suitable mixing desk for protools set up?

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johnmassis

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I'm trying to figure out what mixing console would be best for my yet to build project studio.

We already have a G4 with the protools digi 001 soundcard. Using a DA converter (using the ADAT i/o on the digi 001) we will eventually go for 16 tracks simultaneous recording. I also consider to buy this Tascam 16 track 1" inch tapemachine for recording fat drum and guitarsounds. Afterwards I intend to transfer these tape tracks to protools.

Question is: what mixing disk will suit this set-up best?

I have a chance to buy a Mackie 32/8 studio console incl. meterbridge, stand, power supply for approx. 3000 $, which is a fair price here in central europe. But I've been thinking maybe I should go for a more modest mixing desk. Since I will do most of the mixing and equalising in protools I don't need the extended equalisation and bus structure of the mackie 32/8.
What about these Mackie 1604 vlz pro desks? Are the XDR mic preamps even better than the ones from the Mackie 8 bus series? And what about direct outputs of these smaller mackie desks? Does every channel have direct outputs like the 8 bus desks have? ? Let's suppose I want to record 12 tracks simultaneously, can I assign each one of them to a different track in my protools system? Or can I only assign them through the bus structure (using auxilliaries)? Also, is there a way to provide at least 4 headphones for the musicians?
I know someone who's selling this Allen & Heath GS3 24/8 studio table for 1500 $? That's about half the price of the mackie, which means more money to spend on decent compressors and valve preamps. And of what I heard the preamps of the GS3 are even better then the mackie preamps?

I know a lot of questions at once but any advice is more then welcome.

thanks a bunch

David
 
1. You have to decide where your priorities are. If its mixing, perhaps consider the purchase of a control surface instead of a console?

2. The A & H GS3 is FAR superior to the Mackie you mentioned in every way.
 
I have quite some first hand experience with Mackie consoles, here's what I posted in the other thread (Mackie vs. Spirit)...

My first "real" console was a Mackie 1604 and I found it was serious bang for the buck. Sure beat the Spirit stuff in the same price category in terms of sound. I later owned a newly bought 24-8 bus Mackie, and in hindsight I find you can't justify it's price tag. For what it is, it's expensive. Also, for some strange reason the "solo" function went completely DEAD on all channels on my console after a few months, and had to be fixed. I have to say the preamps were very quiet, and the routing possibilities very good. The EQ on every $ 1K+ Mackie I heard so far is kind of "sweet" and gives very musical results. Overall I do find Mackies to "color" the sound more than other consoles. On the downside, I think the meters *sucked* and were slow/sluggish. I did work with Mackie gear for a while so I just added my $ 0.02 here... not that I'm "for" or "against" them... I just don't think they're the best buy when you're on a budget.
 
The vlz series and the active monitors are the only Mackies that are really worth it and possibly more(I know that's the case with the 1604!). If I were going to spend that much on a console I'd just wait a little longer and buy a Ghost. But of course I'm not an expert and haven't even given much thought to it because I consider myself blessed with my 1604!
 
Well thanks for the advice,

I just bought the 32/8. It was in an incredibly good state. Almost new. The guy let it for 2800 $. I'm happy with it. So far...

Thanks again.

David
 
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