Neotek Elite or DDA Dmr 12

zonamusic · 15th July 2007

Well after much research and seeing what's out there in the used console market according to our budget, we have decided to build another small studio and to purchase a new (used) board for our 'A' room. Unfortunately, we can't afford an SSL or API so our choices are between a Neotek Elite 40 input, seemingly in good condition with all upgrades offered by Neotek or a DMR 12, which would be delivered totally gone through and recapped and warrantied for one year by a very reliable DDA experienced tech. The DMR 12 would also be 'modded' in the master section and at least 8 of the inputs. My initial vibe is that the Elite is higher quality--however, it is over 20 years old and not been recapped. With the potential mods and the reconditioning of the DMR 12 leads me to the quandary of picking between the two. The prices are almost the same for the two. All feedback and comments welcome.

Jeff D. · 15th July 2007

I've worked on both of those a bit (and owned a Neotek II). They are very different sounding. The Neotek is more of a hifi console, with headroom on the highs and lows. The DDA is more of a mid-focused console.

The Neotek will need a recap at some point. Mine sounded more solid on the low end after the recap. The console is very simple though, it didn't cost a fortune to do.

I personally didn't care for the DDA sound. But my tastes lean more towards transparent gear.

Neither are an SSL or API, or even Neve 8108.

w2w · 15th July 2007

I would go for the Neotek if you can afford it.Down the road it might hold its value better than the DDA.The Neotek is easy to do maint on and the pre's & EQ are great.Probably a more "pro" console.Im probably a bit biased since I own a Neotek,but its a great console.Recapping is not a big deal,it just comes with owning an analog console.Once its gone through you will be ready to go.
Lots of info on em here,do a search.

Fernando S. · 15th July 2007

I never really liked the DDA sound. In other hand, i aways love Neotek. Different things, personal taste... but for me, has no doubt. NEOTEK rocks!!!

FossilTooth · 15th July 2007

I've worked on both quite a bit.

I won't knock the DDA. It's pre's are always better than I expect, and it's EQ is powerful and flexible.

That said, MHO is: Neotek, all the way.

tommy lee · 15th July 2007

NEOTEK

JeffJ · 24th July 2007

You talked about prices being the same. What are twenty year old sound boards in need of some work going for?

Audio_Vault · 24th July 2007

I have a DDA AMR-24 which is pretty similar to a DMR-12. Its an awesome console with a great EQ and lots of flexibilty. Between the Neotek and the DMR-12 i would say go neotek. Elites are great sounding boards. But if you can find a AMR-24 for around that price its much more console for the money than an Elite.

mikey · 24th July 2007

Recording Consoles

mikey · 24th July 2007

http://www.bigbuddha-recordingstudio.com/Console.pdf

ddageek · 24th July 2007

I probably have an obvious bias but for me it would come down to 2 faactors.
1 which is in better condition
2 which is going to be easier to service/ find parts for, (my hunch is the neotek)!

15th July 2007	#1
zonamusic Gear interested Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Phoenix Posts: 24 Thread Starter	Neotek Elite or DDA Dmr 12 Well after much research and seeing what's out there in the used console market according to our budget, we have decided to build another small studio and to purchase a new (used) board for our 'A' room. Unfortunately, we can't afford an SSL or API so our choices are between a Neotek Elite 40 input, seemingly in good condition with all upgrades offered by Neotek or a DMR 12, which would be delivered totally gone through and recapped and warrantied for one year by a very reliable DDA experienced tech. The DMR 12 would also be 'modded' in the master section and at least 8 of the inputs. My initial vibe is that the Elite is higher quality--however, it is over 20 years old and not been recapped. With the potential mods and the reconditioning of the DMR 12 leads me to the quandary of picking between the two. The prices are almost the same for the two. All feedback and comments welcome.

15th July 2007	#5
FossilTooth Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 920	I've worked on both quite a bit. I won't knock the DDA. It's pre's are always better than I expect, and it's EQ is powerful and flexible. That said, MHO is: Neotek, all the way. __________________ Justin Colletti Audio Engineer and Journalist from Brooklyn New Issue of "Trust Me, I'm A Scientist" out now Win Free gear on SonicScoop Get Science on Twitter \| Facebook \| RSS

24th July 2007	#7
JeffJ Gear interested Joined: May 2007 Posts: 2	How much? You talked about prices being the same. What are twenty year old sound boards in need of some work going for?

24th July 2007	#11
ddageek Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2005 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,673	I probably have an obvious bias but for me it would come down to 2 faactors. 1 which is in better condition 2 which is going to be easier to service/ find parts for, (my hunch is the neotek)! __________________ I have had worse days, but hey I've been on fire! I feel like I should make the pissed smiley my Avitar Eric Nelson

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15th July 2007	#2
Jeff D. Gear addict Joined: Sep 2006 Location: So Cal Posts: 369	I've worked on both of those a bit (and owned a Neotek II). They are very different sounding. The Neotek is more of a hifi console, with headroom on the highs and lows. The DDA is more of a mid-focused console. The Neotek will need a recap at some point. Mine sounded more solid on the low end after the recap. The console is very simple though, it didn't cost a fortune to do. I personally didn't care for the DDA sound. But my tastes lean more towards transparent gear. Neither are an SSL or API, or even Neve 8108.

15th July 2007	#3
w2w Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 505	I would go for the Neotek if you can afford it.Down the road it might hold its value better than the DDA.The Neotek is easy to do maint on and the pre's & EQ are great.Probably a more "pro" console.Im probably a bit biased since I own a Neotek,but its a great console.Recapping is not a big deal,it just comes with owning an analog console.Once its gone through you will be ready to go. Lots of info on em here,do a search.

15th July 2007	#4
Fernando S. Gear nut Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Sao Paulo/Brazil Posts: 117	I never really liked the DDA sound. In other hand, i aways love Neotek. Different things, personal taste... but for me, has no doubt. NEOTEK rocks!!!

15th July 2007	#6
tommy lee Gear addict Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 325	NEOTEK

24th July 2007	#8
Audio_Vault Gear nut Joined: May 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 100	I have a DDA AMR-24 which is pretty similar to a DMR-12. Its an awesome console with a great EQ and lots of flexibilty. Between the Neotek and the DMR-12 i would say go neotek. Elites are great sounding boards. But if you can find a AMR-24 for around that price its much more console for the money than an Elite.

24th July 2007	#9
mikey Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 587	Recording Consoles

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