Mixers

[seamus james]

I'm looking for a mixer to use as a front end for my 888's going into pro tools. Basically I just want a lot of pre's for a reasonable price (Say, below $1000). I realize I'm not getting Avalon's from a $1000 mixer, but it's pretty tough to find 16 channels for that kind of money in outboard gear. I don't mind character - especially 80's character - but I don't want trash either. Essential to all of this is at least 8 XLR outs, either as sends or outputs on each channel, because the 888's only have XLR ins. My idea is to use my board for 8 channels going into one 888, and have 8 channels of outboard pre on the other 888.

I'm thinking a Soundcraft 400B or 600B.

I also found a 24 channel Aries (?) - some english thing. Anyone have any info on these?

Thanks.

[jproc]

>>"Essential to all of this is at least 8 XLR outs"
No, not really essential at all...
Your outputs don't have to be XLR just because the inputs on your 888 are...
If the mixer has _balanced_ 1/4" outputs, a proper 1/4" TRS to XLR cable is no different....
and will be much easier to find in your price range

[tINY]

Do you want the mixer as a mixer, or just as pre-amps?

Seems that a multi-channel pre-amp is easier and better for that.



-tINY

[seamus james]

Originally Posted by jproc

If the mixer has _balanced_ 1/4" outputs, a proper 1/4" TRS to XLR cable is no different....
and will be much easier to find in your price range

Awesome - thanks. That will certainly make life easier.

Originally Posted by tINY

Do you want the mixer as a mixer, or just as pre-amps?

Seems that a multi-channel pre-amp is easier and better for that.

Well, I really plan on doing all of my mixing ITB, so it's just for routing and 16 or so pre-amps. And in the sub $1000 range, can I get at least 8 channels that could hang with (or surpass) a board in the same range?

Also, it looks cool. When I envisioned my home studio, it always had a big ass mixer. I want faders, knobs, and flashing lights! But if it doesn't make sense, I guess I'll have to let that dream go...

[tINY]

There's no accounting for taste,,,,

For the function you describe, the Mackie 800r looks like a good fit,




-tINY

[seamus james]

Well, assuming that I actually did want to get a mixer, which of the three that I mentioned would you recommend? Also, are there any others I should look at? A buddy of mine pointed me toward a soundtracs topaz - any info?

[lowdownjoe]

You might want to look at a used Mackie 8 Bus. Each channel has direct out, or you could go out the 8 Bus. I have seen 24-8 with meter bridge go for this price range. If you are patient you may find a 32-8 with meter bridge very close to this price.

Shipping could add some cost though.

[tINY]

The Mackie Onyx would be a good one too - it can be had with 16 pre-amps for around $1300-1500.



-tINY

[rcm]

If you can be patient, and keep watching used sales, you can find some cool deals in your range.

Cool brands to keep and eye on are Soundcraft, Soundtracs, D&R.

[tINY]

Even some of the Europa style live boards from Soundcraft could be good. Used is always a gamble on the abuse she took along the way....




-tINY

[Kadden Heart]

soundcraft ghost

very nice little board, you can find them used for about $1000
and then mod it out yourself, or have creation audio labs go over it and it delivers some decent pres and usable mixing.

[cdog]

The Mackie Onyx is light, cheap, and gives a very clean signal.

[fez]

Originally Posted by seamus james

I'm looking for a mixer to use as a front end for my 888's going into pro tools. Basically I just want a lot of pre's for a reasonable price (Say, below $1000). I realize I'm not getting Avalon's from a $1000 mixer, but it's pretty tough to find 16 channels for that kind of money in outboard gear. I don't mind character - especially 80's character - but I don't want trash either. Essential to all of this is at least 8 XLR outs, either as sends or outputs on each channel, because the 888's only have XLR ins. My idea is to use my board for 8 channels going into one 888, and have 8 channels of outboard pre on the other 888.

I'm thinking a Soundcraft 400B or 600B.

I also found a 24 channel Aries (?) - some english thing. Anyone have any info on these?

Thanks.

Hey,

Well you have almost the same 'dilemma' as me, finding a good mixer. I did a ton of research but made mistakes as well. Its the best to save money and have patience. Almost every week good mixers came on the secondhand market and I made the mistake calling people when founding one and the next day came a mixer even better than that one!

Just wanting to say that you can do more research of what fits your needs perfectly and then decide which mixer to buy. Personally I want Big&Bad recording consoles and in that area there is quite some choices to be made.

Good luck!

[Kadden Heart]

Originally Posted by rcm

If you can be patient, and keep watching used sales, you can find some cool deals in your range.

Cool brands to keep and eye on are Soundcraft, Soundtracs, D&R.

aren't the D&R desks,..like,..30K?
the "orion" and stuff?

[noredbull]

soundcraft m series? cheap but has nice options.

[seamus james]

Sweet. Thanks. Anyone have opinions about these:

Soundtracs Topaz Project 8
Aries 24-16-2

[truthnlife13]

I got a 1640 with a firewire card used for $1100. For your budget if you want a mixer this the best sounding option I have ever used. My 2nd vote would go to the allen & heath mix wizard 3

[boody]

Originally Posted by Kadden Heart

aren't the D&R desks,..like,..30K?
the "orion" and stuff?

D&R made a lot of cheaper desks in the '80/'90 like the Dayner and Stylus. Modular desks with quite decent preamps and a useful eq. I like them better than the Soundtracs Solo/midi which I prefer to the soundcraft and mackie stuff.

You can find D&R and Stylus desks for around 300 euro here in the Netherlands were they are made, 16 to 24 channels.

[Mumblesound]

I'm sorry, but isn't "Seamus James" redundant?

[Fruition2k]

I recently found an Amek TAC B2 w/16 channels for $600, featurewise its far beyond most newer consoles, decent eq and routing. Its all balanced XLR thoughout, which is optional for the buyer when they were new. The one I puchased dated from 1994 so its not too ancient...the faders are nice and its modular should you ever want channels modded with newer chips.
I'm not tracking through mine just mixing...actually cleaning it up and getting
ready to wire it all up to my rack..

There is one on Ebay now...dont know anything about this particular one but
these small Ameks are a good option.

-Best of luck..

[seamus james]

Seamus James is redundant (Seamus means James in gaelic). But it is in fact my actual name.

My mom - she's a funny one.

[Kadden Heart]

Originally Posted by Fruition2k

I recently found an Amek TAC B2 w/16 channels for $600, featurewise its far beyond most newer consoles, decent eq and routing. Its all balanced XLR thoughout, which is optional for the buyer when they were new. The one I puchased dated from 1994 so its not too ancient...the faders are nice and its modular should you ever want channels modded with newer chips.
I'm not tracking through mine just mixing...actually cleaning it up and getting
ready to wire it all up to my rack..

There is one on Ebay now...dont know anything about this particular one but
these small Ameks are a good option.

-Best of luck..

i hear great things about ALL neve's from bottom line to to,..i've only worked on the high end ones, but i would be really interested in hearing the smaller ones.

have you ever tracked through your board? just wondering what the pres are like,..
this could be a good option

[Mumblesound]

Originally Posted by seamus james

Seamus James is redundant (Seamus means James in gaelic). But it is in fact my actual name.

My mom - she's a funny one.

[blue_thunder]

Originally Posted by Kadden Heart

soundcraft ghost

very nice little board, you can find them used for about $1000
and then mod it out yourself, or have creation audio labs go over it and it delivers some decent pres and usable mixing.

Where have you seen a Ghost for $1000? I've been looking for one and the best deal I can find is a used Ghost LE for $2200 on Ebay (still has over 3 days left on it). If you know where I can get a Ghost for around $1000, I'd for sure be interested.

[Kadden Heart]

Originally Posted by blue_thunder

Where have you seen a Ghost for $1000? I've been looking for one and the best deal I can find is a used Ghost LE for $2200 on Ebay (still has over 3 days left on it). If you know where I can get a Ghost for around $1000, I'd for sure be interested.

perhaps i should have secified the ghost LE.
last time i looked (about three months ago) the low range was 1K
(thoug some people had it up to 5K somehow)