Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Eprad Processors

This is topic Eprad Processors in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Paul Trimboli (Member # 1509) on 09-12-2003, 08:50 AM:

I am looking into buying a processor, the choices are really something like a CP50, Ultra Stero unit or an Eprad Starlet/Starscope. Now the Eprad would be my choice becuase of price and features. Everyone always has bad things to say about the Eprad, but why? They have good features, I am told are very reliable? They have TTL logic so are tough? The only downside I can see is the lack of delay on the surround, which is easily fixed with a digital delay kit from an electronic shop.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 09-12-2003, 09:05 AM:

Do a search for Eprad. Whatever you do, don't go Eprad! Eprad sound processors = junk.

Get a CP50.

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 09-12-2003, 09:17 AM:

Eprad's motto is: "Did we make that?" Try to get any factory support for their processors. They'll deny they ever made any. I'm with Brad on this. You should go with the CP-50. You won't be disappointed.

Posted by Paul Trimboli (Member # 1509) on 09-12-2003, 09:18 AM:

What about them is junk though? Thanks for any help you can offer me!

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 09-12-2003, 10:18 AM:

Basically, I think the entire Eprad StarBelch line is junk. We had one that I gave away.

The biggest issues were that damned fader control, the hassle one had to go through to "EQ" it, their stupid RCA outputs, and automation interface.

Once they were up and running, they did sound good. However, the surround matrix was extremely sloppy.

Better off with a CP-50. I have also had good luck with the Ultra Stereos. Actually, I would settle for a late model full-blown JS series Ultra Stereo over a CP-50. We have three of the Ultras in service, and they have proved to be very reliable over the years. The only problems I have experienced with them is an occasional EQ card failure. Ultra-Stereo's support has been excellent. We have one running with a DTS-6D and that thing sounds absolutely excellent.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 09-12-2003, 12:06 PM:

There are two vintages of the starscopes and several different versions in each of those
The original was built with a license from Dolby and used real CAT 22 NR cards and 1/3 octave eq was available
Later they went to there own combined EQ/NR cards
The eq are nice as they are 10 band parametric
The matrix was very simple Centre was left+right with no gain riding logic and the surround was a left-right with a threshold and a phase detector
Not the best
For both versions better matrix cards were available but hard to find and even a pseudo surround generator option
The super Starscope handled mag reaonably well
As to eqing it was simple unplug the optical preamp card and feed PINKNOISE from a generator into the preamp out jacks and adjust the level of the generator till the level cal led lite up and then proceed

The last starscopes (the AP serries) had a good matrix and features
The last processor they made was the DSS that supported 2 digital inputs 1/3 octave EQ internal SR and crossovers with a monitor thrown in
lots of them got installed

Posted by Paul Trimboli (Member # 1509) on 09-13-2003, 10:54 PM:

Hmm I am still leaning towards the Eprad, Gordon has some good points about them. I love Ultra Stereo, we run one at work and they are great, late model JS series one with SR. Does anyone still make analogue processors for the budget minded? Does anyone has an Eprad they want to get rid of or sell, if I pay next to nothing for one and then find they are rubish I won't feel so bad! [Big Grin]

I am planing on using it for some outdoor screening, probably not surround for the first season, will see how things go!

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 09-14-2003, 11:37 AM:

Since the surrounds are the weak link probably OK
Again the later format card did have a decent matrix
One would be better off though to buy a used Smart or UltraStereo

Posted by Kevin Wale (Member # 1851) on 09-14-2003, 12:50 PM:

I also find the JS processors to be excellent for thier budget minded price. My fave in those price ranges is still the new SMART mod processor. The EX sounds wonderful and the surround quite focussed. The SMARTs seem a bit tighter and more accurate than the Ultra Stereos but not to where the US sound bad. I love the CP50 as well and used they seem to priced quite nicely.

Obviously the CP50 has gotten the most votes in this thread.

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 09-14-2003, 02:04 PM:

Personally, I think you would be better off with a CP-50, a CP-55, or an Ultra Stereo. From some dealerships, the old Dolby stuff can be had for about 500 bucks. A full-blown CP-55 with the SRA runs about 1500.

I think you would have "support" and parts problems with the Eprad. Since you live in Austrailia, I can't help but think you would be having a nightmare keeping the Eprad running because of the support and parts availability - not to mention the shipping costs.

You can make an old Smart 135 sound very good if you buy a parametric equalizer from Radio Trash. Done it. The 135's - hell, I tossed several of those things in the garbage when we upgraded to the Ultra-Stereo.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 09-14-2003, 03:10 PM:

I didn't notice that you were based in australia
Australia was the bigest density of Starscopes installed anywhere and there is apparently a company that is manufacturing them there still
you might want to contact David Johnson regarding them
But better get a nice PanaStereo

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 09-14-2003, 09:48 PM:

Well, Hell, Gordon....If he has the stuff there, he might as well capitalize on it and get one. [Big Grin]