1680 Still Recommended?

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moelar2

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At this point, does anyone still recommend the 1680. I can get it off the recycler, fully loaded, for $1000, which is what I paid for my 840ex about three or four years ago. The reason why i'm cosidering the upgrade is because I've done all I possibly can with the 840. One of my buddies, who really doesn't know much at all about recording, is getting REALLY good results off of his AW4416. This is kinda making me look like an ass because i"m supose to be the one who reads up and "knows" about this.

I'd like to get the 2480, but spending $2900 anytime soon is not foreseeable.

Also, does the 1680 have video and mouse outputs? Finally, is this machine 24 or 20 bit?

Thanks.
 
Probably Not but here's why...

The 1680 was a great machine but technology has raced by and rendered it into fairly average status.

Is it still useable? Certainly - it just doesn't have all the bells and whistles you'll probably end up wanting.

Its a 20bit machine and has no video ouput or mouse connections. (Only the 2480 has these options.)

For a $1000, you could get an VS890 (brand new with a warranty!) and have 8 tracks of 24bit audio. The 1880 isn't much more (if you need more tracks) and then there's the 2480....

There's also that CDX1 - which I haven't been paying attention too. It may be worth considering for the price though...

Make yourself a wish list of features and set a budget. Then start looking at the various products available.

There's no reason to buy a used 1680 when there are comparable *new* products available for about the same cost.

Z
 
Darn!

Its too bad to hear that. I really wanted that sucker! Though I will continue getting peoples advice, what you say is very true. But basically, you dont' think there's much of a sonic improvement between the 840EX and a fully loaded 1680w/cdburner?
 
get it

I'm not sure of just how much difference 24 bit is to 20 bit but I have the 1880 and the sound that goes in is the sound that comes out .One of the great things about these machines is that they sound good . I'm not sure what you are recording but I use mine for rock/punk/country bands and I get results that the bands like.I don't fuss around just record things as live as possible.I find it is all to do with what you put in.Most machines today give goodhead(opps I mean results).but with the 1880 I have only scratched the surface with what it can do But have almost exauhsted my bag of tricks.I do have some gealy good mics wich makes life a wonderful thing,may be you might stay with the same machine and get some cool out board gear as good outboard stuff can be put on any other machine you may get in years to come(pre amps spring to mind) keep rockin or hip hoppin or what ever else it is you do
 
I'm not saying the 1680 is a bad deal - but think about the 1680:

When was it introduced? 1997, 1998? How old is this particular unit?

Think about the person you're buying from....

Has it been kept in good shape, used in a smoke free environment and had very little abuse or is a "band" owned thing that everyone has spilled beer all over and taken home for a one night stand???

16bit/20bit/24bit...

Is there a sonic difference? Absolutely.
Will it jump out and scream BIG DIFFERENCE. Probably not.

Anyway, There's a post in this same area from a guy who just got the vs890 for $800 - just something to consider.

Hey its your money - besides, even if the 1680 dies on you, you can still use the expansion cards and CD recorder with the newer versions (890, 1880, 2480)

Z
 
I have some pretty decent gear. I have several 57's and 58's, a pair of oktavas mc012's w/capsule kits, an NT2, Mackie mixer (cfx12), behringer compressors, and event monitors.

Don't get me wrong, the vs840 has done wonders for me, as I have for it. Some of the stuff I've brought out of that puppy is really good, sonically. I just feel like I've reached the machine's threshold. NO matter how much more I keep on learning, it becomes less and less audible because the machine's capacity doesn't allow anymore.

Basically, this is the logic I'm using: If I invest $6-700, I have a Fully loaded VS1680; more faders, inputs, automix, a bigger screen, and direct cd burner (which has really limited in the past, as I use master out to line in on a stock soundcard for my pc). If I do nothing, then I'm left with an 840EX that will continue to devaluate until it wouldn't even be worth selling (which I already almost feel that way).

I do not recall whether my 840ex is 16 or 20 bit. I guess this is where the underlying issue is. If both machines are 20 bit, then I'm basically paying several hundred bucks for a few more faders and a larger screen. If there is an actual bit improvement, then I'll be much more inclined to make the purchase...

Thoughts??

moises.
 
I *think* both machines are 20bit. Roland the specs off their web site.
 
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