New school engineer looking to take the old school route.

[Bigg Boy]

I am an aspiring engineer and I am looking into getting an analog console. I love the sound of analog, and love mixing on an analog board. Im planing on just using my protools rig as basically a mtr, and using the console to record/mix. Any automation could either be done real time while bounce the mix down, or I could do it in protools.

I am running a 003 and have a/d and d/a so I am getting 16 in/out. And I plan on using the spdif to record my bounces.


I would love to find a 24 inline console, with some sweet pre's, decent sweep able eq's, and on board dynamics on each channel, but I don't see that being likely. SSL 9000J knock off? haha

I am looking for some insight on what you guys would suggest. I do not have a set budget, but I am not looking to spend a fortune.

[Bill Moriarty]

I know where you're coming. You should give us your budget, though, or at least the maximum you want to spend. That's a huge factor in us helping you find the best value.

On automation: I'd recommend you consider skipping most automation and moving the faders by hand in your final mix to add dynamics. It's just my preference, but I like hardware compressors and would want to control the final level after the compressor and not before (as in from PT -> compressor -> console). Some automation built into PT is fine but if you're using analog faders leave yourself some room to use your hands. Otherwise, you just have a summing box.

On the SPDIF idea: where's the stereo A/D happening in your plan?

Are you considering a mixing console, too, and not just a recording console? Maybe you get better value getting outboard pres?

[RCM - Ronan]

Do lots of research (which you have started here) There are some wonderful deal out there for analog consoles.

[psycho_monkey]

Amek BIG has software inline dynamics on each channel. Very few other affordable consoles will.

[Bigg Boy]

Originally Posted by Bill Moriarty

I know where you're coming. You should give us your budget, though, or at least the maximum you want to spend. That's a huge factor in us helping you find the best value.

On automation: I'd recommend you consider skipping most automation and moving the faders by hand in your final mix to add dynamics. It's just my preference, but I like hardware compressors and would want to control the final level after the compressor and not before (as in from PT -> compressor -> console). Some automation built into PT is fine but if you're using analog faders leave yourself some room to use your hands. Otherwise, you just have a summing box.

On the SPDIF idea: where's the stereo A/D happening in your plan?

Are you considering a mixing console, too, and not just a recording console? Maybe you get better value getting outboard pres?

The spdif would be out of my main outs to record a stereo bounce back into protools

[Bigg Boy]

Originally Posted by psycho_monkey

Amek BIG has software inline dynamics on each channel. Very few other affordable consoles will.

Any idea where I can find one?

[LeMauce]

Originally Posted by psycho_monkey

Amek BIG has software inline dynamics on each channel. Very few other affordable consoles will.

+1 ... Amek has really nice desk with software control automation and dynamics.

[roadsweeper]

+1 on the Amek. AML audio also do some incredibly good pre-amps for very cheap which I know fit a lot of the other Amek boards, not sure which strips the BIG uses though.

[dualflip]

Originally Posted by LeMauce

+1 ... Amek has really nice desk with software control automation and dynamics.

Is your avatar a pic of a knob in a dbx comp (or gear) ?

[Tony Shepperd]

I think you should find out what kind of sound you are.
Once you find out what your sonic profile is going to be, it will be a lot easier to find the right console.
Some people are SSL sonically. Some people are Neve's. Some are Tridents.
Once you figure out that sonic perspective, then start asking around for the THE BEST deal you can find.
Believe me, there are some GREAT deals on used analog boards.

[Hurricane]

I don't know if anyone has seen this. Seems like a pretty interesting deal to me...

NEVE DESIGNED AMEK MOZART RN 40 CHANNEL DESK on eBay, also, Mixers Mixer Accessories, Pro Audio Equipment, Musical Instruments (end time 11-Jun-09 13:48:16 BST)

[dodgeaspen]

I understand the Makie 1604 has some cool sounds. Their are several different versions and I can't remember exactly the one that's the best. If I'm not mistaken it has an expander with like 6 or 10 premo mick pres with a total of 16.

[dualflip]

Originally Posted by dodgeaspen

I understand the Makie 1604 has some cool sounds. Their are several different versions and I can't remember exactly the one that's the best. If I'm not mistaken it has an expander with like 6 or 10 premo mick pres with a total of 16.

Yes you are right with this one, and also it can be automated with the use of an external device called the Ottomix

[tombak]

I recommend figuring out what your console budget is first, that way you're not overwhelmed with suggestions from all the slutz varying from Soundcraft 200B's, Amek Angelas, Trident Series 24s, MCI JH-800s, Toft ATBs, to API 1604s. You've already gotten suggestions for consoles that range from $15k to $250.

For the record, truly "going old school" would be to abandon your DAW and get a 2 track and multi-track tape machine in addition to a console.

It sounds like you're most interested in mixing OTB, of whom a large percentage of GS users already do.
Which is to most considered the middle ground.

[Bigg Boy]

$2k range would be cool. I have no problem working on the board and fixing things. I actually would rather have a "fixer" of a console. I am a gear head and would love to sit there and say I basically rebuilt the console and I could know how to repair anything that goes wrong with it. I plan on having the board for a long time.

[Cameron Johnson]

Originally Posted by Bigg Boy

Any idea where I can find one?

Primal Gear and Blevins Audio are two good places to start.

[dualflip]

Originally Posted by Bigg Boy

. I am a gear head and would love...

You are not a gear head yet, you are still gear interested... hahaha sorry bro i had to make this joke.

[dualflip]

Originally Posted by Cameron Johnson

Primal Gear and Blevins Audio are two good places to start.

Two thumbs down on blevins audio, they are the most unproffessional guys ive seen concerning client service.

[tombak]

Originally Posted by Cameron Johnson

Primal Gear and Blevins Audio are two good places to start.

Sonic Circus in Vermont is worth a look as well.
Pro Audio Recording & Live Consoles 888-SC4-GEAR

[Phaidon]

Amek Big Console - Mixer - 850 Power Supplies - eBay (item 280341160638 end time Jun-01-09 15:36:30 PDT)

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by Bigg Boy

$2k range would be cool. I have no problem working on the board and fixing things. I actually would rather have a "fixer" of a console. I am a gear head and would love to sit there and say I basically rebuilt the console and I could know how to repair anything that goes wrong with it. I plan on having the board for a long time.

Then this is an amazing time for you. I ended up passing on it, but I almost bought a 38 channel MCI 500 for $2500!!! But passed because I do not really have time to fix stuff up.

[pultech]

Originally Posted by rcm

Then this is an amazing time for you. I ended up passing on it, but I almost bought a 38 channel MCI 500 for $2500!!! But passed because I do not really have time to fix stuff up.

I liked the 500 consoles, and that would be a great fixer upper for someone.

[mrlouie]

Originally Posted by Bigg Boy

I am an aspiring engineer and I am looking into getting an analog console. I love the sound of analog, and love mixing on an analog board. Im planing on just using my protools rig as basically a mtr, and using the console to record/mix. Any automation could either be done real time while bounce the mix down, or I could do it in protools.

I am running a 003 and have a/d and d/a so I am getting 16 in/out. And I plan on using the spdif to record my bounces.


I would love to find a 24 inline console, with some sweet pre's, decent sweep able eq's, and on board dynamics on each channel, but I don't see that being likely. SSL 9000J knock off? haha

I am looking for some insight on what you guys would suggest. I do not have a set budget, but I am not looking to spend a fortune.

how about find one of those old Mackie 32ch. 8 buss consoles, they were clean enough and had alot of options on them for things like FX sends and control room monitoring , 2trk returns, but the best part is each channel has an insert point ... now spend the money on API lunchbox and fill it with API pres & EQ's and all those other cool things people make for the 500 series (do a search) with the lunch box you can add things when you get extra money.. you wont be stuck with the sound of one console, plus later on when you upgrade to a better console or may be want to get rid of the console and only mix itb the gear in the lunch box will be useful for tracking . If you do get one of those Mackies make sure you get the VU Meter Bridge for it.

Years ago i set up a studio like this for a friend of mine with a 16ch 8 buss, i would track everything though my mic pres/comps straight to his tape machine and then when it came time to mix we would rent abunch of gear, eq's/comps/nice verbs to use with the board. The little console worked great for this.




louie

[dbbubba]

I paid $2K for my MCI JH-538C, but..... it is A LOT of work to get them into decent shape.
The EQ sections on most modules was almost completely useless because the cap had dried out.
I am doing a COMPLETE recap and there are close to 5000 caps in my console.
Figure on spending a lot of time with it.
When I am on a roll each module takes about four hour to completely re-cap.
There are close to sixty-four caps per input module.

Once completed, they are nice sounding consoles!

[dualflip]

Originally Posted by dbbubba

I paid $2K for my MCI JH-538C, but..... it is A LOT of work to get them into decent shape.
The EQ sections on most modules was almost completely useless because the cap had dried out.
I am doing a COMPLETE recap and there are close to 5000 caps in my console.
Figure on spending a lot of time with it.
When I am on a roll each module takes about four hour to completely re-cap.
There are close to sixty-four caps per input module.

Once completed, they are nice sounding consoles!

Hey Danny, how many modules left for recap?, i just bought a second mci and now i have to recap 2 consoles i have 10 modules of each console fully recapped(20 total) still 46 togo AHHHHHHH.

[pultech]

Originally Posted by dbbubba

I paid $2K for my MCI JH-538C, but..... it is A LOT of work to get them into decent shape.
The EQ sections on most modules was almost completely useless because the cap had dried out.
I am doing a COMPLETE recap and there are close to 5000 caps in my console.
Figure on spending a lot of time with it.
When I am on a roll each module takes about four hour to completely re-cap.
There are close to sixty-four caps per input module.

Once completed, they are nice sounding consoles!

Are you using the same electrolytics that were in there or sticking something a bit more audiophile in there?
I always fantasized about recapping a 500 in polystyrene... Yummy... lol!

[dualflip]

Originally Posted by pultech

Are you using the same electrolytics that were in there or sticking something a bit more audiophile in there?
I always fantasized about recapping a 500 in polystyrene... Yummy... lol!

In my case im using Panasonic FM's and most of them are bigger measures!