API legacy vs 1608

[goldphinger]

I've been trying to decide on a new console, and I am coming up stumped. I like the ideas of the legacy and the 1608... But I can't quite come to a decision yet. I've tracked, mixed or have tracked/mixed on a 1604, vintage api, and legacy. So, I am quite familiar with the sound. I know I want API, but my desire for the legacy was curbed a bit when the 1608 came out. Legacy+ is also an option... But for the sake of ease I will use a regular legacy as the reference as a means for my purpose today


I compare the 2 consoles:

Channels: 32 on the 1608... vs 32, 40, 48, etc on the legacy - not to mention a 24 track monitor section on the legacy.


32 channels seems flimsy, especially with only 8 echo returns. 32+24ch monitor seems much more conducive to my usual mix patterns.

Busses/Auxs
The 1608 has 8 busses 8 aux, one stereo bus. The legacy has 16 busses, 6 aux, and 2 stereo busses. The 1608 has 5.1 monitoring, the legacy does not.

Mic Pres
1608 will have 32 312 circuit mic pres. The legacy will have 16 212l mic pres... Probably almost dead on to the 312.

EQ
1608 has 28 550a, 4 560... The legacy 32 ch will have 32 550L. The 550l seems directly comparable to the 550b sonically and feature wise.

Automation
1608 will have vision automation from DAW. Legacy has a pretty nice Uptown moving fader automation... It may be archaic but is is nice... Usually I see them with automation on main faders as well as monitor section. The legacy will probably be able to be upgraded in the future to the same kind of automation as the 1608... But it wold likely be $20k upgrade for 32 faders.

Price of course is around $100k for the 32 ch 1608... Plus probably $3k for a stand, plus probably $5k for cabling and patchbay. So that's a total of around $108k.

It seems as though the used legacy's run in the neighborhood of $110k-$150k depending on size and options. I've seen 32 channel legacy's for $110k lately.

So what do you guys think? We're talking a nice chunk of dough to get into either console. I can't figure this one out. Before I make the plunge I would like to get some gearslutz opinion. I know it is my money and my decision, but I know you guys can help me figure some things out.

I am trying to make my judgement call on: Price, Features, and Possibility of future obsolescence.... I don't know what the 1608 is going to do to the future price of the legacy series.

Maybe the right choice is a legacy+ because of its inline capability. I just don't know.

I am grateful for any insight you guys can shed on my situation.

[Pyxis360]

Get the 1608, it looks better.

[Jack P]

Has anyone actually heard this 1608 ?

How does it stack up soundwise to a vintage console ?

[Melodicca]

When I saw the 1608 I thought "This is my mixer".
But...

Really is expensive if you accounts.

16 Channel Console, complete with rear patch panel, boxed for shipping
16 548B Input Module ( Includes 312 Mic Amps)
12 550A Equalizer
4 560 Equalizer
$50.000 ???? (With manual fader and absolute NOTHING about automation)

You can buy all for less.

If sums it is cheaper to buy modules!!!

And in all pics I see 4 API 525 (compressors).
But these are not included.

You are right when you talk about the Legacy. Used and recap... better value.
I think that API must put a price more appropriate and commensurate with the actual value of the 1608.

They can not sell it for more than if you buy it for pieces or modules.
Nor they can increase the price of the modules ha ha ha tutt

[Drumsound]

If you're both tracking and mixing and you are used to the workflow of a console with tape returns and some other 'standard' features a used Legacy seems like the better choice.

I personally just don't get the little 1608 and the amound of buzz it's getting. Yea its an API and that's super cool, but it seems so compromised in terms of workflow. I guess it a good bridge between a line-in summing thing and a console.