Old analog console or just buy a Sony DMX-R100? Opinions plz!

[The MPCist]

I'm looking into getting a board for mixing (tired of mixing in PT) and would like to hear from those of ya who mix in/out the box and what you think...

I'm thinking of either getting an old analog console (like trident,amek,otari,dda).. yeah, the 'cheaper ones'...

or a Sony DMX-r100.

What would you get? All opinions welcomed...

The reason is that I've noticed they are pretty cheap. Amek Einstein is about 8-9K, Tridents are cheap too,etc.

And, oh yeah, the type of music I do. Mostly pop.

[nlc201]

Off the top of my head......


The Sony would be a good choice because it:

A Sounds excellent for a digital board
B Has a multitude of I/O options
C Can be fully automated easily and recalled even easier
D Requires little or no maintainence
E Has EQ/Dynamics on every channel
F Is relatively cheap
G Has a buttload of inputs in a small frame size

The Sony would be a poor choice because it:

A Loses half of its inputs at 96K
B Requires I/O accessory card purchases
C Is digital trying to be analog
D Will not keep its resale value
E May not be supported anymore in the near future
F Not very ergonomic due the digital board layout (you can't just reach for a knob all the time)
G Is funky lookin'




The Analog console would be a good choice because it:

A Keeps its resale value better
B Is not affected by higher sampling rates
C Has (possibly) a nice coloration and sound too it. ANALOG!!!!
D Has good ergomincs (just reach for a knob)
E Can be used with a small learning curve
F Seamlessly integrates with outboard analog gear

The Analog console would be a poor choice because it:

A Requires a lot of MAINTAINENCE!
B Has a larger frame size per number of channels
C Is more succeptible to noise
D Is not fully automatable nor intsantly recallable
E Can heat the room up a good 10 degrees
F Requires an extensive patch bay



Initially, I'd go with the Sony......less headaches and it sounds friggin righteous

[dbluefield]

I was at the same crossroads.

I bought a trident 80C.

Still building and hooking up everything etc...has a tech out several times in the beginning and I'm sure he will be here as I get things connected. lol

In the 2 yrs since I bought it; the market appears stable, if its value has not gone up. Basically,I bought it for the pres - 32 of them, no automation.

Good luck with your decision.

You might also look into the Sony 3030 consoles - heard good things about them and you can fit different pres in them

Best,

Dave

[Mind-Over-Midi]

How does the summing bus sound on the DMX?

[jbuntz]

The summing as you may have guessed is digital but allegedly better than Pro Tools.

[nlc201]

Originally posted by jbuntz
The summing as you may have guessed is digital but allegedly better than Pro Tools.

MUCH more analog sounding than Pro Tools........ In my very limited experience with the console, it sounds remarkably better. The two other people I know with these things just love them.

The first used to run through a souped up Tascam console (yeah......Tascam.........but it was seriously hot rodded) or the box. He said the Sony killed both.

The second guy is a rising mixer and is in and out of lot of studios with a bunch of different consoles (hi end analog). He bought a Sony and feels he's not compromising at all by mixing with it. I've heard his stuff and it sounds great (and better than his PT mixes).


I think that console is a frickin' steal for what it costs.....

[Mind-Over-Midi]

Sounds good, thanks for your opinions about the summing. I'm wondering if this board will be in production for a while longer or if it will soon be supplanted by newer more powerful (192k with no reduction in channel count?) model? By the way what's a good price on a DMX these days?

[drew]

There's a bunch of us DMXers at

http://www.uemforums.com/dmxr100foru...reads.php?Cat=

glad to answer any specific questions. Doubt you'll see a vers 2 since Sony seems to not be interested in Pro Audio anymore.
drew

[nlc201]

[i]By the way what's a good price on a DMX these days? [/B]

They're about 15K new. I'd expect to pay around 10 for a good condition used model (more if they include I/O cards). I haven't seen that many around though. I really don't think there are a ton out there. Good luck!