mixer questions for not-quite-newbie

CMEZ · 21st November 2003

Hey all, new to this board, but I like it!

First off, I've done some 001 work, some MOTU stuff, have a little bit of experience with mid-level gear (have owned TLM 103's, Rode NT5's, KSM 32, Meek VC1Q, Focusrite Greens, etc.) I've been a working, recording musician for a decade or so, so I'm familiar with how good gear sounds (not that what I had was particularly top of the line). I sold my little rig all off due to divorce and really kind of hated working with a mouse and computer screen anyhoo.

I've recently purchased a 1/2" Teac 80-8 for the purpose of demoing and pre-production. It's a decent little machine, good shape, good head-life left. All I currently own for a mixer is an older 1604 Mackie ( I know, I know, but it's fine for live).

I was talking to the studio engineer that I usually record serious products with (who's pretty top of the line and 35 yrs experience) and he recommended that I look for an old 8 buss Teac or Tascam-that they're cheap and flexible and will sound better than the CR 1604 that I've got.

Now, I can see the bonuses to having sweepable EQ and 8 buss capabilities (especially with 8 track recording) but my question is this: Isn't that going to be a step down in sound quality regarding the pres?

Other than a boatload of the usual dynamics (57's, 58's, D112's)and the old Mackie, I'm starting over and have nothing that I would consider 'studio grade' as far as outboard gear goes. I DO plan on purchasing things here and there as I can afford it.

These old boards ARE dirt cheap; to even go 8 buss Mackie right now is considerably more $$. What do you think?

Chris Meck

Jay Kahrs · 22nd November 2003

Yup. Old and will probably have scratchy faders & pots, noisy switches and maybe even leaky caps. I'd look into a new Soundcraft or A&H board. Sure it's more money but it'll be in better shape. Unless you were thinking about an M2600 anything older is going to be inheriting someone else's problem. IMNSHO, the pres on these things aren't even worth thinking about. There ain't gonna be a huge difference between a Yamaha vs. Tascam vs. a Smackie in that price range.

CMEZ · 22nd November 2003

Well, that was kinda what I thought. Actually, though, the whole question became moot since a friend of mine that has an old Auditronix console is going to let me take his Allen & Heath console as an unlimited loaner.

I let him use my van to take to Memphis to pick up a Sony MCI 2" machine, so he's clearing out some space.

It's good to have friends! Anyhow, it's kind of a medium format 8 buss studio board, not sure of the model number, but it should be exponentially better than what I have.

Now I just need some mics.

Chris

21st November 2003	#1
CMEZ Gear Head Joined: Nov 2003 Location: Kansas City Posts: 33 Thread Starter	mixer questions for not-quite-newbie Hey all, new to this board, but I like it! First off, I've done some 001 work, some MOTU stuff, have a little bit of experience with mid-level gear (have owned TLM 103's, Rode NT5's, KSM 32, Meek VC1Q, Focusrite Greens, etc.) I've been a working, recording musician for a decade or so, so I'm familiar with how good gear sounds (not that what I had was particularly top of the line). I sold my little rig all off due to divorce and really kind of hated working with a mouse and computer screen anyhoo. I've recently purchased a 1/2" Teac 80-8 for the purpose of demoing and pre-production. It's a decent little machine, good shape, good head-life left. All I currently own for a mixer is an older 1604 Mackie ( I know, I know, but it's fine for live). I was talking to the studio engineer that I usually record serious products with (who's pretty top of the line and 35 yrs experience) and he recommended that I look for an old 8 buss Teac or Tascam-that they're cheap and flexible and will sound better than the CR 1604 that I've got. Now, I can see the bonuses to having sweepable EQ and 8 buss capabilities (especially with 8 track recording) but my question is this: Isn't that going to be a step down in sound quality regarding the pres? Other than a boatload of the usual dynamics (57's, 58's, D112's)and the old Mackie, I'm starting over and have nothing that I would consider 'studio grade' as far as outboard gear goes. I DO plan on purchasing things here and there as I can afford it. These old boards ARE dirt cheap; to even go 8 buss Mackie right now is considerably more $$. What do you think? Chris Meck

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22nd November 2003	#3
CMEZ Gear Head Joined: Nov 2003 Location: Kansas City Posts: 33 Thread Starter	Well, that was kinda what I thought. Actually, though, the whole question became moot since a friend of mine that has an old Auditronix console is going to let me take his Allen & Heath console as an unlimited loaner. I let him use my van to take to Memphis to pick up a Sony MCI 2" machine, so he's clearing out some space. It's good to have friends! Anyhow, it's kind of a medium format 8 buss studio board, not sure of the model number, but it should be exponentially better than what I have. Now I just need some mics. Chris