Looking around for a mixing console...

BrandRecordingCo · 12th August 2009

I know there are many threads about mixing console's, and I've read them. I'm in the beginning process of building up a nice little home studio where I will record mostly rock and pop stuff. I have mixed both ITB and OTB and love mixing OTB. I want a desk to use as my center piece to both record and mix. I'm kinda looking around right now and different boards to get me going, and have come across a Soundcraft 600 series for cheap right now. I know these are very old, and probably need some service, or soon will. I was wanting to stay under $2500 for a console right now (will upgrade down the line), and could get this for much less. Would it be smart to buy something like a series 600 for $500 or so, or get something newer like an A&H GL2400 for around $2200???

I need 24 ins/outs for mixing.

Thanks!

Thescort · 12th August 2009

If you are dead-set on using a mixer, the A&H may be the best option at that price point, lots of ins and outs that you can use to your advantage above the mic/line ins. This is a live board, though, not a studio console, which is something to keep in mind. There may be other options out there that might give you better bang for your buck.

laperlestudio · 12th August 2009

there's always the mackie 24-8 that work great and you can find it very cheap now. I've work a little with it and it's a good board, nothing exceptionnal but in the 900$-1000$ used you can't really be disapointed. And I'm sure you will find tons of info or help if you got a problem with it.

BrandRecordingCo · 12th August 2009

Thanks for the replies so far. I know this is a very general subject, and everyone has different opinions. I'm not looking for a straight forward answer, just some opinions. I know I could go out and buy a brand new or newer (used) board like the Mackie or A$H for around 2k or so...but just wanted to get some thoughts on some of these older boards, with maybe more features and less price. I know that with the newer stuff...I will have WAY less to worry about as for maintenance...hopefully anyways. But if there are older boards out there that sound better...I'm wanting to know about them. I'm just keeping an eye out for a good deal that comes along. No hurry. The series 600 caught my eye and got me researching.

Anymore opinions???

And yes, I am set on using a board. I'm sick and tired of the mouse, and I'm fully aware of the negatives with mixing OTB with a cheaper desk/system, but for me it's funner and I can get more into it. The plan is to run everything through an SSL alpha link 24 channel converter into and out of Pro Tools/Logic

Thanks again!!!

Shimona · 12th August 2009

I totally hear you on mixing on a console, its the way it should be. For 24 i/o you really are limited at that price point, so if you go the live-board route but plan on upgrading down the road like you said, check into a used Soundcraft Ghost, and then upgrade that console later on with the whole Burr Brown thing that Creation Audio Labs does. Its gets killer reviews and could fit into your budget if you find the right deal.

BrandRecordingCo · 12th August 2009

Hey thanks. Yeah, I would love to find a used Ghost le or Toft ATB...don't know if I'll be able to swing it quite yet or not as I can't find them under 5k really. I may hold out though, but in the meantime want a nice desk for less that will produce decent results. Good advice!

Shimona · 12th August 2009

If holding out is an option, the Toft is THE way to go.

RCM - Ronan · 12th August 2009

Same advice I give all people looking for a console. Do tons of research, and then do more research and keep a very close eye on the used market and do not rush into a purchase. If you are well informed and patient, you can find some great deals. On the used market there are great boards to be had in your budget.

The thing about consoles, is that once some one had decided they do not want it, it is a giant thing taking up space in the studio or living room and may people are very motivated to get rid of them.

greatgreatriver · 12th August 2009

I used to own a A&H GL2200 and that board felt good. I kind of miss it now. I sold it and bought a Tascam M600 and I never liked the sound of that board.

Don't buy a board that needs lots of work and have scratchy pots etc. It sucks and you will have no time to make music.

The A&H boards are good!

12th August 2009	#1
BrandRecordingCo Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: St. Louis Posts: 504 Thread Starter	Looking around for a mixing console... I know there are many threads about mixing console's, and I've read them. I'm in the beginning process of building up a nice little home studio where I will record mostly rock and pop stuff. I have mixed both ITB and OTB and love mixing OTB. I want a desk to use as my center piece to both record and mix. I'm kinda looking around right now and different boards to get me going, and have come across a Soundcraft 600 series for cheap right now. I know these are very old, and probably need some service, or soon will. I was wanting to stay under $2500 for a console right now (will upgrade down the line), and could get this for much less. Would it be smart to buy something like a series 600 for $500 or so, or get something newer like an A&H GL2400 for around $2200??? I need 24 ins/outs for mixing. Thanks!

12th August 2009	#8
RCM - Ronan Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 4,318	Same advice I give all people looking for a console. Do tons of research, and then do more research and keep a very close eye on the used market and do not rush into a purchase. If you are well informed and patient, you can find some great deals. On the used market there are great boards to be had in your budget. The thing about consoles, is that once some one had decided they do not want it, it is a giant thing taking up space in the studio or living room and may people are very motivated to get rid of them. __________________ Ronan Chris Murphy+ http://ronansrecordingshow.com next Boot Camp in LA February 20-25, 2012

12th August 2009	#9
greatgreatriver Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 2,217	I used to own a A&H GL2200 and that board felt good. I kind of miss it now. I sold it and bought a Tascam M600 and I never liked the sound of that board. Don't buy a board that needs lots of work and have scratchy pots etc. It sucks and you will have no time to make music. The A&H boards are good! __________________ 8 track analog studio / N3 - Living off grid since 2004 - Yoga instructor and Apache healer. Fanzine editor and Creative Director for New Age Health Magazine. CEO and Vice President for Natural Apache Association. Experienced in Yoga, Meditation, Healing, LSD mentor. Used to be a sex guru but lately I have experienced problem producing wood for our fire. Hello! It's not 1983 anymore. We have computers now. No need to travel or write on silly paper.

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12th August 2009	#2
Thescort Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kingston, Canada Posts: 91	If you are dead-set on using a mixer, the A&H may be the best option at that price point, lots of ins and outs that you can use to your advantage above the mic/line ins. This is a live board, though, not a studio console, which is something to keep in mind. There may be other options out there that might give you better bang for your buck.

12th August 2009	#3
laperlestudio Gear addict Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: québec, canada Posts: 385	there's always the mackie 24-8 that work great and you can find it very cheap now. I've work a little with it and it's a good board, nothing exceptionnal but in the 900$-1000$ used you can't really be disapointed. And I'm sure you will find tons of info or help if you got a problem with it.

12th August 2009	#5
Shimona Gear Head Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 50	I totally hear you on mixing on a console, its the way it should be. For 24 i/o you really are limited at that price point, so if you go the live-board route but plan on upgrading down the road like you said, check into a used Soundcraft Ghost, and then upgrade that console later on with the whole Burr Brown thing that Creation Audio Labs does. Its gets killer reviews and could fit into your budget if you find the right deal.