High end small format desk

[Coyoteous]

Originally Posted by the keester

have you considered the ORAM 8-t console?

Oram T Series Consoles

John, is that you?

I'm starting up an X-Rack system, but I think one thing you don't want to do, is try to build a true console out of these modules - not enough there to really do it with, anyway. It's going to be great for my new little portable studio/live set-up though, but I don't need more than a handful of OTB channels - 1 to 8, usually.

[gorillainthemix]

Originally Posted by Kronos147

Geoff, your GTM-822 mini mixer looks nice too. I know you are too modest to mention it, so I will. I love the GTQ2's I have!

thumbsupthumbsup

[GYang]

Originally Posted by pitchybastard

Tonelux.

And ATB is no high-end to my ears.
Quite far from that.
EQs could be pleasant and mixes might sound OK, but my expectations from high-end mixing are definitelly bigger.

[jindrich]

You can also get one of this:



It's a very popular High-End compact mixer, with preamp, calibration, limiter, 3 band eq and variable LPF, 4 pre/post aux sends , 8 busses and comprehensive metering and precision 100mm faders per channel, plus a complete monitoring section and communication system with two independent lines and calibrated VU meters.

It costs around $20,000-$28,000

[Brad McGowan]

If clean and transparent is your cup of tea then an affordable option is to pick up a used Soundcraft Delta and have Jim Williams overhaul it. You can find an 8x4x2 for $500 on Ebay and then have it fully tricked out for about $2k. I actually just purchased Jim's super hotrodded 8-channel Soundcraft and will be able to compare it to the sound of a completely stock one I currently own. If you are interested I can let you know how it sounds.

I think used is the way to go, especially if you are good with a soldering iron.

Brad

[Adebar]

I wouldn´t consider the Soundvraft Delta as clean and transparent.

Yes, it is a quite open sounding mixer with nice EQ, especially the highs are very useful. But compared to a Studer 961 or something in that league you hear how the Delta 200 tends to smear the transients. The sound is more soft than tight with definition.

I used the Delta 200 more than 10 years and in its price range it is one I like most. But it is no high end at all.

[AdamJay]

Originally Posted by Adebar

I wouldn´t consider the Soundvraft Delta as clean and transparent.

Yes, it is a quite open sounding mixer with nice EQ, especially the highs are very useful. But compared to a Studer 961 or something in that league you hear how the Delta 200 tends to smear the transients. The sound is more soft than tight with definition.

I used the Delta 200 more than 10 years and in its price range it is one I like most. But it is no high end at all.

hence the MODIFICATIONS

[Brad McGowan]

Exactly. Have it modded for ultra transparency. I wouldn't be suprised if the modded Soundcraft is cleaner than the stock Studer.

Brad

[chet.d]

In considering small format / side car type options in the present, does it seem to others that the kind of deals one could find in the last few years have kinda dried up a bit?

Maybe it's more if a wait it out game, but as far as the higher quality options, I'm surprised to hear asking prices like 13-14k for a Neve 5462. That one, supposedly in very good shape but I would think 9-10k to be a more rational asking price?
Point being, I used to see some quality lg formats in that ball park.
Of course condition being the big consideration.

Admittedly, I don't know a whole lot about it and just starting to poke around.
It seems to me an area of potential interest for many folks trying to chip away at relatively small but quality hybrid set ups.
Possibly a growing market, albeit in some tough financial times.

It also seems it would just cost too much for new manufacturers to build small format consoles of quality.
Older desirable ones few and far between.
Maybe that's the thing?

[sergioelectro]

Originally Posted by Geoff_T

Hi

Have you looked at a 12 or 16 channel 54 series Neve like a 5462 or 5465?

90dB mic gain, 40dB+ prefade headroom, 24dB+ post fade headroom, three band EQ with inductor based mids, transformers in and out, P & G faders, Sifam meters, and they sound really nice?

How does a Neve Melbourne compare in term of sound with the 54 series ?

Regards

Sergio

[K Bartos]

What about the Speck Lilo?
Granted, it's not a character piece and doesn't have EQ etc and such as found on largerb SSL's and Neve desks.
It's a seriously high end console with flexible routing.

I'd also have a look at the SSL Matrix, a combined control surface, analog mixer and programmable patchbay for your outboard.

Good Luck

/K