AMS Neve Libra Post missing some bits. Worth keeping?

[Steven1145]

You can probably find a complete Libra for next to nothing. Nothing loses value like an outdated digital console...
However bear in mind that maintenance further on will be very tricky, and possibly costly. I wouldn't go there if I were you.

[londonengineer]

Ouch, without a rack it's not going to happen. I know a fair bit about these - PM me if you need any info. But the above poster is right, you'd be better off looking for a complete Libra and making one Super-Libra out of the two.

The only snag is, they are incredible sounding consoles, probably one of the best digital consoles of all time in my slightly-biased opinion!

Comb eBay/put the word around broadcast places?

Have you been in touch with AMS to see if they have any used kit?

[londonengineer]

Originally Posted by Steven1145

Nothing loses value like an outdated digital console...

Hardly outdated, with the right processing cards it can do 96K/24bit, DAW control, 500+ channels yada yada. It's just not a current model.

[Steven1145]

Originally Posted by londonengineer

Hardly outdated, with the right processing cards it can do 96K/24bit, DAW control, 500+ channels yada yada. It's just not a current model.

I have not doubt about that. However when you say "it's just not a current model", that does sort of imply that support no longer exists or will soon cease for that model.
It was a great desk though, i'll agree on that. Just not very easy to use, as the ergonomics of it where designed to reduce the footprint in a studio.

[RankAmateur]

All,

Firstly - thanks for the responses. I appreciate it.

Yes - it came as a bit of a shock when we realised (after some considerable time) that we didn't have the right bits - or even close to the right bits. I actually bought a load of Logic 3 gear that was going cheap, in the hope that some pieces might be compatible - but that was when I thought I needed a few little pieces - not a whole rack. Cest La Vie. Caveat Emptor and all that.

I have been in touch with AMS quite a bit. They have been as helpful as they can be, but I don't see them as a viable way forward in terms of sourcing bits. Ebay trawling has been a bit slow - and - given the cost already incurred, I'm in a bit of a "good money after bad" situation - unless I can a) get a really, really good deal b) be absolutely sure I don't need anything else.

I appreciate the offer for PM assistance. I'l certainly be dropping you a line if I decide to keep it and get stuck :-)

By the way - any thoughts on the Logic 3?

Thanks,

Tim.

[huub]

You could try Amptec in Belgium, they have one of our old libra lives hanging on the wall as an ornament.
They might have some parts lying around.
http://www.amptec.be/

[thermisonic]

Lipsync Post in Soho had one of these a couple of years back, may still do. Could be worth getting in touch whatever you decide to do with the desk.

Rob Walker AMPS

[RankAmateur]

Thanks guys. I'll give them a go :-)

[paulo m]

By the way - any thoughts on the Logic 3?

Thanks,

Tim.

Where I work, we have two Logic 3 consoles dismantled in a corner. Great desks and a joy to use for many years, but the fact that you need the Audiofile to control them is a pity. Maintenance is indeed very expensive too and almost requires a degree. And some of the parts have frequent problems too, so it´s a headache to maintain. I worked with them for many years and that was my experience.

I don´t advise anyone to invest in keeping this desks for daily work, just for the sake of their signal flow or whatever. They had their time, but there are better options now. A good DAW with excelent converters and a good controller will do the job much better IMO.

[RankAmateur]

Thanks Paulo. As with the previous responses, it's very useful to get feedback from people with daily experiance with the gear. :-)

[londonengineer]

Logic 3 - great, but tied to Audiofile (as others have mentioned). Not too bad to maintain if you have a stash of parts, tricky if not! Limited now - no DAW control/decent surround support.

If it's any consolation I saw one sell on eBay recently where it was just the control surface - no rack - and the seller had put 'tested and all lights up ok'. Whoever bought it will have a nasty surprise if they don't know anything about the AMS kit!

Again, as mentioned there are quite a few Libras knocking about as they are still supported and can be upgraded to current spec so it might be worth putting the word out that you have some spares?

[londonengineer]

Originally Posted by Steven1145

I have not doubt about that. However when you say "it's just not a current model", that does sort of imply that support no longer exists or will soon cease for that model.
It was a great desk though, i'll agree on that. Just not very easy to use, as the ergonomics of it where designed to reduce the footprint in a studio.

I was told there are no plans to discontinue support for reasonably up-to-date (hardware wise) Libras.

[RankAmateur]

Originally Posted by londonengineer

Again, as mentioned there are quite a few Libras knocking about as they are still supported and can be upgraded to current spec so it might be worth putting the word out that you have some spares?

Yes - it is looking more and more likely that I will flog the Libra for spares and the Logic kit as a working system and/or spares.

Its a real shame as I would love to get the Libra rolling. I've spent quite a lot of cash just storing it over the last couple of years, but I'm relocating to Berlin soon (actually - the gear is in the UK but I'm in Sweden - long story) so, hauling a big heavy, rapidly depreciating desk that doesn't work, halfway across Europe in the vain hope that I might find some bits for it one day seems a bit too much like folly, even for me (and this is the guy who winched a 2 inch Studer into his basement).

So - if any of you guys know anyone who knows anyone who wants some bits please do PM me for a gear list. The Libra is in top condition - ex ITV. Everything is dry stored and maintained by a pro tech. Various auxiliary bits (remotes etc), cables and whatnot :-)

Cheers,

Tim

[RankAmateur]

Originally Posted by londonengineer

I was told there are no plans to discontinue support for reasonably up-to-date (hardware wise) Libras.

Yes - AMS Support told me the same thing. Apparently, it can be upgraded to the "latest specs" - at a cost that I was not able to get a straight answer on (presumably "a lot").

[RankAmateur]

Update. I'm going to stick it all on Ebay for a quid. Seriously. I'll post a link.

[LSS]

I have 2 full working neve libra live II with 3 mios each, selling one in parts if you still need some send me a message

[RankAmateur]

LSS: I havent logged in for ages. Just saw your comment. Sent you an IM.

Otherwise, here is my £1 auction (actually already up to a whacking 100 quid):


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AMS-NEVE-L...70971645280%26

[Henchman]

And people complain that their pro-tools systems lose value.

This kinda puts that into respective, doesn't it.

[RankAmateur]

Hah hah. Yes. Well - it all becomes 'junk' in the end. Digital stuff does anyway. My Studer A800 is now actually worth more than I paid for it.

Thing is - they are all still great and powerful tools. When you consider the bang-for-buck factor, you cant beat it.

[BOP]

I found your ebay listing after I got interested in getting the logic 3/audiofile combo from a different auction.

Someone mentioned daw control. Is that actually possible?
I am really interested in the motorised faders, getting them to talk to modern daws would make it worth it for me.

How about ripping out the fader banks and getting them to work with HUI and or ripping out the metering and just using them in an analog fashion? Doable?

How sensible would be reusing the frame itself? As in ripping everything out and then using the frame that it is in, for mounting rack gear?

Opening up a hui device like the mackie ones or some of the old tascam stuff and then hooking up the libra fader banks to it is crazy or doable?

Cheerio

[londonengineer]

Originally Posted by Henchman

And people complain that their pro-tools systems lose value.

This kinda puts that into respective, doesn't it.

How much is a 15-year old Pro Tools system worth then?

[Henchman]

Originally Posted by londonengineer

How much is a 15-year old Pro Tools system worth then?

Maybe 100 pounds. Just like the starting bid of the Libra.
Except tenor-Toosl didn't start at a million dollars.

[eoats]

I've got a ProTools III TDM set in my garage I couldn't give away for free;

so I'd say much less than 100 pounds or dollars.

[Henchman]

Originally Posted by eoats

I've got a ProTools III TDM set in my garage I couldn't give away for free;

so I'd say much less than 100 pounds or dollars.

But did it cost you upwards of $6-700k?

[RankAmateur]

Small correction Me Henchman. The starting for both the and Logic 3 (together) actually £1 - it currently sits at around £100 :-)

[RankAmateur]

And please forgive the grammar. iPhone. Late.

Its up to 200 quid now...

[BOP]

Originally Posted by RankAmateur

And please forgive the grammar. iPhone. Late.

Its up to 200 quid now...

Any chance you could weight in on the questions in my previous post, please?

[londonengineer]

That setup would have been less than £250K for a start. Also the one on Ebay is just a Libra surface (no back end) and what appears to be a complete-ish Logic 3. Good luck to the OP and all that, but it's not £500Ks worth of stuff.

I have a stack of 888s, USDs and other related landfill that I can't give away either.

[RankAmateur]

Well - I take your word on the price. I get a different one depending on who I ask. If I can get a consensus I'll change the ad. 250k? 500k? Its all more than my house is worth :-) Obviously I didnt pay that for it.

And - just to be clear - the full parts list is clearly stated in the auction.