Analogue desk for about USD$20k

[Marc Edwards]

A little off topic for DUC, but here's our problem anyway. We're in need of a great sounding analogue desk. Our requirements are:

• Great sounding, flexable EQ (think warm and fat... not surgical or accurate)
• 44+ channels
• I don't care about the pre's -- we only track overdubs, and we have outboard for this
• Don't need lots of busses (8 or 16 would be fine)
• Mute automation would be great, but not essential, as with any other automation.
• Could be new or 2nd hand, but hopefully nothing too old (I don't want to be repairing every other week!)
• It's for mixing

I was thinking of an Amek Big, but I've heard quite a few negative things about the EQ. Another option is an Oram series 24 -- I love the sound of John's outboard, but this is more $$. Other Amex boards spring to mind. Am I missing anything here?

I'd love to hear opinions on what _not_ to buy too

Thanks in advance, Marc.

[johnwhynot]

I know you said analogue, but I'm pretty impressed with the warmth and musicality of that kewl new Sony Dig board.

Scaleable, nice effects, extremely flexible. And a nice sound.

For around 20k

------------------
Score Mixer/Record Producer
www.parkedalien.com
CDs, Discussions, Creative Audio

[stevegalante]

I sent you an email

[juneaudio]

I was looking for the same thing in the same price range about 5 months ago. I ended up getting a Trident 80B. It doesnt do anything but sound good. Absolutely no bells or whistles.

[mikeoxbig]

Hey juneaudio,
Have you had any problems with your 80B? I'm also considering a new analog console.

Thanks,
Mike

[juneaudio]

Haven't had any big problems. We worked on the patchbay, re-soldering points and stuff, but everything else has been great.

[Marc Edwards]

Thanks for the info so far (thanks also for the email Stefano).

Juneaudio : Great to hear about your 80B -- this is definitely an option, and it's also good to know you haven't had any serious problems with it! This board was designed by John Oram, wasn't it?

What about older Soundcraft desks? Please keep the suggestions coming!

Marc.

[BDWillis]

Have to agree with the 80B thoughts! Large & open with very musical EQ. A couple thoughts… have the master module recapped by a tech who knows these desks (!) and consider replacing the channel line amps with trim pots. In this way you still get access to the 80B signal path, but signal is much cleaner into individual channels (not unlike patching into the insert return jack). BTW, 80B pots & switches tend to need frequent "exercising" and occassional replacement, so check the desk out very thoroughly and allow for some maintainance time & expense… but on balance, they're worth it!

I've done a number of PT mixes through the 80B… calibrate the trims, put all faders at -5 (or 0 or…), hard pan even/odd channel pairs and let all level & panning automation, etc. happen in PT. BIG FUN!!

Other choices might be Trident 65 or 24, or Soundcraft (in all cases, nice EQ, though not as thick sounding as 80B). Good luck.

Warmest Regards,
Brian

[tnie]

Hello,

Does anybody know where I can find a
MCI JH-500 series console either complete or parts, working or somewhat functional? thanks

[Jester]

We put one of the new AUDIENT consoles in our remote truck. It has a great sound and won't break the bank. It can be upgraded with uptown flying faders if you want that too. Look on page95 of the June issue of MIX. They are distributed by Audio Independence in the US. Call 608-831-8700 and talk to Danny Ableson. Tell him Darcy sent you. He'll treat you right.