Altec 9850 Studio Monitor
1964 - 1975
The Altec 9850 was a large-format studio monitor that utilized the 605A Duplex configuration in a professional studio enclosure. Offering higher power handling and greater output capability than the 9844, the 9850 served larger control rooms and film mixing stages during the 1960s and 1970s.
Specifications
| Type | 2-way large-format studio monitor |
|---|---|
| Driver | Altec 605A Duplex |
| Enclosure | Sealed acoustic suspension, professional grade |
| Frequency Response | 35 Hz - 18 kHz (±3 dB) |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ω or 16 Ω |
| Power Handling | 50W continuous, 100W peak |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/W/m |
| Crossover | 1,500 Hz (integrated in Duplex design) |
| Dimensions | Approximately 30" H x 20" W x 15" D |
| Weight | Approximately 85 lbs per speaker |
Design Philosophy
The 9850 was designed for professional applications requiring higher output than the 9844 could provide. While the 9844 used the classic 604 Duplex, the 9850 employed the 605A—an alternative Altec coaxial design that offered different performance characteristics.
The 605A-based design provided:
- Higher Efficiency: Greater output for the same input power
- Robust Construction: Built for continuous professional use
- Sealed Enclosure: Tight, controlled bass response
- Professional Connectivity: Heavy-duty binding posts
Applications
The 9850 found use in demanding professional environments:
- Large recording studio control rooms
- Film dubbing and mixing stages
- Broadcast control rooms
- Mastering facilities
- High-SPL monitoring applications
The 605A Duplex
Unlike the 604 series, which used Altec's full professional magnet structure, the 605A employed a modified design. While this made the 605A more affordable, it also resulted in a slightly different sonic character. The 9850's enclosure was specifically engineered to optimize the 605A's performance in studio applications.
Historical Context
The 9850 was part of Altec's comprehensive studio monitor lineup that served the recording industry during the golden age of analog recording. These monitors helped engineers create countless classic recordings throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Today, the 9850 is less commonly encountered than 604-based monitors, partly because the 605A was produced in smaller quantities and was eventually discontinued in favor of returning to the full 604 design formula.
Restoration
Vintage 9850 monitors can be restored to full working condition:
- 605A Duplex driver can be reconed and refurbished
- Enclosures can be refinished
- Crossover components should be replaced with modern equivalents
- Binding posts and connectors can be upgraded
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Images
The following sources may have images of this equipment. Always verify license terms and provide proper attribution when required.
Source 1: HiFi Wiki
- Link: HiFi Wiki
- License: Varies - check individual image
- Attribution Required: Yes
- Commercial Use: Unknown - verify on site
- Notes: User-contributed content. Attribution recommended.
Source 2: HiFi Engine
- Link: HiFi Engine
- License: User-contributed manuals
- Attribution Required: Yes
- Commercial Use: Reference only
- Notes: Great for specs/manuals. Request permission for images.
Source 3: Audio Database
- Link: Audio Database
- License: User-contributed
- Attribution Required: Yes
- Commercial Use: Unknown
- Notes: Verify license before use.
Source 4: Radio Museum
- Link: Radio Museum
- License: User-contributed
- Attribution Required: Yes
- Commercial Use: Unknown
- Notes: Attribution required for user photos.
Attribution Notice: This page links to external image sources. When using images from these sources, ensure you comply with their license terms. CC0 images require no attribution. CC BY and CC BY-SA images require attribution.
Documentation
- Altec Datasheets - Technical specifications
Related Models
- Altec 1221A
- Altec 3000B
- Altec 600B
- Altec 603
- Altec A4X
- Akai AM-2850 (1975)
- Akai AP-206 (1975)
- Nakamichi BX-1 (1985)
- Acoustic Research research-ar-17 (1978)
- Acoustic Research AR-19 (1994)