Mixer Questions

[Rochey]

I have two mixers.

One is an Allen & Heath GS1. 16 faders, but 36 channels on mixdown (just get the mental picture) -- I estimate this to be about 15 years old (i'm the 3rd owner i think)


I also have an older (possibly 20 - 25 yrs old) Hill mixing desk.

It's a 24 Channel Monster of a desk, with individual channel outs, but no VU meter. It was used at my university in the main hall for years and years.

I'm wondering which would have better pre-amps. The allen & heath or the Hill.

Also, I record with a Delta 1010. Should i mix down with the Hill or the A&H?

d

 

[richthirst]

Phew...so many variables to try and judge two mixing desks from just a post.

Firstly, which sounds better to you? Which desk's eq is smoother, brighter, etc, etc. Which desk do you prefer sitting at for its layout?

It's all subjective and at the end of the day its you that has to use the thing. Just because a desk is older/newer doesn't make it better/worse.

Have a play and let us know what you decided and why

 

[TexRoadkill]

No offense dude but how are we supposed to tell you which one sounds better without any samples? It's one thing if your using common gear that everyone is familliar with.

Start messing around and see. Whenever I get new gear I usually do some practice sessions until I'm comfortable and familliar with the sounds I can get. Just record a simple cover tune or something and try both preamps and do a mix with each mixer and see what you like. Post MP3's of the sessions here and we can tell you how much better it would be if we did it

 

[Lame Thrower]

Send them both to me. I'll run some tests on them for a few years and give you a scientific answer.

 

[Rochey]

I'll consider that

I was hoping for a straight answer, but obviously, it'll take some work.

The Hill mixer is a BEAST of a mixer. It's massive. Easily bigger than the mackie 24/8

At the moment it's sitting behind my couch feeling sorry for itself, although i'll get it out this weekend.

I'll have to find a table strong enough for it first!

I think what i'll do is bring the outputs of the Hill into the inputs of my Allen & Heath. That way i don't have to interrupt my current setup too much.

I can also watch the levels on my computer. Hmmm... I'm having good thoughts now

d

 

[Rochey]

!

okay guys, here's an update on the old hill mixer etc...


This is classic....

I rearrange my studio, move the monitors, computer, rack.... everything. I partially rewire the studio as well. just so I can get the mixer in place.

I then start checking what connections are required, and suddenly it dawns on me that i need to get a power supply. A HA!!! easily solved... I was given the rack mounted power supply for it. So, I put the supply at the bottom of my rack, and put the plug in the wall... fine...


Then, it suddenly dawns on me... There's no cable connecting the mixer to the power supply. So, I look at the connectors, and it's one i've never seen before... a 4 pin XLR cable.

WTF???????

It just keeps getting better and better...



d