Minty fresh Soundcraft 200b 16/4/2 worth the purchase?

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TheDevilLokius

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I have an opportunity to purchase a 20+ year old ANOS Soundcraft 200b 16/4/2 mixing console for $700. This thing is apparently in perfect condition. Been sitting in the case for over a decade it sounds like. Anyway, I'm running a PF2626, ISA428MKII, ART DMPAII w/matched NOS Telefunkens and an ART PRO VLAII w/matched NOS Mullards. Working on my new progressive/alternative/experimental rock album. Musical tastes consist of Coheed and Cambria, Circa Survive, Mastodon, Foo Fighters, Hoobastank, Billy Talent, STP, Soundgarden, Jane's Addiction and Tool.

Although I love the transparency of the 428, I really want to take advantage of my NOS tubes and heavily utilize the DMPAII and VLAII on this album. I've heard it is easier to utilize outboard gear (the VLAII plus whatever I may borrow) using a mixing console. I'm completely used to mixing ITB and never used an OB mixer before. Is this console worth purchasing? Will it be a useful addition in recording this album? Will it be best used for mix buss duties? Does it have a "sound"? I'm thinking I may be able to get the price down to about $500. Some experienced opinions would be great. Thanks.

-TDL
 
Introductory post here on this forum and all I get is crickets...

Thanks.

-TDL
 
TheDevilLokius said:
Introductory post here on this forum and all I get is crickets...

Thanks.

-TDL
Click to expand...

So you post and don't get a reply in 3 hours and have a moan about it. This forum is world wide, some people are asleep when you posted. Which part of the world are you in? I also noticed the same post and comments on another site.

I have used a 200B in the past and it was a very nice console to use.

Alan
 
I'm a big fan of the 200B and have used one many a time. The mic pre amps are nicely musical but neutral, the EQ is good for its age (though not quite as flexible as modern stuff with multiple swept bands). Perhaps most important, the signal routing options are very useful.

If you have a chance to check it out, go through it channel by channel for noises etc. but pay special attention to the power supply which can suffer from drying out electrolytic caps. If you're good with a soldering iron, you can fix this yourself but, if not, getting repairs or finding a replacement can be costly.

I can't really comment on the price you've been offered--I've only bought them new (a couple of decades ago) and haven't kept up with second hand prices.
 
Lol! Thank you Alan. Not always one for patience. Appreciate you too Bobbsy. Any other endorsements or feedback? I also have the ability to purchase a brand new Focusrite Studiolive 16.4.2 through a dealer accommodation. Wouldn't it be better to just shell out twice the cheese and get all the OB verb/delay/gates/compressors the SL channel strips have to offer over the 20+ year old 200b? Or does the 200b got the OG mojo I'll never get with the SL?

-TDL
 
Are you sure you don't mean the Presonus Studiolive? If there's a Focusrite version, it's new to me! Assuming you mean the Presonus:

The Studiolive is an okay digital board. The mic pres sound fine and the effects are good.

However, have a think about how you'll use it. The Studiolive doesn't have motorised faders which was the feature (or lack of feature) that caused me to drop it from any shortlist. I do live work with my mixers and the combination of scene presets and motorised faders is absolutely essential to me. If your needs are purely for in the studio, then this drawback might not be so serious.
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Having said all that, if I was going to spend on a digital board now, I'd have to consider the Behringer X32 instead. It's in a similar price range and the facilities drive the Studiolive out the door. Hmmm...could that be why a discount "dealer accomodation" is available. I've heard the X32 has driven Studiolive sales almost to zero.
 
Damn Bobbsy. I totally meant Presonus. And you know what I think you're right. I've heard the X32 crushes the SL and has begun to hush all the Behringer naysayers...
 
I realise I didn't recommend between the 200B and a digital board.

Ignoring the cost difference (which I can do even if you can't) I think the choice depends on your interests and how you'll use things.

The 200B is a nice "classic" analogue board--a great favourite of mine. However, to use it you'll also have to invest in a suitable multichannel audio interface and you'll also need to be able to provide tender loving care to keep it running properly. If you buy the 200B, to some extent you're buying a "labour of love" rather than a mixer.

Buying a modern digital board, on the other hand, gives you lots of options in terms of signal routing, perhaps automation and the like. As you mention, it also gives you lots of effects, compression, etc. etc.. That said, you may end up working ITB rather than using these.

In terms of putting my own money where my mouth is, I've gone the digital mixer route in my home studio--with a Yamaha DM1000. (Neither the Presonus nor the Behringer existed when I made my purchase.) Much as I like classic old analogue boards, the digital route was more practical for my needs and more suitable for recording music rather than collecting nice old gear.
 
I though I would go to my grave never leaving the analogue console world ... BUT ... I'll be purchasing a new X32 soon. Take a look at the ebay sales.
They are starting to go down in price $2,300.ish or $2,800.ish including a tour case or digital snake!
 
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