API Missed the boat with the 1608

[RedWallStudio]

I’ve been in the market for a high end but smaller format console for quite a while now, and I had high hopes that the 1608 would be “it”. But after really taking a hard look at the 1608, API really left me wondering who they were marketing this console to. Its far too limited to really be used as a main desk for anyone doing any serious projects. But on the other hand, it is waaaay too expensive and over-featured as a side car. I understand they looked at the coveted 1604, which is a small-console-gem as their starting point. But they got so wrapped up in making a console that is only marginally more useful than the 1604 and missed a potential goldmine of sales if they had just changed a couple of key things. So, if API, or anyone else is reading, here is what you missed:

1) Inline monitoring. Ugh. With only 16 channels, would it have killed ya to make it an in-line console with a separate fader, or even a rotary pot? You’ve got the 312 mic pre there, why couldn’t you configure it so the 312 is what you hit tape or pro-tools with and the fader is your monitor feed?

2) 8 Channel expansion buckets. Why did you make the expansion buckets 16 channels and () 32k?!?!? Did you actually sell any of the 16 channel buckets? I thought not.

3) D-Sub - There is really no need for the amount of XLR & TRS connections on the back of the console. You should have just gone with D-sub everywhere (we know it is a little pro-sumer, but we have gotten used to it) and spent the money elsewhere.

Basically, if you would have come up with a 24 channel console that was in-line, with 8 of the channels having 312c’s (16 channels being line input only) with 24 eq’s for 60k... I would have been thrilled. But the way you have it configured now, there is no way I can make it work. You go back to the drawing board boys and I’ll head over to E-bay.

[carlheinz]

I know this thread was D.O.A. but it comes up when I google search around for info on the 1608.I'm curious nobody responded in agreement or disagreement,The 1608 and 5088 and possibly the newer SSL products are all fighting for some sort of niche but is there a clear winner regardless of price?Sorry if this should have been a new thread.

[lowfreq33]

No, there's no clear winner, because all of the "high end" small format consoles are too expensive for their target consumers and don't have enough features. The closest anyone has come is the Toft ATB.

[slaves666]

With the prices for modules where they are,

512 - 16 x $760 = $12160

550a - 12x $1015 = $12180

560 - 4 x $760 = $3040

525 - 4 x $1015 = $4060

Total $31420.

That means the rest of the console accounts for $18579 of the cost. The price is a little high, but at just under 40k, I doubt they would have sold tons more consoles.

I do agree that it is too small to be a studio center-piece, and too big to be a sidecar, but I don't think they were looking for entry level studio owners for a purchase.

[Sounds Great]

I want one!

[macakinho]

Originally Posted by Sounds Great

I want one!

me too!!!!!

[Duardo]

No, there's no clear winner, because all of the "high end" small format consoles are too expensive for their target consumers and don't have enough features. The closest anyone has come is the Toft ATB.

I don't think that the target consumers for the API/RND/SSL consoles are the same as those for the ATB.

I'm fairly certain that the SSL has outsold the other two, but I know a lot of the API consoles are being installed and I've heard of a few RND consoles as well...and I'm fairly certain that the people who are in the position to spend that kind of money are aware of the features that the consoles do and don't have.

[Sounds Great]

For somebody who wants a small console to hook up to a 16 track and wouldn't mind API pres' and eq's, this console would be just the ticket.

[lowfreq33]

I've priced some of this out, and to me it seems better (for 16 - 24 tracks) to have outboard pre's and eq's, a simple controller (Euphonix MC Mix?) and a separate summing box.

I won't say the Matrix and 1608 are overpriced, the components and workmanship absolutely justify the price, I just think that anyone who has that much cash to spend would spend just a bit more and get a real console.

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by lowfreq33

would spend just a bit more and get a real console.

[The MPCist]

I think that the API 1608 is a great product and wouldn't mind having one!

[dan p]

Originally Posted by lowfreq33

I've priced some of this out, and to me it seems better (for 16 - 24 tracks) to have outboard pre's and eq's, a simple controller (Euphonix MC Mix?) and a separate summing box.

I won't say the Matrix and 1608 are overpriced, the components and workmanship absolutely justify the price, I just think that anyone who has that much cash to spend would spend just a bit more and get a real console.

There is a post around GS with a hybrid setup,Euphonix mix/toft32 for summing.I believe its steve at cryptic globe in tennessee.




Dan P

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by macakinho

me too!!!!!

Me three. Though the Neve 5088 looks pretty tempting as well.

[Marcocet]

Yes they sold some extenders. At least one here.

Overall I paid under 70k for the whole desk. We're talking about a brand new desk with a warranty that has the same discreet circuit design they've been using since the 70's. No other bullshit. Since I work out of pro tools it's easy enough to monitor in line (mic pre out->PT in->PT out->insert pre fader). The fact that it's all XLR / TRS cabling can get a bit messy but it means that I can easily interface it with anything without spending a ton on Dsub cabling, and move it from place to place (which I have twice already). Mind you I wouldn't have complained if the back was all dsubs either...

I've worked a bit on a TOFT ATB and it's really not the same league at all. The API sounds like you'd expect an API to sound, and it's exactly the size of console I'd need in my place. The only thing I'd like would be fader automation which is supposed to be coming eventually.

[Silver Sonya]

An API 1608 in your studio is such a fantastic display of good taste. It shows good values, high aesthetics, and an instinct for badassery.

Yeah, I just coined the term badassery. Wanna fight?

- c

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by Marcocet

Very nice! thumbsup

[mrknowitall]

Originally Posted by carlheinz

I know this thread was D.O.A. but it comes up when I google search around for info on the 1608.I'm curious nobody responded in agreement or disagreement,The 1608 and 5088 and possibly the newer SSL products are all fighting for some sort of niche but is there a clear winner regardless of price?Sorry if this should have been a new thread.

I too find it interesting that this link comes up when googling..there must be a lot of people checking out this thread, even two years later! From what I've seen and heard, though, API is doing well with the 1608, with and without expanders. They're being used on front line projects too.

[Duardo]

Just saw an expanded model on the cover of this month's Mix magazine...

[CAMGRec]

I checked out the 1608 at NAMM last year, which really just means I drooled all over it since I didn't have the opportunity to actually use it.

I swear - even with the din of the trade floor rumbling in my ears, when I stood right in front of it and put my hands on the faders, I could actually hear some of the most amazing sounds coming out of it - like a chorus of angels or an entire field of flowers blooming at once

Too bad so pricey or I would have bought one and put it in my bedroom and never looked at internet porn again

[PlayRadioPlay]

Originally Posted by Marcocet

Yes they sold some extenders. At least one here.

Overall I paid under 70k for the whole desk. We're talking about a brand new desk with a warranty that has the same discreet circuit design they've been using since the 70's. No other bullshit. Since I work out of pro tools it's easy enough to monitor in line (mic pre out->PT in->PT out->insert pre fader). The fact that it's all XLR / TRS cabling can get a bit messy but it means that I can easily interface it with anything without spending a ton on Dsub cabling, and move it from place to place (which I have twice already). Mind you I wouldn't have complained if the back was all dsubs either...

I've worked a bit on a TOFT ATB and it's really not the same league at all. The API sounds like you'd expect an API to sound, and it's exactly the size of console I'd need in my place. The only thing I'd like would be fader automation which is supposed to be coming eventually.

I love that you have a boombox for monitoring. I've been thinking about throwing some shitty computer speakers next to my Adam A7s.

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by PlayRadioPlay

I love that you have a boombox for monitoring.

That's not for monitoring. That's what Marc uses to record on. Screw Pro Tools and 2" tape.

[DontLetMeDrown]

Originally Posted by Marcocet

Wow those NS-10s weathered the ****ing storm didn't they?

They should've put D-Subs/ELCO's on there! Could've saved a couple grand. No in-line monitoring? Inexcusable! I'm sure it sounds great.

[loveinoctober]

Originally Posted by macakinho

me too!!!!!

I want one to. I mixed on one the other day and it's like a sonic wet dream come true! The easiest board I've ever mixed on by far!

Erik

[themn]

Originally Posted by Marcocet

Yes they sold some extenders. At least one here.

Overall I paid under 70k for the whole desk. We're talking about a brand new desk with a warranty that has the same discreet circuit design they've been using since the 70's. No other bullshit. Since I work out of pro tools it's easy enough to monitor in line (mic pre out->PT in->PT out->insert pre fader). The fact that it's all XLR / TRS cabling can get a bit messy but it means that I can easily interface it with anything without spending a ton on Dsub cabling, and move it from place to place (which I have twice already). Mind you I wouldn't have complained if the back was all dsubs either...

I've worked a bit on a TOFT ATB and it's really not the same league at all. The API sounds like you'd expect an API to sound, and it's exactly the size of console I'd need in my place. The only thing I'd like would be fader automation which is supposed to be coming eventually.

*drools*