5088 vs Lilo sonic advantages of a transformer based console?

[drBill]

That's a loaded question that really can't be answered. To some, a transparent console that passes out what comes in is the ultimate. To others, they want to drive the pre's to distortion. Both hate the others console. So...what is good?
There;s only one answer:

It depends....

[dubrichie]

DUH!

because it says NEEEEEEEEEEEEVE on it MAAAAAAAAAAN!

[Phil Cibley]

Originally Posted by fondone

are more transformers and slightly better specs worth the extra 15 thousand dollars?

Mathematically speaking, probably. Top quality transformers go for about 70 - 125
bucks a piece. If you multiply at least 16 channels times 2 per channel (mic input and
line interstage), you get close to that number.

[gainreduction]

There are LOTS of things that go into designing an analog console. How you deal with all these issues leads you to the decision on what parts to use.

A transformers primary purpose is to isolate and impedance match a circuit to/from another.

Whether or not they are used on purpose for coloration or for their ability to perform well in the above mentioned task is something only the designer can answer.

It's perfectly possible to build great sounding consoles with or without transformers in the signal path.

[Reptil]

IMO a transparent console (in combination with my outboard & a more colored mixer) is a good solution.
I like my Speck mixer a lot, but it's not the Lilo but an Xtramix. There is AFAIK a transformer option (on the output master bus) for the Lilo.
But is the RND THAT colored?

[Faderjockey]

Originally Posted by Reptil

IMO a transparent console (in combination with my outboard & a more colored mixer) is a good solution.
I like my Speck mixer a lot, but it's not the Lilo but an Xtramix. There is AFAIK a transformer option (on the output master bus) for the Lilo.
But..... who says the AMS Neve is that colored? Nobody's heard it yet here.
All good things come to those who wait.

Well the thread started by saying Neve 5088.. Don't get that confused with AMS Neve.

Rupert Neve 5088 to different companies.

[Reptil]

Originally Posted by Faderjockey

Well the thread started by saying Neve 5088.. Don't get that confused with AMS Neve.

Rupert Neve 5088 to different companies.

I know, didn't read carefully, I changed my post accordingly. However the change wasn't processed. (weirdo GS server!) pff (sorry loooooong stupid day)
that said...
Is the RND that colored?

edit:
DUH HAPPENED AGAIN! (later edit of this post not added)
edit edit:
now the first post WAS edited, and I didn't do it, the second time round. gremlins !
I NEED A HOLLIDAY LOL
aaaarrrrrrggg

[GYang]

It might easily happen that Lilo sounds better than 5088, of course, to some ears

[fondone]

The more I use transformer based gear the more I am wondering what stacking ever so slight saturation might do to the mix. (5088)

I know the transformers in my 5033's give an awesome space to the sound.

Would you save up for the 5088 or buy the 24 channel Speck mixer?

I need to know if the Lilo will give me a "big" sound that competes with SSL, API, RND....etc ?

[GYang]

Originally Posted by fondone

I need to know if the Lilo will give me a "big" sound that competes with SSL, API, RND....etc ?

Lilo will give you clean path with ability to connect many outboards (that you may buy for difference you'll save compared to 24-32 ch 5088) that might easily lead you to 'bigger sound' (if you know how to use outboards).
No console will deliver big sound 'per se', knowing how to do it on any console is bigger part of the equation and I don't doubt that great engineer with good choice of outboards would reach necessary 'bigness' while mixing on Lilo.
More restrictions could be in other fields (bussing, functionality)

[fondone]

thank you for the words of encouragement GYang.....

I think i've made my decision...

in a months time i'm going to buy the 24 channel lilo...