearborn and couldn't believe how clean it was compared to his experience in NYC. Bob worked for Artie, built a studio, and designed other equipment for the studio, including a small 4 input (rotary) mixer. In 1966, Bob then started Audio Designs and Manufacturing in a small 1200 square foot storefront on Wyoming Avenue in Detroit. The neighborhood was in transition and Bob kept a dog there for added security. In 1967 Audio Designs moved to an industrial park at 15645 Sturgeon in Roseville Michigan. As business grew and facilities were strained, the business moved down the street to 16005 Sturgeon.

As the business continued to grow during the 70s and early 80s a new building was built at 1626 East Big Beaver Road in Troy, Michigan. During this time period, the formal name of the company was changed from 'Audio Designs and Mfg.' to 'ADM Technology' (June 1982)



Market Developments and History

The first systems developed were primarily in music audio mixing and production. After the first Artie Fields designs, recording consoles were developed for Robert Fine Productions in New York City [xxx Preservation Sound, Eargle], Techiku Recording in Japan [12][13], Muscle Shoals in Mississippi, Kenjo Sound in San Diego, Pampa Recording in Detroit, Mobile Recording (United Audio Truck/Detroit). Audio Designs and Mfg. designs were well known to be very reliable and rugged. They then branched into the Broadcast Industry, boasting very high reliability, immunity to Radio Frequency (RF) interference and a 5 year warranty on all parts and labor (even replacment light bulb packs were regularly shipped out). Market coverage was widespread with international shipments and government contracts. Further growth was found within the film production industry with significant shipments to Xian Film in China [pic], Glenn Glen Sound in Hollywood, California [5].

Novel Inventions and Developments:

The 'Audex' tm:

'Mixing Consoles' or audio 'Desks' - usually in Recording Studio applications often require many (on the order of 10s or 100s) input signals or connections. Operationally this can present an overwhelming task. Bob Bloom patented two systems (US Patent 3,626,097, December 1971 (with Haddock) and US Patent 3,631,470, December 1971) commercially referred to as the 'Audex'tm tm. This system was implemented in many early ADM recording consoles.

The 'Slidex' tm.

Early Professional audio mixing consoles or 'Desks' used rotary controls ('potentiometers' or 'pots'). As the number of inputs grew for audio consoles, several companies developed and used an 'inline' strip - where now the main pot was a linear fader. These were usually constructed of several cm long partially conductive circuit paths which varied the audio signal level. While this provided a superb user functionality, the exposed conductive paths were subject to dirt and soda intrusion, causing the audio path to malfunction. Bob Bloom (along with Sturtz and McGrath) developed and patented the 'Slidex' - a novel combination of a spiral metal piece which was controlled by a linear mechanism (US Patent: 3,736,801, June 1973). One end of this mechanical spiral then rotated a convention rotating (and sealed control). This method was impervious to external dirt, etc... At technical conferences, this robustness was demonstrating by pouring a popular Cola product over the console surface - and then demonstrating that the functionality was unaffected.

'''Digitally Controlled Analog Signal Path

The Glen Glenn Film console was designed in 1981 [10]. This was a 65 input channel mixer. Each channel contained a 6502 microprocessor driving 10 bit DACs controlling dbx2001 VCAs. This design was later carried into the 9000 series consoles. The automation system, while not an industry standard was an engineering first in the film industry. (The audio path of the Harris Broadcast Products 'MicroMac' analog path slightly predates this). [4] [5]

Implementations: Virtually every ADM console manufactured used the Slidextm linear fader. This included all Recording, Broadcast and Film Production applications. Many of the recording studio consoles also used the Audex tm system.

Input Module Development: 700 Series: The first model input strip was called the '700 Series'. This was a solid state, totally discrete transistor system operating on a single positive polarity power supply - usually 24 volts DC. These were the earliest Audio Designs systems - most hand built by Mr. Bloom and family/associates. These input strips constituted the Multitrack Recording Consoles produced by ADM.

770 Series: The 700 Series Design was further refined into the '770 series. This was also solid state, using discrete transistors and several integrated circuit operational amplifiers. This radically new, improved design operated from dual, positive and negative power supplys - usually plus and minus 20 volts DC. Further, the '201' operational amplifier was developed for the 770 series. The 201 was required to achieve maximum audio performance in noise level and dynamic range. The 770 input module could optionally contain signal processing functions such as equalization and logic functions - within the module and externally throughout the desk. While the fundamental module design was standard, it's architecture was such that minor modifications could be implemented in design and manufacturing. This architecture resulted in over 140 'standard' 770 family modules.[2] Each 770 module contained a Slidextm module for it's main gain control. The 770 series were used in the Recording and Broadcast Series consoles.

780 Series: In the late 1970, the 780 input module was developed which implemented further performance improvements along with an improved discrete operational amplifier - the 202. The 202 was used throughout the later history of ADM. The 780 removed any capability of signal processing and contained more standard logic functionality. This realized all standard input modules with little requirement (or opportunity) for non-standard module designs. This family later included a phase control switch, and simplified designs for the 2780 family. Mechanical integrity was also significantly improved to provide a more robust and reliable system for the Broadcast market.

Product Development: One of Mr. Blooms first designs in 1968 was a 24 by 16 track console with an automatic input switcher module [1]. Other early products were recording consoles for Techiku Recording (Japan)m Muscle Shoals (Alabama, USA) [12] and Kenjo Recording(San Diego, California, USA).

After several years, larger facilities were needed and the business moved to 15645 Sturgeon, Roseville, Michigan. As further growth and manufacturing space was required, the company moved down the street to 16005 Sturgeon. (see pic)

Audio Designs and Manufacturing predominantly served the recording, commercial broadcast industries, both domestic and international. (Venezuela, China, Europe) Many projects also served the recording and film industries (China Xian Film Studios, Glen Glenn Sound in Hollywood USA, Techiku Recording in Tokyo, Japan, Muscle Shoals in Alabama, University of Missouri Recording, etc.)  As a GSA contractor Audio Designs provided mixing consoles for the Air Force Marching Band, the Air and Space Museum Theater, the Voice of America and countless other government contracts. With continued growth, the company name was changed to ADM Technology when the company moved to Troy, Michigan (1626 East Big Beaver Rd.).

Facilities:

ADM was a fully vertically integrated Marketing, Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing and Administrative facilities within one building. While all separate deparments, Bob Bloom was continuously involved in all departments detailed below. This of course provided a significant continuity throughout all aspects of the business, but also provided some very interesting lively discussions between departments [3]

Sales and Marketing:

Sales and Marketing staff travelled the world understanding the customer requirements and bringing them back to Manufacturing and Engineering for refinement and development. Staff here was from 1 to 5 people with remote global offices as required.

Engineering: Circuit Engineering: The modules within the larger mixer consist of many separate and interconnected circuits. Each circuit must be robust in functionality and durability and provide high performance to the modules that these circuits are implemented within. Staff:1 to 3.

Systems Engineering: A 'typical' audio system consists of hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of audio paths. Each path in a complex audio system in its own right. Proper signal processing must be maintained throughout the engineering to result in high complete system performance. Staff: 1 to 4.

Manufacturing: Module manufacturing: All modules were individually manufactured in ADM facilities. Early modules were hand wired, but by the 1970s, printed circuit boards which were 'wave soldered' - realizing a more reliable construction. Electrical and mechanical construction was completed by hand. Staff: 20 System manufacturing: A complete audio console (with its thousands of interconnections) requires miles of interconnecting wire and detailed handiwork. As most systems were custom, the Manufacturing department would design the appropriate system wiring and subassemblies. Staff: 30 Desk Frame: The completed system with modules is contained within a large 'office desk - like' structure. All wood, metal, engraving and construction activities were completed in the 'Wood and Metal' shops. Staff: 5 [6]

Later History:

In 1989, ADM ceased all sales and operations - all existing production parts and materials were auctioned off to local interested parties. [7]

Modern Recognition:

Most all Audio Designs and Manufacturing and ADM consoles have been 'retired' and 'parted out'. Unfortunately few if any complete systems still exist. Recording studios use these 'parted out' modules for their ultra-high quality microphone preamplifiers. [8]

Recently, an intact 32 channel, 4 sub and 2 master system has been found intact. It is currently undergoing restoration. It had been operated continuously from 1985 through 2014. [9]

[1] http://www.preservationsound.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Audio-6811-Whyte-Fine_Recording-crunched.pdf

[2] Thomas Chrapkiewicz experience(s).

[3] Dave Clark, James Pashkot, Garth Frudd, Thomas Chrapkiewicz Discussions.

[4] Thomas Chrapkiewicz, Design Notes.

[5] http://www.preservationsound.com/2018/08/1981-adm-custom-film-mixing-console-for-glen-glenn-sound/

[6] http://www.preservationsound.com/2019/09/adm-console-history-part-iii-via-former-manager-g-frudd/

[7] Thomas Chrapkiewicz Notes.

[8] Al Sutton, Rustbelt Studios, Royal Oak, Michigan

[9] Thomas Chrapkiewicz Notes.

[10] https://www.preservationsound.com/2018/08/1981-adm-custom-film-mixing-console-for-glen-glenn-sound/

[11] World Radio history BME 1977-05-p97

[12] https://www.purehonk.com

[13] http://www.preservationsound.com/tag/adm/

[14] http://www.preservationsound.com/2012/02/fine-recording-inc-pioneers-in-high-fidelity-studio-recording/

[?} In discussions with James Pashkot last night (7/6/2022), he says that Bloom moved to Detroit to design the studio for Artie Fields. [??] JP:  Dave Clark and I started on the same day - 1972.