SOLID STATE RANGE (FRG) - Basic Nomenclature
Early Germanium based models would either use the basic nomenclature from the tube era, sometimes with the suffix "t" for "transistor" (TAB) or would come up with totally different numberings (Neumann). With the introduction of Silicon based designs, designations were refined; the numbers now had three digits, with a deciated first digit reserved for each major manufacturer in West Germany (FRG):
200 - Siemens
300 - TAB (Tonographie Apparatebau = "tonography" apparatus construction)
400 - Neumann
500 - later Neumann models (digitally controlled range), also Monitora
600 - Telefunken / later also ANT
700 - Telefunken/AEG later / special models
900 - Lawo / later also ANT
1000 - retrofit manufacturers such as Delta (appearing later, not covered here)
As for physical dimensions, the whole broadcast range (from early Germanium to more modern units) is divided into two groups of units - one that would sit in a console frame, and one that would be in racks underneath.
Rack modules are all based on the Eurocard size standard, some with, some without a faceplate or housing - e.g. amplifier modules, relay cards, power supplies etc. The Siemens 200 series is an exception; having somewhat taller faceplates and larger housings, they need proprietary racks.
Any Eurocard based modules use standard connectors with 31 pins (DIN41617, mating connector here) or 64 pins (DIN41612, mating connector here) - with the exception of a few, such as power supplies - mating connectors for those can be found in this category.
With the exception of the 200 and 700 system, most other modules intended to sit in a console frame are compatible in dimensions and locking, if not always regarding the type of connector used. These connectors are mostly of the 23- or 13-pin Tuchel type and have become rare. The standard for module dimensions was called Danner Kassette (probably named after the Danner company, who, as a sub contractor, made a lot of faders for several companies). Modules the size of a fader are type A1, half the height is type B1, and those needing more than one slot of width had a higher suffix number (e.g. A2).
That said, the first generation of transistor gear (e.g. TAB W95c and several Neumann models) used the standard of the passive modules described above - which shares the basic dimensions, but not the connector type, and is not Danner-compatible regarding locking.
The second and third digits of the afore mentioned module designation denoted functionality, with the following examples being the more interesting models in today's view:
Dynamics
Ux73 - limiting amp, mostly with switchable compressor and associated controls, sometimes even with additional expander or de-essing function
Ux74 - micpre with integrated limiter, intended for talkback (LF & HF attenuated)
Ux20 - dto, but flat frequency response
Amplifiers
Vx70 - line amp
Vx72 - multi purpose amp, mostly 34dB default gain (often variable by external arrangement)
Vx74 - buffer / splitter amp
Vx75 - summing amp, mostly zero ohms i/p topology ("virtual earth mixer")
Vx76 - micpre, controls for variable highpass, coarse (max. 76dB) and fine gain (+10dB)
Vx82 - distribution amp, up to 6 transformer isolated outputs
Equalizers (active)
Wx93 - high pass
Wx94 - low pass
Wx95 - Baxandall style EQ (fixed high & low shelf plus semi parametric presence peak)
Wx96 - dto., plus high & low pass filters
The x91 / x92 format was only used by Neumann (see below)
Other W-modules
Wx35 - panorama control
Wx89 - MS decoder
Active faders had various designations e.g. W444, DW990…
Due to requirements of the IRT, all inputs and outputs are transformer balanced (with very few exceptions, but those are still electronically balanced). Most models have discrete circuitry throughout, some later versions used discrete op-amps or IC's as part of the circuit, where input and output stages were mostly still discrete. They all run off a single-ended 24V DC supply (where Germanium models need a dedicated supply with reversed polarity (positive ground), further exceptions to the rule being the Neumann OV series running off a +/-15V bi-polar supply)
SOLID STATE RANGE (FRG) - Specific Models
Siemens
Their 200 series was also called SITRAL ("Silizium-Transistor-Leiterplattentechnik" = Silicon Transistor Circuit Board Technology).
V272 - successor to V72, 34dB fixed gain
V276 - Mic Pre, combination of variable input pad / variable NFB loop, similar to V76
V276a - dto., thin film IC replaces discrete o/p stage
U273 - Compressor/Limiter (it is debated wether Neve adopted the gain control topology using a diode bridge from this very circuit), functionality similar to U73
U273a - different gain control element than U273 (symmetrical remote-cutoff transistors, approach is similar to a vari-mu tube design), more controls (similar to U73b)
W295 - 3-Band EQ, mids have boost only
W295a - HF & LF shelving, with a tilt EQ for the mids around 800 Hz - quite unique and effective
W295b - 3-Band EQ, mids have boost and cut
TAB
V72t - Germanium based transistor version (fully symmetrical circuit), in original V72 housing
V372 - Silicon transistor follow-up
V376 - MicPre, different approach than V276, gain switch affects multiple points in the circuit
V376a - dto., not fully discrete
V376b - dto., but smaller & different housing (like V476)
U373a - circuit topology is virtually identical to U273a (Siemens)
U73bt - same circuitry, but in a U73 housing, as a retrofit for tube gear racks
U374 - talkback amp w/ limiter (integrated micpre, but less sophisticated circuit)
W395 - 3-Band EQ, continuous controls, mids have boost and cut
W395a - dto, stepped controls
W95c - 3-Band EQ, mids have boost only
The W95c was the first three-band active EQ to be introduced, and is the blueprint for most 3-Band EQ's that followed. Originally using mostly Germanium transistors, it was to be found in tube based consoles of the 50's and 60's, obviously as an alternative or retro-fit for passive Eckmiller modules. Hence the two-digit designation.
Neumann
Their early solid state modules didn't follow the designation scheme at all, but since they're equally desireable, they shall be included here.
TMV60 - MicPre, 60dB Gain, Germanium transistors, fully symmetrical circuit
PV76 - MicPre, 76dB Gain, single-ended design, Silicon transistors
PV46/ a/b - Line amp, gain set by external resistors, max. 34dB
PV46c - dto, dual channel based on OA10 op-amp each
PMV70 MicPre., uprated version of PV76
OV60 similar, but using +/-15V supply
V472 - 34dB fixed gain, the "b" version offers external gain control, too
V476 /a/b - more modern versions of PMV70 (still discrete)
V457 - balancing/unbalancing amp, including phono pre!
U473 - compressor / limiter / expander, VCA style, very versatile, later versions w/ de-esser
U474 - talkback amp w/ limiter (integrated micpre, but less sophisticated circuit)
TEV - 3-band passive EQ, followed by symmetrical makeup-amp with Germanium transistors
PEV930 - dto, Silicon transistors, wider choice of mid frequencies
PEVa/b/c - active versions of the above, later types used discrete op-amps
PE /a - multiple frequencies for HF & LF shelf, very wide choice of frequencies for MF
W495 - dto, switchable MF Q, IC circuitry replaces discrete op-amp & LC filter (MF)
also available as stereo version (suffix "st")
OEV - similar to W495, +/-15V supply
W491 - 3 band semi parametric peaking filters for HF / MF / LF, with switchable Q each
W492 - 4 band semi parametric EQ (HF/LF shelf, LMF/HMF peak) plus switchable Lo-Cut; (was intended for Theater / PA use and thus had continuously variable controls)
The 500 series by Neumann featured digitally controllable versions of pre's and EQ's of the 400 range, but you need the matching remote control units or build them yourself...
Monitora also made some 500 modules, e.g. their V576 micpre being similar to V676b/c (see below), if with less maximum gain (60dB).
Telefunken / ANT
V672 - Multi purpose amp with 0-ohms i/p ("virtual earth mixer"), usable for a wide range of tasks depending on the external hookup (feeding resistors, external gain control, combination of various transformer o/p taps), e.g. as Micpre with variable i/p impedance. Fully discrete, can deliver over 65dB gain. Recognizable by +/- 1,5 dB gain adjust at faceplate & angled o/p transformers.
V672/1 or /2 - later version (+/- 3 dB gain adjust, round transformers), has thick film IC o/p stage and considerably less gain. Comes with 1 or 2 o/p transformers, depending on suffix. Also available without housing.
V672/D Double decker version of V672/1, i.e. two channels in one module
V672/L Line amp with max. 30dB gain
V676 - Standard MicPre, 76dB gain
V676a - dto., different gain steps (following original V76), gain switching by internal FET/relay arrangement, including option for remote control
V676b/c - more modern circuit, not fully discrete, smaller & different housing (Danner B1, like V476)
U620 - talkback micpre (IC based, 20 - 50dB gain), switchable FET limiter, flat freq. response
U630 - dto.
W695 - standard 3-band EQ
W696 - 3 band semi parametric peaking filters for HF / MF / LF, with switchable Q each, plus high/lowcut filters with several frequencies
IPS F 2000 - 3 band semi parametric HF / MF / LF, switchable Q (3 steps). As opposed to most other designs, gain an frequency are continuously variable, gain is switchable between either cut or boost (22dB max. each)
Lawo
These models are made up around discrete op-amps. Gain switching in some of their Pre's and EQ's is done via special "increase/decrease" buttons...
V976 - Standard MicPre, several versions with/without faceplate, remote switching etc.
W995/3 - fixed LF/HF shelving, plus six (!) independent LC based mid bands
Beware: other W995 versions with a different suffix have reduced functionality (e.g. only 3 fixed frequency bands)
Other companies
Intended for competition or as retro-fits, also other companies produced modules that matched the standards above in physical dimensions (and sometimes pin-out, too):
Filtek (full name Filtek Labo SA, in Switzerland) designed EQ's for the Danner frame standard; similar to W696, these were called MK1 through MK7, with the exception of MK5 intended for the Siemens V200 system (SITRAL)
Filtek also produced dynamics modules (similar to U473), these being BKE-1 through BKE-4, featuring compressor / limiter / expander functions and de-essing option.
Later versions of the models above were also made by the German BFE under license.
EMT is mostly known to Pro Audio people for their plate and gold foil reverberation devices (models 140 / 240), as well as to HiFi enthusiasts for their vinyl record players and pickup systems.
However, they also made some console modules, most notably a compressor (model 256) and a limiter (model 257) for broadcast and recording applications
NTP of Denmark also made several modules of Danner or Eurocard dimensions, most notably:
179-120 Compressor
179-160 Compressor / expander / limiter / gate
182-100 3 band Equalizer (similar to Wx95 standard)
182-150 dto., including low-cut with selectable frequencies
NTP’s M100 discrete op-amp’s were also used in broadcast gear by other manufacturers (e.g. TAB V376a, Neumann PEVc)
SOLID STATE RANGE (GDR)
In East Germany, much of the developement of broadcast technology was done at RFZ, although there also were proprietary developments of individual companies. Their names, however, (e.g. Lorenz, Funkwerk Leipzig, Geithain, Kölleda) rarely showed up on the faceplates. Inputs are transformer balanced, outputs mostly unbalanced. They are fully discrete, the physical layout (with quite some sub boards and lots of internal leads) often seeming rather complicated and less service-friendly in comparison to the FRG models.
Only more recent models such as VK290 from the 80's (see below) matched the compact and service friendly standards of the FRG from the 1970's.
The connectors used have different amounts of pins, but they all relate to the DIN41622 standard. Some mating connectors are here; for obsolete types, the individual pins can be wired with flat connectors of appropriate size.
V713 - Limiter/Compressor with various controllable parameters, massive device!
F713 - Remote control for V713
V714 - Limiting amp, also useable as Micpre (66 oder 86dB fixed gain) by external control
V740 - line amp, may be converted into micpre by reverting i/p transformer (similar to Neve 1272 mod)
V742 - dto., but different i/p circuitry, mainly used as distribution amp
V341 - universal amp, useable as micpre with 60dB gain, no faceplate
V741 - dto., w/ faceplate
V781 - dto, dual channel
MV810 - universal amp from the L800 system, 60dB gain, Germanium transistors
MV810/2 - dto, but Silicon transistors
KV80 - Channelstrip (Micpre, LoCut, fader) from MP4048 console system
FB80 - Filter module from MP4048 console, 3 band inductor based
VK290 - Micpre, design similar to Vx76 (FRG), discrete op-amps
W734 - unique 2 band EQ with semi parametric LF and HF shelving, HF switchable to presence peak with 3 different Q's available
W735 - 7 band stereo EQ with fixed frequencies and contiuously variable boost/cut