SSL 4064E advice

[Xavier L]

Hi I'm coming from this thread : Help me choosing a studio heart

but I'm slowly moving high end

So I have an offer for a SSL 4064E with G computer, total recall and automation, revised, 24 channels at $30K

what do you think ?

[mobilemozart]

Originally Posted by sesame975

Hi I'm coming from this thread : Help me choosing a studio heart

but I'm slowly moving high end

So I have an offer for a SSL 4064E with G computer, total recall and automation, revised, 24 channels at $30K

what do you think ?

I've just been through it all and purchased a 4048G with G+ computer. So it's a 4064E frame but only has 24 channels fitted? 64 frame with only 24 looks a bit odd, doesn't it? However, E-channels are not that expensive. You might be able to get them for $ 300 - $ 400.
The price is OK. Has the centre section been recapped? Does the desk "look" clean?

Feel free to PM me with more details or specific questions, if you don't want to post it here.

[Xavier L]

you're all right, the seller is removing channels to lower the price.

I believe it's this one :SSL

[jindrich]

Second hand 4000 series come in all sorts of condition. One in bad shape will be nothing but a nightmare and a money pit. Also consider the E series are the oldest of them all.

On the other hand, a 64 frame will just 24 channels loaded will be the oddest thing to put in a studio, and you'll always be monitoring off-center.

Where are you located? In the EU for around $30k you can get a totally refurbished (desk and PSU) 24ch 4000 series. I wouldn't get one from a studio in an unknown condition. Either send a tech to check the desk inside out or buy a refurbished one.

[Skip Burrows]

Originally Posted by sesame975

Hi I'm coming from this thread : Help me choosing a studio heart

but I'm slowly moving high end

So I have an offer for a SSL 4064E with G computer, total recall and automation, revised, 24 channels at $30K

what do you think ?

Well I Don't want to be a kill joy but here is the good and the bad about that console.

Good. Its a very nice desk. Cosmetically it looks good and switches are in fairly good shape.

Bad. I helped move this console out of a Miami studio. We split it in two. Pulled out the 651 center section and wrapped up everything. Unfortunately, the desk was disassembled to be moved right into another studio a few miles away. That was almost two years ago. The desk has been in a storage unit for all this time. Putting this thing back together without the folks who took it apart will be very tough. Not impossible but tough. Good Luck

Also this desk has been HIGHLY modified. So putting just any module in the desk will need some modifications.

[Xavier L]

thanks a lot for your advices, I'm think I'm out of this SSL4000 now, I may choose another console or go with the X-rack/Matrix tandem.

I just need more time to know how I'm gonna spend my cash.

[mobilemozart]

Think about it - all you need is a bit of time and a 4K specialists (for about 3-4 days), who helps you to put the thing back together. These desks are not THAT complicated, actually a breeze compared to Neve's a 9K SSL's.

Originally Posted by sesame975

thanks a lot for your advices, I'm think I'm out of this SSL4000 now, I may choose another console or go with the X-rack/Matrix tandem.

I just need more time to know how I'm gonna spend my cash.

[Xavier L]

I live overseas and get a SSL tech for 4 days is gonna cost a lot of money, maybe half the price of the desk and again for service whenever something breaks down.... no definitly need something with low maintenance cost

maybe the CS2000 or a brand new Matrix with outboard SSL stuff...

[mobilemozart]

Definitely not half the price of the desk, just talk to some people - if you need names, PM me!
What to be considered low maintenance cost is the question here, however, I wouldn't put an E-Series with 24 channels in that category.
Comparing a Matrix with a 4K is - sorry - a bit of a joke! Once you have 24 full X-Rack channels with EQ and dynamics - not to talk about routing flexibility, inline design (48 inputs + aux returns), patchbay, etc. - you bought two SSL 4K's.
Think about it! I did exactly that same calculation a while ago and couldn't be happier with the 4K.

Originally Posted by sesame975

I live overseas and get a SSL tech for 4 days is gonna cost a lot of money, maybe half the price of the desk and again for service whenever something breaks down.... no definitly need something with low maintenance cost

maybe the CS2000 or a brand new Matrix with outboard SSL stuff...

[Xavier L]

Originally Posted by mobilemozart

Definitely not half the price of the desk, just talk to some people - if you need names, PM me!
What to be considered low maintenance cost is the question here, however, I wouldn't put an E-Series with 24 channels in that category.
Comparing a Matrix with a 4K is - sorry - a bit of a joke! Once you have 24 full X-Rack channels with EQ and dynamics - not to talk about routing flexibility, inline design (48 inputs + aux returns), patchbay, etc. - you bought two SSL 4K's.
Think about it! I did exactly that same calculation a while ago and couldn't be happier with the 4K.

In fact I don't need 24 SSL pre's I already have some really nice ones so that's only about EQ and dynamics, 16chs will be enought for my work.

And correct me if I'm wrong but according to the Matrix manual routing is powerfull and easy, no need to have a patchbay for the mixdown. The Matrix is also inline designed...

So of course you're right, 4K and matrix are really two different desks, not playing in the same field but again, I'm just asking myself what do I really need and when.

4K is too much too soon, the matrix with X-rack may be a lifesaver.