Dutch mastering engineer and producer Lex van Coeverden acquired a vintage Studer A80 mastering machine over a decade ago that connected him to one of the most celebrated names in music. Formerly owned by Ringo Starr and used at Startling Studios for his Old Wave album from 1983, this Swiss-made audio recorder has a fascinating backstory. With modifications by Eddie Veale, a Beatles sound engineer, the machine is now set to find a new owner through auction. In this interview, Lex reflects on his time with the recorder and its historical significance.
Could you share how you first came across this Studer A80 recorder and what advice would you give to the next owner?
I have been told that this came from the studio of 10CC. You own something with a unique history so take good care of it. Let a technician align it to the brand of tape that you are using. Then you will obtain the best sound quality that is possible.
During that time around 2010 I had sold my other tape recorder, a Studer A820, after some time I needed again a tape recorder and saw this recorder several times passing by in the mailing of a UK based seller specialized in Studio Equipment. I made a deal and picked it up by car.
When you realised the machine’s connection to Ringo Starr and Startling Studios, how did that discovery shape your view of it?
I knew from the advertisement that it was pre-owned by Ringo Starr. As a baby / child I listened a lot to music from the Beatles. My mother told me as a baby in the cradle I was always kind of swinging when the Beatles were playing on the radio. I bought the recorder and thought this is nice to have because I was also in the music business. I knew it was pre-owned by Ringo Starr but at that time I did not investigate it all, I mostly saw it as a nice addition to my studio with a special history.
What condition was the machine in when you acquired it, and what sets the Studer A80 apart from other equipment of its era?
The machine was in very nice condition and serviced by a UK Technician named Clive Cavan. I only changed one capacitor because one channel had a small problem. After that all was 100%.
The Studer A 80 is easy to service and most parts are standard electronic parts so still available. If you have e.g., a Studer A 820 the electronics are more complicated so difficult to service. The A 80 is a robust workhorse, made in Switzerland. Swiss products are always of high quality.
Eddie Veale, who designed the modifications, was deeply involved with The Beatles. How do his contributions influence the machine’s uniqueness?
As I was checking the whole history of the machine I spoke with Eddie, who also took care of the certificate of origin, and he told me he has designed the four Dolby A units to fit into the frame of the machine. I didn’t know before that this was his idea and modification. There is only one machine with this modification as far as I know. He has also delivered the Studer to the studio in the UK and modified it.
Have you used the recorder and do you feel a sense of responsibility for it? How has that influenced your decision to put it up for auction?
I have used the recorder mainly to archive some tapes or cut some lacquers for record production from original Master tapes. The sound is great.
I have decided to put it in auction mainly because I have moved my vinyl cutting rooms and also sold my house so I am now temporarily in a smaller space. Some years after I bought the Recorder, I had the chance to buy the same as a preview version. This one is specially designed for Disc / Lacquer mastering so I definitely use it more often. It is a pity to let the Studer stand around so maybe someone else can use it and will be very happy with it.
How do you see the role of analogue equipment like the Studer A80 in today’s predominantly digital music world?
There is still a market for analog equipment. Personally, I like it very much because of the sound and the way to use it. Digital has also advantages and in my studio I use what you could call the “best of both worlds.”
Do you have any other notable pieces of musical equipment?
Yes, I have a lot of vintage equipment such as two Neumann Lathes. A VMS-70 and a VMS-80. Furthermore, I have an Ortofon CPS. That is a kind of disc mastering EQ, pre-amp and Monitor Controller. I use this one everyday.
What’s your take on the enduring fascination with Beatles-related artifacts, and why do you think their cultural impact remains so strong?
The Beatles were unique at that time and still have an influence in pop music of today, they were pioneers in many ways – musically but also culturally and socially. I have listened to the Beatles since I was born and their music is still played everywhere.
Further information
The auction, hosted exclusively on Catawiki, runs until February 2nd, featuring additional Beatles-related memorabilia, while the Studer A80 Audio Recorder alone is estimated at €50,000 by Catawiki’s experts.
