LTB: Tascam mixer compatable with an MS16

[AllenM]

I ended up buying that local Tascam MS16. I just need a mixer to go with!

 

[cjacek]

Good move on that local MS-16. You're learning Grasshopper.

As to the mixer.... The beauty of the MS-16 is that it kicks it up a notch, capable of not only using the typical -10 level RCA laden jacks mixers out-there but also the "pro" ones, capable of +4 level balanced XLR's. You have a huge pool to pick from. It all depends on how many channels and features you need and of course how much you wanna spend. That you have a 16 track, doesn't mean you need that many channels is all I'm saying. Look around locally and buy on condition and the amount of features / channels you need. Tho I will say that a mixer which is all XLR's, is going to be very expensive when it comes to buying cables vs the much cheaper RCA phono versions but, of course, that's up to you. There isn't a difference sound wise other than better noise rejection (with XLR) if you're running long cable lines. TEAC/TASCAM is obviously a good choice, absolutely any mixer model will do, from that line. There's also other boards, from other manufacturers but you'll have to do your own research there. There are live mixers and mixers catered specifically to recording so be aware what you're buying. It'd be nice to have at least 4 buses and an area dedicated to tape return signals. Of course you can do the same thing with a live board, especially with many channels but it's just more convenient to have a board specifically made for recording. Most, if not all of the TEAC/TASCAM mixers are "recording" mixers. Where are you located? We can snoop around locally for you.

 

[AllenM]

I live in mission, tx. 5 minutes from mexico (as my friends say lol).

 

[cjacek]

Wow, you're really out-there, aren't you? Yeah, I'll keep an eye out but for now I'd recommend you post a craigslist "Wanted" ad in the musical instruments section and see what happens. In my own experience I've found people who have not posted their item up for sale, gladly respond when someone's looking for something. I'd just do a general subject like "Wanted: recording mixer for my 16 track Tascam MS-16 reel to reel", with the body of the message expanding on what you're looking for, something where you can have a number of items to choose from, not too picky or limiting. Reply here once you get people offering you their boards and we'll see what's best.

 

[RRuskin]

I ended up buying that local Tascam MS16. I just need a mixer to go with!

Any mixer you get should have at least 16 inputs and 16 dedicated tape machine returns so you can monitor the MS16 independently from the input settings.

 

[AllenM]

I found a real kickass one at a local music center. but its on consignment for 1500.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

I found a real kickass one at a local music center. but its on consignment for 1500.

Make and model???

Cheers!

 

[cjacek]

Make and model???

Ring, ring: Earth to Allen...

 

[AllenM]

Sorry, I got a bad case of food poisoning! Im just recovering. I forgot the brand of the mixer but if it helps I know it had wood panel sides! LOL
I'll try and get more info. I cant wait to record with the MS16. I already tested a couple of tracks with my 8 ch mixer. It sounds really neat. Gonna make some sweet soul music! Lets see... What are some good mixers I should look towards buying? It has to be compatible with my machine (16 tape inputs) I also want to be able to add at least 2 out board effects. I really do like the tascam series but finding a M520 will be close to impossible.

 

[AllenM]

there is the tascam m2600 on ebay, but im not too sure how good that unit is..

 

[AllenM]

Make and model???

Cheers!

RAMSA! I dont know the model though. Its a huge one.

 

[cjacek]

Yup, there's nothing wrong with fooling around with the smaller mixer that you have now or making some good music, using what you've already got. Be patient on an upgrade. It'll come and you don't need to settle on one brand but rather be open to others that have the capacity / features to interface with the MS-16. Rick got it right that you need inputs / tape returns and, may I suggest, more channels than you actually need. They might come in handy, even if for effects returns.

I don't have experience with an M2600 but I hope you're not considering (again) the shipping experience? Otherwise it looks like a capable mixer 'cause, remember, the MS-16 can interface with anything out-there. I suggest not rushing tho and using what you've already got, at least for now. Do you really NEED to upgrade from your 8 channel mixer?

Ah, Ramsa... but it would indeed help if you had a model number. I believe, tho not certain, that many of those mixers were live boards so you need to be sure.

Here's wishing you a speedy recovery Allen.

 

[RRuskin]

there is the tascam m2600 on ebay, but im not too sure how good that unit is..

I've got one and am satisfied with it up to a point.
The Good: It's clean, quiet, and has great routing & monitoring capabilities.
The Not So Good: The eq could be more musical. The mic pre's aren't anything to get excited about.

 

[AllenM]

Well today was a good day! I went by the shop and found out the mixer is a Ramsa WR5820. Its in great condition and I offered 850 on it (I hope I can get it!). I ended up leaving with a great deal of knowledge because the guy I was talking to used to teach analog recording in the early 80s. He answered all the questions I had about calibration and all that stuff so now I know alot more.
Its weird to know there are only 2 analog guys here in the valley (south texas) myself included.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Did it look like this?

Cheers!

 

[AllenM]

yes its that model!

 

[The Ghost of FM]

yes its that model!

Cool!

Looks to have enough inputs and overall functionality though I don't know how clean/noisy - musical/not so musical they sound?

Then again, you said the MS-16 you bought didn't come with the dbx noise reduction anyway, so it might be moot how clean the board is or isn't.

Hopefully some other folks with Ramsa experience can chime in on the sound quality.

Though I'm skeptical, what did the salesman have to say about it?

Cheers!

 

[AllenM]

not much, but he showed me how to hook it up and ran through the whole board. This bored even has its own test tone, so I can calibrate my machine! I can test the playback and even the recording meters!

 

[cjacek]

OK, the model # and the photo doesn't match. The one Jeff posted looks like the Ramsa WR-T820B and not the WR-5820 (can't find any info on it, which makes me think there's an error somewhere). Allen, are you sure it's the right model number? If, on the other hand, it is indeed the one pictured, then it's a pretty good one, judging by some of the write-ups I've seen. I personally would suggest you take a dynamic mic and headphones with you and test the board out thoroughly. You might also ask the guy to run some sounds through it, maybe via a CD player or something and have him demonstrate that all works and sounds good, to your liking. If it has all the inputs / outputs then it should prove to be a very capable mixer and you really can't beat local. I'd look into it more if I were you. Looks like a pretty good board, from what I've read about it. Tho the the asking price, IMO, is a bit much and you were right to put in a counter offer. The price trend, for a WR-T820B, seems to be around $500, based on http://www.prepal.com/data/Ramsa.htm but, that it's local, it may be alright to go a few hundred more, thus your offer of 850 seems about right, IF it's indeed the mixer we're talking about and that it's fully functional and capable to run your rig. I wouldn't pay more for it.

 

[purerad]

i think that's the same mixer my friend had for years that he ran into adats and then his computer, didn't sound bad i didn't think. but as everyone else said test it out first! hope it works out for ya!