Mixer

[Deaaaath]

Hi everybody, I posted this in the newbies forum but I've gotten no responses so I'll try it here! Thanks.
I recently came into some good fortune and now possess a Tascam 38 1/2 inch 8 track. Having used my cassette 4 tracks to death over the past few years I am excited to start using some higher quality (and I'm assuming higher stress inducing) equipment! I'll preface this by saying that I'm going to keep all tracking contained on the tape- I'm not buying a computer interface. With that said, I was hoping that someone could point me in the direction of a good (and, as always, not too expensive i.e. 300 dollars and below) mixing console. I'm also wondering if I should immediately start looking around for an outboard preamp or wait and see how things are sounding; in short- are outboard preamps a "necessity" for good analog recording. Thanks for fielding these silly questions! No better way to learn than to ask, I say! Have a good day.

[avieth]

Originally Posted by Deaaaath

good (and, as always, not too expensive i.e. 300 dollars and below) mixing console.

Not going to happen. You'll have to spend at least $600 for a mixer to use with your Tascam 38. It's a damn nice unit, you should treat it to a good mixer. Something like the Mackie 1604 VLZ, which retails for $900.

You might be able to score a deal on a Behringer mixer, but I can't recommend buying something as important as a mixer from that company. Browsing eBay for a second hand mixer might get you a better deal. You'll want something with at least 4 busses and 8 direct outs.

[A Reel Person]

I was thinking more along the lines of:
TASCAM
M-30 ($100-$150)
M-35 ($100-$150)
M-308 ($200-$250) or
M-312 ($250-$300)
... (all used/eBay est. price).

Any of those boards would be fine with the 38. In fact IMO they'd be awesome. They were designed with the 38 in mind, so are about as "matched" set of components as you'll find for the 38.

Not only is it feasible to score one of these mixers for less than $300, it's a real deal sometimes for even less! These are great sounding boards that are feature-wise perfect for the 38 r/r. The Mackies and Behris are an odd match, at best, and may in certain cases leave you shortchanged on certain critical features, like a separate submix, tape returns or cue monitor section. Not all mixers are recording mixers, or specialized for recording at all. The Tascam mixers above are recording mixers designed specifically for recording, which takes a few more features and signal paths than a straight live sound mixer. Just a tip, and YMMV.

Have a nice day!

[Deaaaath]

Reel Person,
Just a few hours before your post I procured an M30 off ebay for 150 dollars! It seemed like a good fit and you seem to agree. Now, do you have any thoughts on buying an outboard preamp?

[themaddog]

Originally Posted by Deaaaath

Reel Person,
Just a few hours before your post I procured an M30 off ebay for 150 dollars! It seemed like a good fit and you seem to agree. Now, do you have any thoughts on buying an outboard preamp?

I think you'll be satisfied with the pre-amp off of the Tascam board. Give it a shot first before thinking about using another pre-amp.

-MD

[Hi_Flyer]

yeah, no need for outboard preamps unless you want to spend significantly more $$. You won't notice an improvement in sound unless you invest alot. I would spend that money on some outboard gear, namely a decent compressor.

[hungovermorning]

Originally Posted by Hi_Flyer

yeah, no need for outboard preamps unless you want to spend significantly more $$. You won't notice an improvement in sound unless you invest alot. I would spend that money on some outboard gear, namely a decent compressor.

I'd certainly agree with this. The only thing I've found it not my brand of bourbon on is vocals, a decent outboard tube pre is always noticeable, for 95% of instruments the onboard pres work great.