Yamaha PM3000 for $2K CAD... Should I think about it?

[Gravity]

Used, 40 input PM3000. From a reputable rental shop where I know it's been treated well. All inputs work.

I'm thinking about picking it up as a remote monitor/extra pre desk... So i will be using some of the pres, but not the mixing section (Direct outs to the recorders) except to run some stems to a portable ProTools rig for backup.

The faders needa bit of love... I've thought about asking the guys to go down to $1500...


I think it comes with roadcase as well.


Thoughts?

In my live days I only had a chance to use the pm5000s, andbigger soundcraft and midas desks... never a PM3000....

[Remoteness]

The price is right if that used PM3000 comes with a roadcase, especially if you can get it for $1500.00 USD, but do you really want it for a remote recording monitor and extra preamp desk?

It may have been treated well, but IMO the pre's are not that amazing and the desk is pretty noisy to use the preamps to track.

IMO, it may be cool for monitoring, but it's a pretty large desk to be using as a portable rig.

As they say, YMMV.

[Gravity]

Ahh, see that was exactly what I wanted to know! I have no experience with the pre's or tracking with it. if that's the case i'd rather shell out the $2000 on an extra 8 ch of sytek or SCA pres and keep renting a big monitor desk.

Cheers!
J

Originally Posted by Remoteness

The price is right if that used PM3000 comes with a roadcase, especially if you can get it for $1500.00 USD, but do you really want it for a remote recording monitor and extra preamp desk?

It may have been treated well, but IMO the pre's are not that amazing and the desk is pretty noisy to use the preamps to track.

IMO, it may be cool for monitoring, but it's a pretty large desk to be using as a portable rig.

As they say, YMMV.

[Remoteness]

You may want to test that console yourself, jut to be sure, but IMO the pres on that desk are not "recording" quality.

[Jim vanBergen]

Agreed with Remoteness- pass on that. You will find MUCH better pre's for much less. And the internal circuitry, from the EQ to the busses- leave much to be desired. The desk was great in the late 80's for rock tours...not what you'd want to record thru.

[Gravity]

Originally Posted by Jim vanBergen

Agreed with Remoteness- pass on that. You will find MUCH better pre's for much less. And the internal circuitry, from the EQ to the busses- leave much to be desired. The desk was great in the late 80's for rock tours...not what you'd want to record thru.

Great feedback guys thanks. I do mostly rock/pop/festival concerts, so I wasn't concerned about the size, as anywhere from 16-32 inputs would be normal. (Well actually, I was a touch concerned about the size, cus I have no truck, and most of the venues i record in are small to mid sized clubs)

But this is all good to know... I had heard a few good things about the preamps in these desks, but I think I was misinformed ;-) thanks for chiming in!

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by Gravity

<snip>...I had heard a few good things about the preamps in these desks, but I think I was misinformed ;-) thanks for chiming in!

No, you weren't misinformed, because there's at least one good thing about those pres...

There are no sonic issues when the desk is turned off. ;-)

Let me say, I'm sorry upfront, but I could not help myself.

That being said, the console was on a lot of riders back in the day.
A lot of great FOH engineers made that desk sound good because they knew how to work it, but like I said before, it really isn't the type of desk you would want to track with.

[jude]

great foh desk, but as has been said... much better desks can be found for recording

[Remoteness]

IMO, it's an okay desk that many folks can make work.
I'm not sure if I could describe it as a great FOH desk.

[Jim vanBergen]

It is the equivalent of the Model T ford- the first robust production console for touring.

After so many years, with huge improvements in electronics and console design, it could still get you someplace, but not quickly, not efficiently, and not easily.

Cold honest truth is I bet a modern Mackie's preamps are cleaner, have a tighter bottom end and more linear response.

[Remoteness]

Well said, JvB, but what else is new!

IMO, the sMackie Onyx preamps do sound better than the PM3000 pres do.

[jude]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

IMO, it's an okay desk that many folks can make work.
I'm not sure if I could describe it as a great FOH desk.

horses for courses really. i love the sound and layout for rock shows. there are other desks id pick above it (DDA & Midas for example) but i find it a good desk to get a big rock sound out of quickly