AMEK TAC Magnum VS TASCAM 3500...?

[miroslav]

So would it make little sense to move from the 3500 to a Magnum, or would it be a worthwhile "upgrade" considering both are in about the same condition/age?

Anyone ever use the Magnum?

I've been checking out the used market for AMEKs (and other brands), and I know there are some nice AMEK models, but they don't seem to ever come up in this area...always far away. The Magnum is close by, but I know it's not one of the higher-end AMEK models, though the pres and EQ are possibly a better quality than the 3500, which is the main thing I would like to improve, and really, I don't even care that much about the pres (I never use my 3500 pres), so it's mostly the EQ quality and the overall routing and sound of the boards that matters.

 

[Bobbsy]

Well, I've never used the Tascam 3500 so I can't compare the two, but I CAN say that the Amek TAC Magnum is a lovely sounding console. The pre amps are warm and detailed (heck, you might even start using them!) and the EQ was very useful and musical.

I greatly enjoyed my time on that console back in the '80s!

 

[miroslav]

Looking at a two owner 36 channel Magnum, with some spare parts, spare channel, rebuilt PS and a large amount of cabling....$1500 USD, local guy, cash on pick up.

Claims the board is in great overall condition, with only some scratchy stuff and possible need for some recaps, though he doesn't specifically say anything needs it at this time...but realistically, the board must be about 20 years old.

I am going to give the guy a call and talk to him tomorrow. I don't mind some overhaul work and general cleaning...but I wouldn't want to have to get into major recap work, in which case I would look for something even better if I was going to invest the time/money to recap and rebuild.
I may be able to get it for even less than that...so from that perspective, it's not a major gamble for a 36 channel console.

My 3500 is still in full operating condition, I bought it new and kept it in good shape....but yes, the pots are getting harder to turn, the faders sticky, the EQ isn't what I would call musical, it's just OK enough to get the job done, but it doesn't add any "magic"...and of course, the board is not super-quiet, though it's never exhibited the noise that some 3500/3700 guys have had. I did spend a good amount of time wiring up my studio as best as I could, so maybe I've been lucky in that regard. Also...it's a 22-year old board, so talking about recaps, I'm sure it could use some work, though I don't really hear any obvious problems, but stuff must be getting worn out after 22 years!
I also have 8 spare channels, and a whole bunch of other spare parts, so I certainly can keep it going for awhile longer without any problems. Even have a spare PS.

There's also the installation and re-installation that would be needed of the two boards and all the redoing of patchbays...so besides the above considerations, there's also that on top, and would it be worth all that just to go from the one to the other. I would love one of the more upper-scale AMEKs, and would pay 2-3 times the price of the Magnum...but I never get lucky and see anything good close by. I would not want to get into shipping of larger/old consoles. I've heard a few people say that they had Magnums that got destroyed by movers just from being a bit too rough, and I guess the connections/boards get messed up.

Mmmmmm...yeah.....just tossing stuff around in my head....