anyone out there with a daking desk or sidecar

[jchadstopherhuez]

i am huge fan of geoff daking's preamps and comps.

currently i am looking to setup a new personal room for my productions, i have a PT mix rig with apogee and lavry converters...preamps from api, daking, neve, hardy, sytek, and altec, decent amount of outboard. i miss having a desk. i was very comfortable working on my old trident 80, and i work on ssl's all the time.

its probably purely aesthetic, and ergonomic...but I need a desk in front of me. thought about a neotek, another trident...but i just dont want the maintenance. i also find that i dont really need more than 16ch, unless i am doing a full analog mix on a BIG desk. that being said...i hate summing in the box..been using a folcrum with my pres...and that helps. so.....thinking about working towards a 16ch daking and build from there. a 32ch daking would be a dream...maybe in a few years.

curious about the sound of the desks for mixing...(obviously i love the pres and eq's) The trident A range i worked on once was possibly my perfect desk...the eq's made it impossible to get a bad guitar sound..and the sound of the 2 buss was EXACTLY what i have been trying to get forever. this leads me to the daking desk. i know the modules are modeled after the a-range...what about the 2 buss ?

a 16ch with some type of monitoring master section would be ideal. then i can have a few faders, and be able to "sum" 16 ch from pt to a stereo bus, have some outboard comps on a few channels, and have some returns for a few reverbs...throw on my c2 and gml and call it a day...

curious if any of you guys have them...what do you think. i know i have seen a few of you out there.

thanks in advance to any and all of you who may be able to give me some opinions.

peace..

j

[Dave Peck]

Talk to this fellow:

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...Daking+console

DP

[jchadstopherhuez]

thanks for the referal..

i actually have talked to rob...nice dude...very envious of his daking..

just curious if anyone else out there had some opinions.

peace..

j

[Ollie]

I have a Daking Desk, but unfortunately cannot tell you how it compares to the TRIDENT 2 buss. William Wittman can probably tell you though. I think he has experience with both consoles.

[jchadstopherhuez]

bump...bumpity bump bump....bump bump...

thanks to ollie for offering me a chance to check out his daking..

anyone else have experience on these desks ??

i will hopefully be mixing some stuff soon on the a range at smart...curious how the a range desks compare to a daking..

appreciate any responses...

thanks in advance..

j

[Rufuss Sewell]

I have no A range experience, but I have a 32ch Daking. There's no master section, but there are outputs for 8 busses, 4 stereo AUX, Solo L+R, and the Master 2 bus. Since I have 32 channels I can get creative with busses and aux returns. There is a mix button so I can take bussed signals out of the master to avoid feedback loops. So far the mixing experience has been sublime for me. But I've only ever mixed in the box before the Daking so that's all I really know. Even when I just send individual tracks to the Daking and throw the faders up there is an obvious improvement in separation and clarity. When I start replacing my plug in EQ's with the real ones the difference becomes huge. Then I play with the gain pots and the faders to add a little color and bliss sets in. With 32 channels, no master section is fine for me, but with 16 I'd feel a little cramped without bus and aux returns. I'm currently using a Mackie Big Knob for a monitor controller, but I'm definitely going to upgrade soon.

[Ruairi]

Rob Hoffman (Robmix) and Jack from Maidsroom in NYC both post here regularly and both own Daking consoles. Perhaps you could shoot them a PM.

Jack if you find this thread I'd love to hijack and ask you about the Rufus Wainwright Want cd - that album is blowing my mind everyday since Christmas,

cheers,
Ruairi

[Dirty Halo]

Hey guys, there seems to be this new need (or not so need) arising where we are all doing the summing thing but also want a desk, but not the full console we had or can't have...

In comes some few talented people who are ready to work to create a new hybrid.

For example, I'm working with Bruce at the Desk Doctor to create a 16 channel (32 input) SSL 4000 with modified center section, full on SSL g384 c2-buss compressor, each full-on SSL 4000E series channel and all...

The point is, with all those great but HUGE desks around, there are some talented peole who you can go to to create the gap that seems to be out there....

More than the summing box, but not the full-on console.

If you want, ask me more about my custom SSL project.

New album for the label will be mixed entirely on the new board.

Andrews

DIRTY HALO www.dirtyhalo.com

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

Hey guys, there seems to be this new need (or not so need) arising where we are all doing the summing thing but also want a desk, but not the full console we had or can't have...

In comes some few talented people who are ready to work to create a new hybrid.

For example, I'm working with Bruce at the Desk Doctor to create a 16 channel (32 input) SSL 4000 with modified center section, full on SSL g384 c2-buss compressor, each full-on SSL 4000E series channel and all...

The point is, with all those great but HUGE desks around, there are some talented peole who you can go to to create the gap that seems to be out there....

More than the summing box, but not the full-on console.

If you want, ask me more about my custom SSL project.

New album for the label will be mixed entirely on the new board.

Andrews

DIRTY HALO www.dirtyhalo.com

Why not just get the AWS S900?


And the SSL center section is the worst sounding thing on the console.


Modified or not you are better off with an external monitoring section.


And 16 channels for mixing?


Not enough my friend, not enough.


You can't really do any splits or mults.


Your returns will disappear really fast.


And what will you do for efx returns?

[Dirty Halo]

Ahhh... good points, doing all monitoring off a dedicated Coleman audio and with 16 channels it is actuall 32 outs (better than my Dangerous 2 buss)

FX returns, yes, but I route those differently and am focused on mixing for specific needs. I don't track bands and build up songs tracks at a time, but point well taken and even thought about and delt with.

The center section is more of an improved hybrid for that exact reason.

Think of it as a custom SSL 4000, using the "sound of SSL 400" dynamcis, EQ and 2 buss compression, 32 channels of summing and a vast leap over my Dangerious 2 Buss, which has been great by the way so far...just time to take it up a notch.

All good!

-a

DIRTY HALO www.dirtyhalo.com

[jchadstopherhuez]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

Why not just get the AWS S900?


And the SSL center section is the worst sounding thing on the console.


Modified or not you are better off with an external monitoring section.


And 16 channels for mixing?


Not enough my friend, not enough.


You can't really do any splits or mults.


Your returns will disappear really fast.


And what will you do for efx returns?

I agree...16ch is a bit cramped for serious mixing...but for right now I need a compromise between in the box, and going elsewhere to mix on a big desk..(which I do alot.)

I had an ssl 4056...its was cool...the center section was certainly the week spot, in addition to the overhead. As an independent producer/muscian...I like keeping my overhead down. As a true gear slut...I am working toward having my perfect room...and that will ALWAYS include a desk.

My thoughts on the Daking is that I could start with a small footprint with at least 16ch and a center section...I have also thought about starting with 8ch and Geoffs 24 track monitor section..this would give me pretty kick ass summing box...and the start of a kick ass console.

As I build up equity in other areas of my life...or when I get decent PAYING projects, I can start adding buckets to expand the desk....a 32ch Daking would be a absolute dream. I have alot of outboard, and plan to put it to use. Their is still a space in my head for a refurbed API or NEVe or even another Trident, or Quad 8..or whatever...but I just dont want the maintenance headaches...I have worked with daking pres for 8 years...and they NEVER FAIL !! so the maintenance issue combined with my love his preamps is really pushing me toward DAKING...

Additionally, I am a trident guy at heart...had a 80 series and loved it...and though I lack experience on a A range...have heard nothing but great things..plus some of MY favorite sounding records were done on A range desks...the recent Death Cab for instance. It is just a sound that appeals to me. The SSL sound appeals to me as well, on certain projects, and I had one for 4 years, just not for me. There is something sort of vintage, and warm and yet hi-fi to the Daking EQ's that I can't put my finger on...they just sound right to me.

I appreciate all the suggestions. I am going to take Ollie up on his offer sometime, so I can see, AND HEAR what the Daking desk sounds like on some tracks. From the searches I have done here and other sites....everyone with a DAKING desk seems to be 110% happy.

Thanks again to all who responded...I really appreciate the insights.

peace..

j

[ziegenh5]

Dirty,
Yeah, I'd be interested in a custom SSL 4000 thing. 16 ch would be perfect for a guy like me. I'd love to get the SSL sound in my room, but a regular SSL is way too big and the AWS is way overpriced IMO. What kind of price point are you guys looking at?
Sean

[themaidsroom]

the daking is great.....my tapes go to and from the finest
rooms in town.....always with compliments....
better value than anything else i am aware of......


- jack

[jchadstopherhuez]

Originally Posted by themaidsroom

the daking is great.....my tapes go to and from the finest
rooms in town.....always with compliments....
better value than anything else i am aware of......


- jack

thanks for the words jack....i am pretty set on Geoff....love his stuff, his philosophy, and he has been VERY responsive to any questions i have had...I hope to have enough $$ together soon to take the plunge...

one question...what is the configuration of your desk ? do you have geoff's monitoring section (the 24 input "line mixer" ) and do you have the standard "Center" section ? in a tracking situation...if you are using the daking mic pres....how do you monitor the returns of your DAW or tape deck on your desk ???

my thoughts are that i could start with a 16 desk with the 24 ch line section...for now I could have 16 ch with Eq, and 24ch for returns (effects, more tape inputs..) I could add more full channels with EQ and mic pres later...

thanks alot for any help ?

[robmix]

Just saw this thread. Geoff is the best and his gear is amazing. It sounds like you've already made up your mind so you don't need another cheerleader. Just to jump in on the configuration question - I've got a 32 channel desk with 8 compressors. So far that has been enough inputs for me. I generally use it like a split desk, all my mics come in on the right side and the DAW returns show up on the left during tracking. When it's time to mix I use the whole desk as the DAW outs are normalled to all 32 line inputs. If needed, I've got 8 returns and the 8 channel stereo mixer but I have yet to use them.

Personally I'd start with 24 full channels and add the 24 channel monitor section later if you find you need it. But either way I think you'll be happy.

[jchadstopherhuez]

hey rob...

appreciate the comments....your place looks awesome !!!!

i am pretty sold, there is a fellow near me in chicago who has offered to let me check out his desk for a mix....i have just been waiting to do it in order to save my credit cards some major damage.....

still trying to work out what config to get.....probably could not do what you have yet....but man, what a goal..

i have owned a trident 80, and a ssl 4056....loved them both for different reasons...i just really need a RELIABLE desk that sounds kick ass....I think the daking is IT !!1

cheers,

j

btw...are you in LA ??? I will probably be out there this summer to mix a project...would love to check out your room....

[robmix]

Originally Posted by mixman499

hey rob...

appreciate the comments....your place looks awesome !!!!

i am pretty sold, there is a fellow near me in chicago who has offered to let me check out his desk for a mix....i have just been waiting to do it in order to save my credit cards some major damage.....

still trying to work out what config to get.....probably could not do what you have yet....but man, what a goal..

i have owned a trident 80, and a ssl 4056....loved them both for different reasons...i just really need a RELIABLE desk that sounds kick ass....I think the daking is IT !!1

cheers,

j

btw...are you in LA ??? I will probably be out there this summer to mix a project...would love to check out your room....

Thanks, the room is in a constant state of flux.

Yes, I am in L.A., you're welcome to come by anytime.

[Ollie]

Monitoring
I have the straight 24 with the center section. For monitoring signals, I use 9 - 24(16 tracks) for tracking and then monitor from tape via 1-8 and the top mini mixer in the center section for an additional 8 points. The top 8 mini mixer allows you to blow signals also to aux 3 and 4.

The top mini mixer is on a tripp lite data switch that allows me to either dump tape returns 9-16 to the top mini mixer or dump output of buss 1-8 to the mini mixer at mix-down.

Daw and Tape mixing
8 channels at a time are on Tripp lite data switches(hey for 5 bucks a switch these are great) I can select output of DAW or TAPE eight channels at a time.

Originally Posted by mixman499

thanks for the words jack....i am pretty set on Geoff....love his stuff, his philosophy, and he has been VERY responsive to any questions i have had...I hope to have enough $$ together soon to take the plunge...

one question...what is the configuration of your desk ? do you have geoff's monitoring section (the 24 input "line mixer" ) and do you have the standard "Center" section ? in a tracking situation...if you are using the daking mic pres....how do you monitor the returns of your DAW or tape deck on your desk ???

my thoughts are that i could start with a 16 desk with the 24 ch line section...for now I could have 16 ch with Eq, and 24ch for returns (effects, more tape inputs..) I could add more full channels with EQ and mic pres later...

thanks alot for any help ?