Any suggestions for good 8 buss analog boards?

  • Thread starter Thread starter GinEnema
  • Start date Start date
G

GinEnema

New member
Recently bought a 1" 8-track Otari Mx-70 to upgrade from my Tascam 488 mkII, and am looking for a decent older 8 buss board with a minimum of 12 channels, preferably 16, in good condition for under a grand.
This may be asking too much, but if anybody has any suggetions on models, where to buy used, comments, boards for sale, or advice I'd appreciate it. Even if you know of any higher priced boards that would be good for this machine and a medium sized home studio, let me know. Maybe I can sell my car :)
 
I've got a mint Behringer MX9000 that I'll let you have for $750.00 shipped. Comes with box and manuel.
 
Older Tascam mixers are highly sought after. Tascam made a whole plethora of boards and consoles in the 70s 80s and 90s, most of which were of much, much, much nicer build and electronics quality than most of the cheaper and semi-pro products of today. As a general rule, the older it is, the better it's preamps get. And from what I hear, any Tascam board from the 70's or 80's will blow a Behringer away.

Check ebay from time to time.
http://search.ebay.com/tascam-mix-p...Q2cQ20Q2dportastudioQ2cQ20Q2drecorderQQsojsZ0

M2600 (24x8x2)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23785&item=3781506993&rd=1

M1600 (24x8x2)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23785&item=3781803537&rd=1

M2524 (24x8x2)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23785&item=3781976960&rd=1

M3500 (32x8x2)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23785&item=3781175007&rd=1
 
I think GinEnema mentioned he wanted a "good" older analog mixing board. $600 Behringer boards don't seem to fit that criteria, sorry.

There are some great older boards out there. You may have to hunt for a while and be patient, but some of the older Soundcraft and Allen & Heath boards would probably fit the bill nicely. Really depends on what you have to spend. Since you only need 12-16 channels, you might be able to find one for your budget.

I've seen some very interesting boards go quite cheap on eBay, so that would be the first place I'd suggest you look. If you see a board that interests you, be sure to ask the seller a lot of questions. That will tell you a lot about the board, and the seller.

There have a been a number of boards I've seen on eBay that I wanted to bid on, but I just don't have the space for a big analog board in my studio right now. I'm looking for a 24 buss board, and those tend to be a lot larger. but a 12-16 channel 8 buss board shouldn't be too hard to find, as they are fairly common.

Another model to look for would be the Soundtracs Topaz.
 
I may have a system 8 for sale soon. I also have an old Seck kicking around somewhere.
 
xstatic said:
I may have a system 8 for sale soon. I also have an old Seck kicking around somewhere.
Click to expand...

How many channels? What do you think you might be asking?
 
I think...

the Tascam M-520 is the ultimate board to have paired with an 8-track reel. ;)

From a 488mkII to A 1"-8-track reel? Geez, dude, you go for the gusto!! :eek: ;)
 
I need to have my boss check over the system 8 before I can sell it. I will probably be looking for something in the $1250 range. If I remember right it is a 24 channel 8 buss with 8 or 16 tape returns. I haven't personally used it for about 7 years. The Seck is being checked out later this week. I think it has 18 channels and 16 group outs (on 8 faders) and tape returns per channel. Assuming it is in good shape I will be asking about $900 for the seck. The Allen Heath is a much heavier console so shipping will be quite different between the two.

The Tascams mentioned above are definately decent consoles as well. The only problem is that their build quality was a little lacking in most of them and repairs could be very difficult. Other than that though, they are definately one of those underrated consoles out there.
 
The folks mentioning buying an older tascam mixer (or other brand) have valid points... I own two older Tascam mixers myself, although I don't use them much anymore.

One thing to consider when buying any older mixer, especially if it's ten years old or older, is that they have lots of electrolytic capacitors in them, and they tend to dry out and need to be replaced. You'll find them in the power supplies as well as the preamp channels. Also, rotary and linear pots (trim pots, effect sends, channel volume controls, etc.) can become worn and "scratchy" sounding over time. If it were me looking for an older used mixer, I'd try out all candidates in person rather than buying one from Ebay or any other source to confirm all the channels are working correctly and there are no "scratchy" controls or odd hums caused by leaky caps.

I know there are many folks here that don't like Behringer gear for various reasons, but I've got a few pieces of their equipment (along with "the good stuff") and I've never had a problem with any of it. I'm not very keen on their practice of "lifting" other companies designs, but their gear has a big advantage, price-wise, more times than not. Before blowing off any brand, go try it for yourself.

OK - flame on... ;)
 
My Choice

I have used the Behringer mixer at work and I use the the M-520 at home. I think the value for the money is good in the Behringer line. The Tascam board while big bulky and heavy is a great sounding clean board even 20 years old. If you can find a good one definately get it. You will be impressed. Now that I have enough equipment to record 40 simultaneous digital tracks. I think I need to find something bigger but I definately am going to keep the M-520.
 
Another vote for the Tascams

I have the M-2516. Sounds great, extremely flexible routing, direct outs per channel, 8 bus outs, seperate control room and studio level knobs, monitor function lets you set up a second mix easy, good metering, and more I'm forgetting.

Great value. I inherited mine from a good friend. :D
 
The A&H system 8 is a good board but a good FEW steps up would be the A&H Saber 24/16/16/2. I recenly parted with mine for space reasons, downsizing to a Soundtracs Topaz Project 8, that's a good little desk too for the money but doesn't quite have the same routing and AUX flexability as the saber....

depends what your needs are really
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top