Neotek II vs. Trident 24 + Focusrite Pre's

[Cloneboy Studio]

I'm going to be applying for a SBA loan to open a fairly serious recording studio (125k-150k loan plus my roughly 15k of equipment I have now) and I'm building up an equipment list. I've allocated about 65k for all recording equipment, computers, software, network, CD duplication and so on. The biggest concern I have is weighing the MIXER VERSUS PREAMPS.

Originally I was looking at a Trident 24 or 65 series and picking up some Sebatron VP pre's or Focusrite Reds. However, when I tallied up the approximately 7k for the Trident and 5-6k for the Focusrite's I started getting in league with a used Neotek Series II 24 channel mixer.

Which got me thinking--which is going to be better? Neotek II or the Trident 24 with about 5-6k of preamps? Which is going to sound better?

Myself I'm aiming a bit more towards the Neotek. Maybe someone has an angle I haven't considered yet.

 

[acorec]

I'm going to be applying for a SBA loan to open a fairly serious recording studio (125k-150k loan plus my roughly 15k of equipment I have now) and I'm building up an equipment list. I've allocated about 65k for all recording equipment, computers, software, network, CD duplication and so on. The biggest concern I have is weighing the MIXER VERSUS PREAMPS.

Originally I was looking at a Trident 24 or 65 series and picking up some Sebatron VP pre's or Focusrite Reds. However, when I tallied up the approximately 7k for the Trident and 5-6k for the Focusrite's I started getting in league with a used Neotek Series II 24 channel mixer.

Which got me thinking--which is going to be better? Neotek II or the Trident 24 with about 5-6k of preamps? Which is going to sound better?

Myself I'm aiming a bit more towards the Neotek. Maybe someone has an angle I haven't considered yet.

Re-think that 24 track mixer and look at a minimum of 32.

I would never invest in a serious mixing console and limit myself to 24 tracks. I think 40 would be MY min, but 32 would be OK. The mixing console would bought be used, and in the used market there would be little to no diff in price. If you want the console to be used *and* useful for a good preiod of time, you will need the extra tracks to be competitive in the recording market. You don't want to turn around in 6 mos-1 year and have to replace the console or find a sidecar.

Now pre-amps: I would buy everything used! Pre-amps just don't wear. There is no reason why you can't find used stuff, in mint condition, for at least 1/2 price. Build a GREAT studio with used equipment!

Example: I got and Avalon M5 for $599.......List is $1600
Avalon U5 for $399.......List is $600
Joe Meek VC1 for $400....List was $999
Focusright VMpro $499....List is $899


This is just some examples of the stuff I got at GC of all places! Look around and take your time.

 

[Ronan]

Wow, this is a really big leap you are taking. Good Luck!

Are you looking for a board to mix on (which is definately the route I would go) or looking for a sidecar and you plan to mix in the box?

If you are going to sidecar route I would go with stand alone pres just so you could have some variety. If you are looking for a console to also mix with, The Neotek would be a very good choice for both your own work and sales value if you are trying to rent your room to other engineers. The Trident 24 is not the league of console as something like a Trident 80 (I am saying this second hand as I have not used the 24, but you may want to think about spending a little more on a Trident Series 80 which are fantastic boards and can be really good for a lot of the music you seem to like. KMFDM ande Skinny puppy did a lot of work on the 80B at Soundhouse in Seattle (a studio I love to work in)

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

I intend to buy everything used--especially the console and any preamps. In fact, if I have my way 100% of my gear will be bought used. I'm definately a big believer in used gear. 95% of my equipment now is used and I couldn't be happier.

The 32 channel mixer idea is a sound one. It all is going to depend on price and bang for the buck. I'd rather have 24 great sounding channels than 48 average sounding ones.

I do intend to do analog mixing supplemented with prior DAW editing using a RADAR II Classic as a recorder. DAW mixing really bugs me and is slow, slow work. Give me an analog mixer with some decent EQ and a few inserted compressors and I can get a rock mix happening in 15 minutes.

Most of the bands I will be recording are emo, punk, rock and the like. That's where my real expertise lies. I will probably supplement myself with getting some of the local rap market (easy money) as well. I don't anticipate recording too many industrial bands, sadly enough.

I'd like to find a solid price on a used 24 and 32 channel Neotek II if anyone knows for certain. The boards are fairly rare to find on the used market.