Thinking of purchasing new console... Curious your thoughts?

[The Fun Home]

Howdy everyone!

Thanks for peeking... Am thinking of purchasing a new console and was curious what input you guys might have? I have worked solo for going on 10 years now and don't have a whole lot of personal hands on experience in other rooms with other boards other than what I read and so on. Right now I own a Trident TSM which I do love. The pres sound quite kickin and it's quite big sounding but having some doubts on the mixing end. It's a bit on the dark side and I feel like it doesn't open up how I'd like... And the headroom is a little short. Also lack of automation is tricky because I use lots of outboard for mixing.*

I have plenty of fine outboard pre's and a Studer 827 so I'm happy with the tones I'm getting to tape. The console is essentially a big summing box and I feel like I'm wanting a different flavor. My price range is 30-75k but love to keep it around the lower side.*

So basically what I'm interested in is something with nice eq and routing capabilities... And automation. The music I work is all over the place... Styles ala Sonic Youth to Nina Samone to Fleetwood Mac. My heart is rooted in records from the early-mid 70's and love that big soupy analog sound but also work on plenty of modern music that requires plenty of clarity.*

Though some of you fine ladies and gentleman might point, prod and shine some lights. Seems like I'm in the market for something Harrison? API? SSL? A Range? Or maybe I just need to mod my board out? What are your favs for different reasons?

I am looking for 32ish channels... 24 monitor would be dandy too!*

Thoughts?

And thanks for reading!

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by The Fun Home

My heart is rooted in records from the early-mid 70's and love that big soupy analog sound but also work on plenty of modern music that requires plenty of clarity.

If I had that kind of budget and needed auto, I'd seriously consider a used Neotek Elite.

Your tape machine and outboard should cover the vibe when needed.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by The Fun Home

Though some of you fine ladies and gentleman might point, prod and shine some lights. Seems like I'm in the market for something Harrison? API? SSL? A Range? Or maybe I just need to mod my board out? What are your favs for different reasons?

I am looking for 32ish channels... 24 monitor would be dandy too!*

Thoughts?

And thanks for reading!

Probably won't find too many A Range's for sale... Since they only made a handful of them.

It's a fairly rare console.

[drBill]

From your description, it sounds like automation is going to be the problem aspect of finding a console that fits your needs. That's where I'd concentrate your search. With your budget, you can easily find a GREAT used console, and have plenty for install, interfacing and any refurb necessary. But automation will narrow your choices CONSIDERABLY. Good luck! thumbsup

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by The Fun Home

I am looking for 32ish channels... 24 monitor would be dandy too!*

Thoughts?

And thanks for reading!

32 channels with automation in your price range pretty much knocks out anything really significant unfortunately.

An API would be the obvious choice, but 32 channels with automation would be double your price.

Maybe a used Daking console and you add the automation?

A 32 channel Neve 5088 or Tonelux is also out of your price range, unless you don't need EQ's which i doubt.

I don't know if i'd recommend a Harrison, Audient, Euphonix, D&R or even an SSL(and i am SSL guy).

The only choice left would probably be a Neotek, but you would probably want to hear one before making that plunge.

[Marcocet]

A range #13's on vintage king right now. They don't have a price listed, but i'm betting it's outside of your budget, especially after install.

Your musical sensibilities sound pretty in line with my own and I LOVE working on my API 1608. Maybe love isn't strong enough of a word. But again it might not be the right way to spend your money, it always depends on your personal situation and business model.

Neoteks are good boards, though I always found the EQs pretty boring. Like I never wanted to use them boring. Pres are solid and the headroom is pretty good though, plus they're pretty damn rugged for the price.

I mean, you're really talking about a pretty big range here. You could pick up a Neve 5316 easy within those prices, although install and upkeep costs are ridiculous with those things. Or if you really only need a few channels a BCM10 couldn't hurt. Oh, and then there's the new tonelux desk that looks amazing..... so many options......

[The Fun Home]

I was suspicious I was asking too much with auto. Definitely my main concern is sound. I can quit bein a baby and actually move some faders around no doubt. Or I could buy auto for just a few channels for voc rides n such?

Can certainly go to the top of my budget if I felt like it was a great idea.

Thanks for the input so far!

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by The Fun Home

I was suspicious I was asking too much with auto. Definitely my main concern is sound. I can quit bein a baby and actually move some faders around no doubt. Or I could buy auto for just a few channels for voc rides n such?

Can certainly go to the top of my budget if I felt like it was a great idea.

Thanks for the input so far!

Even without auto a 32 channel 24 monitor API, Neve, 5088, Trident A range puts you north of $100K.

Its a different zip code and stratosphere for most people, which is why there aren't many out there.

[Steamy Williams]

If I were in your shoes I would consider an older Calrec desk (M-Series perhaps). You'd probably need to add the automation yourself though.

[subspace]

I'd call Tonelux and ask about adding 16 channels of Shadowmix automation to your TSM for $10kish, then consider upgrading it's mix amps with something discrete and trasformer-coupled ala 990s or 2520s.