For Sale - 1993 - 56ch AMEK - Mozart console with Rupert Neve MZ15 modules + A huge amount of original spare parts.

The desk has also received several practical upgrades intended to increase stability, serviceability and day-to-day usability. It has been extensively worked on, improved in many areas, serviced, recapped, rewired, cleaned, and partially modified for more reliable real-world operation.

Installed console configuration:
32 x MZ15 Modules

12 x MZ11 modules 

4 x MZ12 Modules 

That have been fully recapped and are in full working condition.
I have a contact for spare modules for anyone wanting to fill the console with fully working & recapped MZ11 or MZ15. I am happy to put you in contact with them. MZ11 = €100 per module, MZ15 = €300 per module. 

Centre section include:

4 x MZ20 stereo effect return modules

1 x MZ30 Aux send module

1 x MZ50 logic / computer control module

All this section has been recapped too. 

This sale includes: 

3 x Analog PSU’s + 2 x computer PSU’s to power the console. 

MZ15 RN modifications - functional improvements

The installed MZ15 RN working set was modified by me over time in a clean, tidy and reversible way to improve a few key functions and make the channels behave in a more practical way.

These are not radical "custom-only" channel mods. The aim was to keep the modules usable as proper inline console channels while improving some specific weak points of the original implementation.

1) Insert switching modification

These modifications are reversible in whole or in part, depending on buyer preference.

In the stock MZ15, insert switching relied on the original AMEK logic control system and on a momentary switch arrangement.

This was changed so that:

• the original momentary insert switch was replaced with a latching
  switch
• the insert switching logic was reworked so the insert now behaves as a direct, stable on/off function

Practical result

• insert switching is stable and repeatable
• insert status is retained when channel blocks are powered down and back up
• inserts no longer reset unpredictably after channel power cycling

Difference from stock

• insert switching is no longer controlled from the MZ50 logic/computer section in the original way

2) Direct recorder-send assignment simplification The internal recorder-send routing assignment was simplified to make the path more direct and predictable.

Modified behavior

The channel send path now follows a direct logic:

• channel 1 -> recorder track 1
• channel 15 -> recorder track 15
• etc.

Difference from stock

I bypassed the unnecessary assignment switching arrangement that allowed the recorder send to be rerouted through additional switching stages and extra assignment logic.

Practical result

• cleaner recorder-send routing
• fewer unnecessary switching stages
• fewer potential fault points
• more direct and trustworthy multitrack send behavior
  
  Summary of the MZ15 modification philosophy

The working MZ15 set was modified to provide:

• stable insert switching
• more direct recorder-send assignment
  
  Main upgrades and work carried out

• Internal wiring redone properly, including phantom power distribution improvements

• Major factory weakness in the PSU summing/protection board corrected: the Mozart was originally designed around the earlier MZ10 modules, later slightly revised as MZ11. Only afterwards was Rupert Neve brought in to design the MZ15, which has a higher current draw.
  That became a problem in a full 56-channel MZ15 console, because the desk requires three analog PSUs, while the original PSU summing/protection board was still effectively configured for the earlier lower-consumption architecture and only provided two protected =18V dual-rail sections. As a result, the third PSU had no properly dedicated protected dual-rail path of its own and had to share one of the existing sections, leading to uneven load distribution, unstable rail behavior and severe overheating of the large Schottky protection diodes. I corrected this by modifying the summing/protection board and adding a third complete protected 18V rail section, including its own Schottky diode pair and mounting hardware. In other words, I implemented the properly separated third PSU path that should have existed from the factory for a full 56-channel MZ15 desk.The result is a much more correct load distribution, far lower stress on the protection stage, and stable, reliable ‡18V rails.

• AlI 3 main analog power supplies are fully working

• External voltage monitoring panels added for each PSU rail, with trim adjustment access for easy monitoring and calibration of +18V / -18V

• Separate channel-block power switching was added under each group of 8 channels, allowing staged startup of the audio rails. Only the =18V audio rails are switched this way; the +5V and +48V rails remain permanently available at power-up. This gives several practical benefits:

• reduced startup stress on the PSU by avoiding full-console inrush on the audio rails

• reduced stress on the channel electronics themselves during power-up

• safer and more controlled day-to-day operation

• partial-power use when only a few channels are needed In practical terms, if you only need one block of 8 channels for a vocal or piano session, you can power only that section instead of the entire desk. That means lower power consumption and lower electricity bills.

• Ultra-quiet high-performance rear cooling fans added to extract hot air
  All electrolytic capacitors were replaced throughout the console, including both channel modules and console electronics, using high-quality parts from AML / Dubilier for approximately 95% of the recap, with the remainder completed using ELNA, Nichicon, Vishay and similar brands.

• All boards, except the patchbay modules, were cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaning bath

• Faders opened and cleaned individually

• Channel/fader faceplates refinished in a custom metallic grey finish and re-silkscreened

• Wooden parts professionally refinished in a cherry / reddish wood tone
  
  Functional status

• The central section (master / monitor switching / main console control functions) is working. Aux Meter LED is stuck in RED on the left channel. Amek Technician has said this shouldn't be difficult to fix.
• The 3 analog PSUs are working properly
• The original computer system is not included and is gone
•   4 x Mute buttons on the faders have broken in transport, I have the catalogue number for replacements if needed, very easy fix.
  
  Cosmetic condition
  Overall good vintage condition with some age-related marks, handling wear and minor frame dents. A couple of fader faceplates are missing, as well as the faceplate for the old computer / jog section.
  
  Sale terms
  Because of size, weight and complexity, this desk is offered preferably as:
• collection in person
• or transport arranged by the buyer
  Shipping quotes are estimated.
  Europe €2500 - €3500
  
  AMEK Technician available to install the console, willing to travel anywhere in EU / UK at buyers expense. 
  
  Additional spare inventory

In addition to the installed console configuration and console hardware above, the sale also includes a substantial spare package, approximately:

• 8 additional full working MZ15 modules
• 12 additional MZ15 modules for repair / spares
• 8 additional MZ11 modules for repair / spares
• 4 additional MZ20 modules for repair / spares
• 1 additional MZ30 module for repair / spares
• extra VCA cards
• many additional loose spare components including pots, knobs, ICs, EQ parts and various donor boards modules