Optimod 9000-vs-9100

[davedybas]

Does anyone remember what the difference is between the Optimod 9000 (black front) and the Optimod 9100 (beige front) ?

Is there a dramatic difference in the sound of each unit ? Or...does the newer 9100 unit just have "newer chips"?

I know the Optimod 9200 digital box has replaced these units at many stations. I've put in a few myself.

It's been quite a few years since these analog units were prevalent...and I've forgotten the difference.

Can anyone refresh my memory???


Dave Dybas

[Sam Buca]

I never really researched it, but I've found that the 9100 sounds more full and the 9000 sounded more crunchy.

WQEW 1560 out of new york is still the best sounding AM I've ever heard.

[LA3A]

The black face Optimod 9000 was a real crunch box. It was made so AM would sound like FM, since we all were
running Audiomax/Volumax combo units. It sounded much better than what was out there at the time. The 9100 was
a result of all the lessons learn from the 9000. I got to work on a 9000 in Bradenton Florida. No matter what settings
you used, the station sounded horrible. They finally bought a 9200 Optimod and what a change. Most music AM station
keep the 9100's on the air, saying they sound better for music. Bill Sack will rebuild both units and you can go on
You Tube and see and hear what both sound like after being rechip.
LA3A

[Deep Thought]

Yeah, the 9000 is a beast. I had one of those in Michigan back in the early 80's. It definitely cranked up the average modulation but you're right...it really beat up the audio. I broke a 4-500A modulator in a Cetec 701B 1 KW transmitter with it once...literally cracked the glass.