Vintage Sphere Eclipse C Console

Earth Analog, in Tolono, IL (10 mi south of Champaign) is parting with its beloved and rare Sphere Eclipse C.

This desk was built around 1979-1980, and features Sphere’s proprietary SPA-62 discrete opamp and Reichenbach transformers in the preamp and summing section. The sound is often compared to a cross between Neve and API. It was acquired in 2012 from Engine Studios in Chicago. They had purchased it from a broker as restored.

 Since acquiring, my various technicians and I have put countless hours into further restoration and maintenance. Initially, we upgraded the original DBX VCAs with a modern Analog Devices replacement. This improvement was taken a step further during the pandemic, as we replaced the VCA completely in channels 1-24 with a new passive fader design, new faceplates, and new P&G faders. Though an expensive project, the improvement in sound, reliability and feel was stunning, and it eliminated all of the problems associated with the antiquated and non-functioning automation system.

Additional and important improvements in just the past year included replacing the original punch block power distribution network with new barrier strips and all 11 of the power supplies with rebuilt Acopians.

The console is a 48-frame short-loaded to 32 channels and 32 pic pres, with channels 1-28 boasting either the fully parametric eq or the highly desirable graphic inductor eq. It shows cosmetic wear typical of an older console that’s seen a lot of use. However, the console presents well and has a “wow” factor when clients arrive. It’s a beautiful piece of audio gear.

 At the time of this listing, the console is in use, with all cue sends, monitor returns, faders, preamps, eqs, and busses tested and working.

 The following is included with the console:

* spare i/o module modded for passive fader x1 (tested and working)
* spare i/o module with updated VCA x2 (tested and working)
* spare modules for parts or repair x4
* dozens of spare LM325 and TLO75 opamps for any future servicing
* extensive documentation and drawings in both hard copy and digital form (I had none of this when I purchased the desk and have spent the years sourcing these valuable resources.)
* new custom built extender card (very rare…very useful)
* 30+ ¼” bantam patchbay cables (some new)
* a few blank panels
* extensive harnessing
* a spare SPA-62

Local pick up preferred. I will have the console and the numerous power supplies ready to travel, with all fader, input, bussing, and eq modules removed, individually bubble wrapped, and boxed. I can provide muscle and loading is reasonably easy at our loading-dock-height back door. If you prefer shipping we can work that out at buyer’s expense.

This is a 46-year-old vintage console and is being sold as-is, where-is, with absolutely no warranty implied. Potential buyers are encouraged to come try it out. I can even provide you some musicians and some mics and you can play around with it. Or bring a band here and do a song on it. There are living quarters on site. I will accommodate any serious buyer however needed. This is a huge investment for anyone. I want the buyer to have a great experience, to know exactly what they are getting, and to feel great about it afterward and onward. Hoping this desk finds a loving home and that it’s being used to make records far into the future!

(Side note: the three stock 4136/TL075 opamps found in each IO modules can be swapped with modern equivalents, with far superior measurable characteristics, via the Brown Dog adapter from Cimarron Technologies. I currently have a mix of solutions from Burr-Brown and TI loaded into various channels for evaluation. I'll include all of these with the console, and you can play around with them. I personally love the improved harmonic distortion specs and faster slew rate...but it's a taste thing.)