mixer suggestions

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nate_dennis

nate_dennis

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If one were to purchase an MSR 16 what mixer would you all recomend in the 3-500 range? An analog mixer would be prefered. Also, (and this may be a really stupid question) can one use the same mixer for tracking and mixing? I know you'd have to re-route your inputs and outputs, but it seems like I should be able to use just one mixer, right? Thanks again guys.
 
Yes, you can use the same mixer for tracking as for mixing, so long as it has the right number and kind of inputs...and yes, depending on the mixer you'd have to repatch, but you have struck directly on one of the reasons so many of us are Tascam mixer fans around here (aside from the fact that they are relatively quite affordable)...the models commonly cited on this forum are 'inline' mixers...that basically means that each channel has multiple jacks that can be sourced with the flick or push of a switch, and often times there is a way to access those different inputs simultaneously...in either case it avoids the repatching bit and gives you powerful access to sources for overdub monitoring, cue mixes and such...example:

In the ideal world with an MSR16 you would pair a mixer with at least 16 channels. This holds true especially if you need to track all 16 tracks simultaneously...and regardless you are likely going to want to be able to monitor the playback of those 16 tracks without having to repatch every time you switch from record to playback. With an inline mixer, each channel would feature a mic input, tape return and a direct out at a minimum. The direct outs can be connected to the tape deck inputs, the tape jacks on the mixer connected to the tape deck outputs. Now on a mixer like the M-520, you can simultaneously monitor tape returns and mic/line inputs...the channel source my be switched to mic or line, but there is a separate monitor mixer at which you can source the tape jacks directly while the individual channels are sourcing different things...When it is time to mixdown you just switch the channel sources to tape, and, viola, you instantly have routed your tape deck outputs to the full channel strip with eq etc. Also, the AUX busses can source the pre or post fader stage of whatever the mixer channel is sourcing, OR the AUX busses can source the tape jacks for cue mixes even if the channel strip is sourced to something other than the tape jacks, and you've just accomplished all the above routing and reconfiguring without unplugging a thing.

Many options in your price range...

M-216
M-320
M-520
M-1516
M-2516/2524

There is a nice 320 on eBay right now, or you might inquire of evm1024...he has a nice M-320 sort of passively for sale...there's also a couple 2524's on eBay right now...any of the above mixers have inline feature to varying degrees.
 
Other models to consider from oldest to newest: Model 15/15B, Model 16, the 3500, 3700, & 2600. These are among the "large" but not largest of the Tascam boards. When they come up for sale, the prices are quite reasonable.
 
I agree with the other replies, the best choices would be

M3700, a 32 channel if you can get one, has automation (volume, mute, effects, eq on/off) which is nice when mixing. has inline monitoring.

M3500, same as M3700 but no automation.

M2524, will be cheaper then the above 2, has inline monitoring and midi mute / scene control.

These 3 consoles were designed to be used with the MSR16 by Tascam. I have used a MSR16 with both the M2524 and the M3700 and it's a nice set up. I still own my MSR16 a M2524 (used for live location tracking now) and a M3700 (main studio console).

Cheers

Alan.

p.s, the MSR 16 has -10db unbalanced in/outs, the 3 consoles I recommended are also -10db in/out on the direct out and tape returns so they match, some consoles will have +4db balanced so you will have a level matching problem, so check what the console is before buying. Also the M3500 and M3700 did have a balanced +4 option, most of the consoles around wont have this (you don't want it if using a MSR16), the consoles with the +4 option have "D Sub" connectors on the back, the standard -10 consoles have either RCA or Jack Plug direct out / tape returns.
 
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M3700, a 32 channel if you can get one, has automation (volume, mute, effects, eq on/off) which is nice when mixing. has inline monitoring.

M3500, same as M3700 but no automation.
Click to expand...

Good luck finding one of those in good repair within your $500 budget ceiling tho'...if you do, GET IT!
 
I do agree with sweetbeats getting a M3500 or M3700 in the budget would be a lucky find, however sometimes there are lucky finds and the prices are coming down all the time so keep an eye out.

The M2524 will be the easer find under $500.


Cheers

Alan.
 
Thanks so much for all your help guys!!! I really appreciate your responses.
 
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