new semi pro or old more expensive semi pro?

[69'vette]

Ok, I have a topic that will hopefully help me out while at the same time giving helpful information to others as well.

As I'm building my home studio, (8 Analog & Delta 1010 to Cubase) I've come to the mixer stage and am having a hard time deciding what to do. My initial budget was around $1000.00.

First off, it won't be a Mackie. I have no desire in starting a new Mackie bashing/defending thread... It's just my preference.

I first looked at the A&H WZ16 2DX, the comparable Spirit, and a few others. The most advice I got was that though they were good, they were predominantly live mixers and somewhat limited for home studio use. (That's all this will be for. No live work.) After that I turned to the idea of buying an older Ramsa, A&H System 8, or Soundcraft with the idea of getting a more expensive (when new) dedicated recording console. (more busses and mixing options.) The plan was to get that and have it serviced & upgraded with new caps, maybe op amps, etc. I figure I could do this for about the same amount or slightly more. I know that's a big hope, but anyway...

I then found a Soundtracs Topaz board mentioned on another thread. It looks good, but I've heard it described as a slightly better British Mackie. I found one, (24X8) two years old, for $1200 without a meter bridge. Is this a better alternative???

My problem is I'm too anal about every decision I make and worry whether I'm making the right one. Once I do though, I'm good at staying happy with it and making do. This site has been a real godsend in helping me out with all this, so I'm asking again for help, advice, and ideas...

Thanks!

[Downside Studio]

I agree that most of the time buying secondhand will get you further. You can indeed buy more sophisticated equipment for your money. But there is a limit. Good equipment will always have a certain amount of rest-value. Wether it's 2 or 5 years, the price won't drop any lower. If you buy at the right time, you will be able to get lots and lots of good recording years with this equipment before it's outdated. The average age of serious (pro) recording consoles is something like 10 or more years.

The Topaz you mentioned will be a very good start. You can go two ways after you bought it.

1. You just don't have the skills it takes and get stuck on this level or go broke.
2. You just do have the skills it takes and will outgrow your console.

Either way the console won't be to blame.