R2R tracking: upgrading my mixer or just my pres?

[MAXRB]

Hello,

After some success with my first analog sessions -tracking live garage rock and blues with a SoundCraft FX8,and A SuPRe and Tascam TSR-8- I'm thinking about upgrading my mixer, as there is a difference between the Soundcraft tracks and the Supre tracks.

I've been reading and thiking about Toft, Midas Venice, etc, but I woud'nt like to invest a lot of money and space is an issue.
Plus And I'm just tracking in analog and then dumping to my DAW, with all the EQ and processing made during digital mixing, so:
What about not getting a new console but just some good pres to connect them directly to the inputs of the R2R recorder?
What do you think? Is better to save some money for a good console? Or is it better to get some good pres as the Daking IV?
I'd like to know your recommendation in any case (And yes, I like R2R recorded drums... ).

Thanks in advance.

[AnthonyRochester]

I think its good to have a console when using tape because there are reasons why you want to use EQ (and compression) before hitting the tape. e.g. you get less hiss if you boost highs before the tape, rather than boosting it afterwards and bringing up the tape hiss with it.

[MichaelPatrick]

A Venice has awesome pres, eq and summing, so you can use it any way you want.

Since it's a live board the routing may be a little hard to get used to, but it's worth it for the mojo. These little boards have a big board sound.

A Venice 160 is only 19" wide. It has 12 mic preamps that you can use on drums, for example, that are simply awesome sounding. For comparatively little money you get tons of value and flexibility.

[MAXRB]

Thank for your answers.
So the good pres directly to the recorder approach is more convenient for digital tracking?

I'm looking for a mixer. I know some good ones are described as transparent or clean while other are warm or have a sound of its own? What about that Midas Venice? It's looks nice but I'm not sure because it's suppose to be a live mixer...
Do you think there are others worth checking (maybe old ones like the TAscam m-1600 or new ones as MAckie Onyx series)?.
Im' looking for a small-medium analog console, 8-16 channels, with at least 8 direct outs or groups and in-line monitoring, quality pres (not neve of course), really good eq is not a must.

thanks again

[MichaelPatrick]

Originally Posted by MAXRB

Thank for your answers.
So the good pres directly to the recorder approach is more convenient for digital tracking?

I'm looking for a mixer. I know some good ones are described as transparent or clean while other are warm or have a sound of its own? What about that Midas Venice? It's looks nice but I'm not sure because it's suppose to be a live mixer...
Do you think there are others worth checking (maybe old ones like the TAscam m-1600 or new ones as MAckie Onyx series)?.
Im' looking for a small-medium analog console, 8-16 channels, with at least 8 direct outs or groups and in-line monitoring, quality pres (not neve of course), really good eq is not a must.

thanks again

The workflow and routing you use to track is not for me to comment on. I think people should make it an enjoyable process so music comes out!

Preamps are needed for any kind of recording.

The Midas preamps are a bargain. On the Venice 160 you get 12 pres: 8 have direct outputs and 4 (on the stereo channels) can route to group outputs. That's 12 preamps at $280 each.

You can't find a more cost effective solution for tracking drums, rhythm sections, and so on. And they'll hold their own against high end studio consoles. They're big and clear, deep, round, punchy. Pick a word. The the real deal. That's why I get excited about this console. It's got fantastic preamps and summing and eq, all in one. People think there must be something weak about it. The only weakness is that the routing is designed for live use, not studios.

I cut a trace on the circuit board to make the direct outputs pre-fader, that way I can track live events and the levels won't change while I mix a camera feed on the topside.

Midas sonics are simply in another league -- not comparable to Mackie and Tascam.