• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Analog Mixer With Best Mic-Preamps?

#2
I like the API preamp. 32 512 modules and a bunch of Burl converters as the front end to a digital console would be pretty awesome.

Back in the real world I don't really worry about it. Midas/Crest/Yamaha/whatever. Once you have a for-real console the micamps are all fine. Routing and layout and EQ are different but I don't even think about the pre itself really.
 
#3
API/ Neve/ SSL/ Helios are all top quality, the point is at this level you are talking about different flavors of win. That's why I want a Tree:
Link Removed
I have used 500 series modules by all these companies to get the best of all of them, and have been collecting these modules slowly. You can put modules by all these companies in a Tree frame, and get the ideal sonic imprint of all these companies in one desk.
Live I like Midas Xl series followed by heritage series for analog.
 
#6
Live... Midas XL series, ATI Paragon desks are also killer (comp/gate on every channel) but a bit less common to say the least...
nice thing about the 500 seres modules is taking them along in a rack to augment these desks, and bypassing the on board pres.
I still can get my API/ Neve on.
 
#8
I'm referring to the XL4, XL3, XL200 which are the best analog desks Midas made, before the heritage series (I believe the designer went on to form the outboard company xta before the heritage was produced).
You are thinking of the most recent digital line, with the XL8...
sorry for not being clear.
 
#13
The Venice is a beautiful sounding desk; sublime in fact. My only "complaint" is that it's pretty bare bones in terms of features. However the new VeniceF with firewire recording output is pretty bonus.

I've also been fairly happy with the Soundcraft GB4 and GB8 consoles. Again, pretty bare-bones in terms of features but the mic-pres sound very nice after spending countless hours mixing on Yamaha boards.

If you can find one on the used market, the Soundcraft K2 is a classic. The footprint is large but you get some great added features like a sweepable HPF, 8 auxes (switchable between pre and post in pairs) and 8 groups, mute groups which can be programmed manually or via MTC, as well as the all-important ability to run a redundant power supply.

But before you go and drop $5k it's important to answer some pressing questions: is this console strictly for recording or will it be responsible for mixing FOH? If yes, will it also have to mix monitors? If yes, how many mixes? How many fx sends do you need and how many stereo returns and/or stereo channels do you need for fx returns and stereo input sources like keyboards, DJ's, sequencers, and playback? Do you need mix matrices to feed multiple locations? Do you already have sufficient outboard gear or would it be more cost effective to step up to a digital console and save the expense (and real estate) of buying outboard EQ's, Comps, and FX units?

Much food for thought...
 
#14
The Venice has nice pres, decent eq, but lacks polarity switch which i feel is a key component.
The mix buss also loads very easily, which is the weakest point on this desk. There is a new version out with FireWire capability for recording, better eq and polarity switch plus a few other features... Not sure if it's under 5k. In that price range, I really like the soundcraft offerings. Gb8 24 is a loaded desk with 8 aux, 8 sub
groups(pre or post), dual sweepable mid eq, 24 channels, stereo and mono main buss, and is around 3,500.00 new. Only missing part of these desks is an optional input pad, but the design allows for this to a degree. There are 32 and 48 input versions, plus a gb4 version (4sub groups, 8aux). These have been great install desks for me, as well as mobile rental, and are built like tanks. That would leave enough dough for an outboard compliment of eq and comps/gates.
 
#16
testing1two said:
But before you go and drop $5k it's important to answer some pressing questions: is this console strictly for recording or will it be responsible for mixing FOH? If yes, will it also have to mix monitors? If yes, how many mixes? How many fx sends do you need and how many stereo returns and/or stereo channels do you need for fx returns and stereo input sources like keyboards, DJ's, sequencers, and playback? Do you need mix matrices to feed multiple locations? Do you already have sufficient outboard gear or would it be more cost effective to step up to a digital console and save the expense (and real estate) of buying outboard EQ's, Comps, and FX units?

Much food for thought...
Click to expand...

Oh, I know. I was just curious.
 
#17
King ...

This is irrevant - not enough info

If for your church gig.....

Training and educational materials are probably the biggest factor --- mackie may have easier to comprehend comic bookish manuals

Fewer options may be important as more knobs = more folks dorking with gear.... In this case analog may not be your best option
 
#18
MNAirHead said:
King ...

This is irrevant - not enough info

If for your church gig.....

Training and educational materials are probably the biggest factor --- mackie may have easier to comprehend comic bookish manuals

Fewer options may be important as more knobs = more folks dorking with gear.... In this case analog may not be your best option
Click to expand...

Not looking to fill a specific need, just asking a question. That's why I said "not asking about features, just quality". I wanted to see what people thought.

My church already has a digital board that we're more than happy with.
 
#20
Vinny D said:
One of the nicest analog boards out there today IMO is anything made by APB
Analog Audio Consoles - APB-Dynasonics.com

For just slightly above your $5k price you could get a nice 32ch. board from them.

I have seen and demo'd there entire line, beautiful product with EXCELLENT customer service.
Click to expand...

+1

I have one of the old Crest XR-20s that was built under their watch. Their upgraded model is a really nice piece.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back