i want to buy a console..

  • Thread starter Thread starter TragikRemix
  • Start date Start date
It is true that there is a likelihood that it is not 100%, but other factors need to be considered. First, many typical issues that consoles have are both readily and/or affordably fixed. Second, I find it much more risky to buy a cheap console used than a nicer one. Third, I would always do whatever research I can about the console itself and availability and cost of repairs and parts. Fourth, I would also consider who the seller is and how the console was used and/or maintained. Used consoles can be incredibly good bargains with just a little bit of effort and research. Many companies and studios are selling off these consoles to pay for newer ones and often let them go for a great price and in great condition. Certain vintages of console seem to be really good buys because they were built better when they were made and are still new enough to not require full restoration but most often just some fader and pot cleaning which can be done very affordably and with jsut a little effort. Most people however who opwn a Mackie or a Behringer have never put any maintenance into them so these are the consoles that I would be the most cautious when purchasing used. A studio however who invested $30,000 plus into a console has probably also maintained it will, and the sellers can often furnish receipts to verify this. There are also places like Creation Audio Labs that can do a lot of restoration including checking all connections and resoldering all main points and jacks, changing pots etc... for about $50 per channel. Doing proper footwork is key to making sure you get the best deal you can and is no guarantee that it will be as disclosed, but the risk can be greatly nullified. Personally, I feel better buying a used console than buying a used mic. With todays market it is not unrealistic to get a killer console for 5-10% of the original sales cost. PLus you can often get them with all of the proper and necessary cabling which is a considerable bonus.
 
Busses

Is anybody else not really into the subgrouping thing. I like it fine for live stuff but I just as soon not sub mix anything in the recording world. Xstatic mentions a few boards with Automation, which is nice. You can use the automation to "group" for level changes. IMHO the only situation for subgrouping in the studio is, for example, mixing say a drumkit down to stereo and putting some goofy FX on it.......which isn't my bag but whatever floats your chicken. :D
 
sauce said:
IMHO the only situation for subgrouping in the studio is, for example, mixing say a drumkit down to stereo and putting some goofy FX on it.......which isn't my bag but whatever floats your chicken. :D
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What about mixing the drums down to stereo and putting some NON-goofy FX on it? ...like compression?

BTW, I wouldn't bother buying a console that is very old unless you have some tech skills, or you don't mind paying a tech, or you can get some kind of guarantee on its condition. Unless you just want something that looks cool to impress clients. Always useful to have eyecandy... :)
 
Reggie said:
What about mixing the drums down to stereo and putting some NON-goofy FX on it? ...like compression?
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True. However I have yet to compress the entire drum kit with one stereo comp. I would rather have more compresors doing the same thing. But now that I think if it it kinda sounds like that's what primus did on the brown album. I guess I will say that sub groups are a good thing to have around just in case.
 
First, most studios with the 24+ buss consoles use the subgroups for patching to tape machines, converters etc.... Second, bussing is necessary if you want parallel compression. Third using a stereo comp on a group of channels sounds very different than using a comp on each individual channel within that group. I have found that in recording busses are still important, they are just used a little differently than they often are in a live scenario. Even mixing in the studio however, I have found that bussing things for convenience can still be a good idea. Especially if you have 13 drum channels that all need to change simultaneously.
 
TragikRemix said:
now that i understand the purpose and use of a console in the studio enviorment, sure enough, i want one.

i want something with good pres. eq's arent a huge priority because i try not to abuse eq too much.

that being said, i would love some recommendations. i want to spend between $1 and $2500, used values. 16 channels is fine, unless i can get 24 for within my price range.

i was looking into the soundcraft ghost and the soundtrac topaz (?). anybody know of some others within my price range?

i salivate over the Toft ATB, but that comes to like $3600 with shipping, new from the UK. thats kinda over my budget, but if someone says that it blows all the others away, it can find its place in the contention. i wish people were selling them used already!

what are some other options for me, or some comments about the one's i mentioned.

thanks guys
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I remember "the search". I treated this purchase like buying a car: there was a price limit and a list of features that I had to have. I researched probably every Allen & Heath, Soundcraft, Soundtracs, & Mackie board made in the last 15 years and I compared my "want" list to the boards and made a short list. Then the pricing came in that shortend the list even further. Last year, after what seemed like forever of searching, I finally found my Soundtracs Topaz on my short list at a dealer in the midwest. It was a 24x8, NOS in original boxes with full meter bridge for $650. Couldn't pass it up.

Currently, I'm looking for a 24 track, 3M M79...eventually, it'll turn up.

Good luck on your search!

DY
 
are you satisfied with the topaz? it is also on my list :)

i want exactly that, 24x8. how do you feel about the sound of the pre's and the eq?

im still searching and saving. i'll take my time until i find something i'm satisfied with (for now) :)
 
TragikRemix said:
are you satisfied with the topaz? it is also on my list :)

i want exactly that, 24x8. how do you feel about the sound of the pre's and the eq?

im still searching and saving. i'll take my time until i find something i'm satisfied with (for now) :)
Click to expand...

I REALLY like this board. Here's the reasons why I went with this board (besides the great deal I got):

1. All 24 channel inputs feature:
- a Phase reverse button
- a 48v phantom power button
- a Flip button (between Mic/Line & Tape inputs)
- a bus button
- Gain control knob (Mic: +10db to +60db, Line: -20db to +30db)

Note: the one limitation I find here is each channel has a pre-assigned bus (bus 1 = channels 1, 9, 17; bus 2 = 2, 10, 18, etc).

2. The channel pre & eq is great for a board in this price range (and I think this listed around $5k-6k with meter bridge). Tho the Eq is 4 band, there's 6 controls with each channel having a separate Channel EQ button:

- HF > 12kHz
- MF1 350Hz/8k
- MF1 -15/+15 db
- MF2 50Hz/1k
- MF2 -15/+15 db
- LF < 80 Hz

To me, the Topaz is a better value than a comparable Mackie and I think you'll find for a British board, it rivals its Soundcraft & A&H equivalent...

Good luck...
 
have you looked at the Toft ATB consoles? i know there's not a lot of them out there yet, but dudes on gearslutz are TRIPPING over these consoles, and the 24-channel version seems to be pretty moderately priced - $4,600 if i remember correctly
 
yes i have :)

16 track was quoted at $3600 shipped to my door.

doesnt look like im gonna be buying anything for a while though.

i had to be a big shot and learn how to drive and buy a car and get my license...
 
busses are also useful if you are say double tracking vocals but you only have one compressor to devote. I couldn't imagine having 6 different efx boxes though.
 
thanks!
tex- i listened, and i liked the 'sound' i guess. the music wasnt my style but i thought the guitars sounded nice, and vocals where tight, as good as you can get with that guys voice.

and like they said in the thread, a lil too much high -end, 'brightness' i guess. :)

thats what i was looking for, and i think that board would satisfy me, especially with the availibility and relatively low price.

and i will be using this integrated with a digtal setup so i will have plugs and stuff still. busses arent necessary yet, but i eventually want to incorporate more analog gear. i'd also like to be able to mix down into 2track tape :)
 
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