15K budget desk SSL 534 vs Neve 54 vs Studer 900 vs Cadac J vs Neotek Elan vs Audient

[SpencerWalters]

I would assume this would be answered better in High End.

[Bill@WelcomeHome]

I can only give you a broad generalization, because of the models you list, I am not familiar with a single one. All of my experience with the various manufacturers lie in their larger format consoles or older models, and let us not forget that though Chevrolet makes the Corvette, they also made the Corvair.

I really urge you to buy a board with which you are familiar. I understand that you don't have a lot of experience, but before you drop $15k, you need to get some. If I had to take a flying leap at one, I'd probably look at the Audient ASP4816... but this is a rough guess, based upon my love of the pre and eq designs of David Dearden (formerly DDA, bought by Midas...) and my getting to fool with a large format Audient mixing console a few times about 5 or 6 years ago. But Cadac, Neve, Neotek and Studer are no slouches, either, at least in their larger format or older model configurations. SSL for me was always about workflow, not sound.

But still, simple things like the location of the master solo button or whatever, might make a difference. The output configuration might make a difference. The eq configuration or aux options might make a difference... even if all the sounds were identical.

[sinewavecrafts]

Thanks for the responses guys. From Spencers suggestion I'm going to drop this into the high end forum instead.

But Bill I appreciate the advice... I've only ever driven a few decent boards and never owned one. Next year, we'll be getting something where I work... but otherwise I don't have a chance to familiarize myself with a desk prior to buying. I guess I find the prospect of discovering the idiosyncrasies of a particular board just as exciting as adding depth and character to my mixes. In any case many of the above models can be found used for half the price I bargained for so I might have the luxury of adding mods and servicing to better increase my chances of getting something which sounds great and works well for my situation.

Thanks again

[SEED78]

def belongs in high end - would take the Neve suitcase mixer off your list though as its more a of mixer for recording than mixing down a whole track (compared to the other mixers on your list at any rate).

this is the perfect forum for finding even cheaper options btw - and now is the time t buy cheap mixing desks, some mad bargains out there, maybe not for SSL, but other high quality

D&R Visions or similar might be worth looking at.

my desks: mini 6 channel ex BBC Glensound (no EQ) for recording, and Siemens C4 for mixing (once its back from being repaired)

[narcoman]

If you want to avoid maintenance issues then go Audient or Neotek. I have a fab old Neve here - sounds great. But costs me time an money every year in maintenance. Old consoles are great but reliability changes like the weather.

[sinewavecrafts]

Yes I imagine this forum is the best place to find deals. Unfortunately I am too new too qualify for access to the classified section but I'm dying to sneak in somehow.

thanks for your suggestions guys... I am probably going for a Studer

[narcoman]

The Studer will be great. Just keep an eye on maintenance issues when you're looking around.

[Jack Duelisis]

I would go either Studer 900 or Audient for what you're seeking.

If you have maintenance skills, the 900 is the way to go. Solid pre and sweet eq, especially for drums.

If you want a healthy desk with no problems, the Audient is the way to go. very decent pres, good eqs, nothing too sexy but very reliable.

I would avoid the SSL, but it's a question of taste: I don't like tracking with them too much, especially drums.

As for the neves: not every neves are great

hope this helps

[sinewavecrafts]

Cheers Guys...

Gutted a deal fell through on a Studer 962. The seller lost patience whilst I was consulting technicians. I don't have the maintenance skills so I thought it was best to get it fully recapped etc before shipping.

Still interested in well kept Studers, but am considering a few offers I've received for Cadac, D&R Vision and perhaps Audient. I've had a lot of recommendations for the Audient.

Thanks again everyone. Hope i'll get this sorted soon but your comments have been very helpful.

[dlmorley]

Cadac are nice. Which model??
Audient are cool for modern style desks.
I use a Siemens C4 too and have had a D&R Orion and a Studer. All do the job nicely but differently!

[sinewavecrafts]

@ dlmorely ... The Cadac Live1 looks interesting but there's not much info about them in actual use. Am very curious about the actual sound of the preamps and how they perform for drum tracking and mix summing.

I am also measuring the D&R vision against the Studers at the moment. As you say they will all get the job done but with different results. I'm intrigued. How do they differ in your experience?

Thanks again to everyone for all the advice

[sinewavecrafts]

@ dlmorely ... The Cadac Live1 looks interesting but there's not much info about them in actual use. Am very curious about the actual sound of the preamps and how they perform for drum tracking and mix summing.

I am also measuring the D&R vision against the Studers at the moment. As you say they will all get the job done but with different results. I'm intrigued. How do they differ in your experience?

Thanks again to everyone for all the advice

[Bill@WelcomeHome]

I just want to point out that it seems as if the majority of recommendations in both forums still comes down to the Audient.

[SabreChris]

Originally Posted by sinewavecrafts

I'd hope to achieve a classier sound than that offered by desks in the Mackie Onyx-Midas Venice-A&H GSR/ZED, Toft/ ATB, TL Audio Tube range bracket of the market. Though I'm not knocking those desks.


S

Classier?

[sinewavecrafts]

Perhaps classier is not the best term. Like i said I'm not knocking those desks. Defining sound with vocabulary is always somewhat abstract and prone to subjective interpretation.

Bill I am talking to Funky Junk regarding a deal for an Audient. I am taking everyones advice seriously and appreciate everyones suggestions. Again as I can't follow your prior advice to have some fun on a few options first I need to research and think as carefully as possible. Its a big bomb to drop. I don't disagree... the Audient looks awesome and is for sure the most future proof and comprehensive feature set. I could also get the Cadac and a U87 for the same price though... or a refurbished Studer, Apogee symphony 16 I/O and a U87 for about the same.

really I am not disregarding the great suggestions you have all made and I appreciate all the help. I'm so excited and will surely post some good news soon with thanks to everyone.

[Bill@WelcomeHome]

Originally Posted by sinewavecrafts

... I could also get the Cadac and a U87 for the same price though... or a refurbished Studer, Apogee symphony 16 I/O and a U87 for about the same. ....

That is a bad way to think about it, you know that, right? How much other stuff could you get if you bought a Behringer console? What I'm trying to do is to keep you on point, or at least on the point you first presented. Do you want the best console for your price point, or the most gear you can get for your price point?

About used gear, of which I am a fan: used consoles require almost constant attention. If you're a bit of a tech that is no big deal. But it bears consideration if you're not a tech.