Top 5 Things to Consider BEFORE Buying a Console

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Leave a comment below. Also, here is my Sweetwater affiliate link for the next time you are in the market for purchasing something for your studio. Many, many thanks in advance for using this link. I truly appreciate your support. :) Copy and paste it to your desktop for future use. imp.i114863.net/c/2224454/792013/11319

[@Rhuggins]

Thanks for you time here. Honestly, a setup like yours (even without the console) - is a dream for me. I have come a long way from where I started, and have some nice monitors and some fancy SSL outboard. BUT, for a regular hobbyist like me (however passionate I may be)- the prospect of acquiring a well specced analog hybrid system comparable to yours is daunting. I am extremely motivated and know its going to take years- and am prepared for that, but the grind of very long term saving to that goal is huge. Its inspiring to see studios like yours, and though I know you are a professional, I cant help but sometimes wonder if I’ll ever get there. All in time (hopefully). Thanks so much for the inspiration

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for the kind words. You'll get there. Start with 1 piece at a time, staring with your master bus chain and work your way back. Consoles these days can all be financed just like a car for 36 months a zero interest. So, if you can save up monthly, use that money to make a payment. You can also go with a desktop console for less money as well. Something like the SSL XL series

[@keithmoriyama5421]

You'll get there if you REALLY want to... but, it may not be so great once you do.

[@Tibbon]

I'm in the process of buying a 1970s MCI JH-500 console for my home studio. I'm a bit scared of the maintenance, but overall really excited for the expanded capacities and sonic footprint. I'll have enough channels to cut an 4/5 piece band live, and the capacity to do a hybrid tape/DAW workflow. Lots of inputs and routing flexibility!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thats amazing! Congratulations! Don't be nervous, you'll be fine!

[@ABS_AD77]

Thanks for a great video. Coming from a digital world, for me it was a big learning curve when I started to learn SSL G series desk. What I found hard is the lack of DAW style instant recall, zeroing the desk for every session, contrasting sonic differences between the desk and DAW and the kind of approach we need to take working in the DAW VS working on the console. It’s even more different when you start recording to tape via the console. I didn’t even expect such stark contrasts between both. Thank you very much for all your amazing videos.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you very much!

[@djpanntro]

My friend, I love your videos, I live in Toronto Canada, I'm a crazy lover of SSL consoles and this year I'm going to get my ORIGIN, thank you very much for the advice and for the Feedback, it's been amazing for me that I live in the digital age and Dawn more than I love the true practicality of Analog's Son and Punch, thank you very much, your videos have helped me a lot. stay with God friend, I look forward to more videos from you 🙏🏽👍🏾

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks so very much! I really appreciate it

[@zonarecordingstudio]

I am looking into Ams Neve MK2/16 ,for tracking and then finish in the box, there is one in ny I will checking out soon

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

NICE!!!

[@alexovercast3359]

I have an old Ramsa on long term loan from a friend who doesn't have the space. I do a ton of stuff (composition, sound design, arrangement etc.) exclusively in Ableton. I like running stuff out to the desk just for that preamp saturation and occasionally that old school eq. I still mix in the box - but sometimes putting sampled drums/perc out to the desk and certain synths to the desk, then to cassette just makes the material more interesting, less clean. It all comes back in the box with a little magic on it - then I mix in the box. Electronic music, I find, benefits from the hybrid approach. Too clean and it's boring, too much dirt/crunch/saturation it doesn't hit right. Horses for courses.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great points Alex! Thanks for watching!

[@wearashirt]

I have 90's live console. Love the sound coming off the console, but I realized that the trip back into the converters for printing does bring it back to that ITB sound - necessitating the need for top shelf interfaces a must. Aside from that, it's the scratchiness, dead IC's, and occssionally blowing your ears out from monitoring a misrouted signal or whatever

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Yes, you want to have good converters for sure

[@danymalsound]

Lots of great points here! I remember even being in production school 20 years ago and being shown the snakes in the troughs.. MILES of high-gauge cable running back and forth. Utter insanity LOL

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Well said!

[@dale116dot7]

I run a modified Soundcraft 2400 28x24x2 split with automation removed - it broke down all of the time. The rest of the console was solid after I replaced and upgraded the patchbay circuit boards and replaced all of the capacitors. It’s a fairly low power consumption design. I’m an electrical engineer so maintaining a vintage console is not a big issue for me but the maintenance and parts has not been an issue for me. I don’t always use the preamp side, I have nicer outboard preamps that are quite nice and external nice vintage EQs but I sometimes do use the board preamps if I need more than 16 preamps. I record on two inch so not having a DAW interface is fine for me.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Very cool! thanks for watching!

[@jkasko7]

You don't need 240 Volts to SSL 4000. I have mine on a dedicated 30 amp 120 V circuit. I power my SSL 4000 down everyday. They also make modern power supplies that are even more efficient than the original power supply. The cost to run are not that huge. Of course, they aren't as efficient as the Origin, but you are greatly overstating what is involved with owning a true SSL 4000. The SSL 4000 are super easy to maintain, probably easier than your Origin since it is all card based. Cost wise, it more cost effective to own an original SSL 4000 because of having all the dynamics and the patch bay built in. I was considering getting an AWS instead of SSL 4000 G and it was much more cost effective to buy the 4000G.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Ok then. I know 2 people with an 80's 4000 and they told me the exact opposite but if your situation is different then that's great!

[@HaHaHaHope]

And when you run that 24 track 2” through the 4000 nothing beats it. The Origin is a toy compared the 4000. I wish SSL would go back to big desks. Also the Origin is only 16 bus so if you’re running a 2” 24 track you need 24 bus console and if you’re running two 24’s synced you need 48 bus.

[@boyinbluestripes]

@HaHaHaHope not true. I track 32 inputs on my origin just fine. All depends on your workflow, though I’m not sure why you’d be using busses to send to tape instead of the direct outs. If it’s a 4000, it might be because it’s just…broken?

[@the1songwriter]

Yet, another brilliant and very informative video. Thank you!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

My pleasure!

[@Mikey__R]

I don't know if you covered this in the video, but I think you were mostly talking about large format consoles. I've just bought a compact Allen & Heath GS3000 24 channel 8 bus, late 90s vintage. A lot of the concerns such as power consumption and failing components aren't an issue on an IC desk like that. I should be taking delivery this weekend. Let's hope it's in as good condition as the seller says it is.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Congrats on your new console!

[@JakeLewisReal]

I'm just getting into the analog world. Have the SSL SiX coming today paired with an Orion Studio Rev17, baby steps lol.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

That's an AMAZING start my friend! Congrats!

[@JakeLewisReal]

@@MixingMusicAnalog thank you man :) just found your channel and im now a fan!

[@johnoconnor4984]

I’m shopping for one now. Leaning towards a DAKING mk2. I feel like he is the new Neve

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Cool. Good luck with it!

[@johnoconnor4984]

⁠@@MixingMusicAnalog thanks man. So to your point when u break it down and only have a desk, it’s so much easier and cost effective than having all the moving parts.

[@johnoconnor4984]

@@MixingMusicAnalog Thanks ,really appreciate your show man.

[@schmook9965]

Thanks for the video. Very informative. I'm wondering what you think about the Yamaha Nuage? Seems like it would be great for a hybrid set up combining comprehensive control for the major DAWs and the mix console experience with automation . . .

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Never heard of that desk, sorry

[@schmook9965]

You can check it out right here at Sweetwater. www.sweetwater.com/insync/yamaha-nuage-buying-guide/ Don't you think it makes for the ideal set up combining control for up to three DAWs with console mixing?

[@gertzpalma]

THANKS, MMA!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you for watching!

[@stella_rt]

Recently found your channel. Awesome work sir! I’m currently mixing 100% in the box with Studio one. I mix on a studio live series 3 desk with 32 faders, and a SSL UC1 to control my ssl channel strips and bus compressors. I mainly track live performances and then mix down at home. A few questions. What would be your recommendation to someone wanting to build up their analog gear inventory. Where would you start? There’s so much gear on the market it is hard to find a starting point. And lastly your journey into analog has inspired me to pull my old Yamaha PM2000 out of storage and start tinkering with it for a second rig. Love the SSL origin. Hope to have one of my own one day.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Dave did a video on "where to start" check them out kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpa4XqmJjbp1eK8

[@marksmusicplace3627]

the biggest pro vs con with owning a analog console in my opinion is does it fit the need. If a person is only truly on wanting to use plugins and concentrate on their personal projects, then a console is not necessary. But if they plan on utilizing multiple in/out signals with quite a bit of outboard gear to record bands or orchestras or multi channel sessions, then a console is almost necessary. But overall. does a person even have the high amount of clients that would require a console.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I 100% agree with you. Yes, it really depends on YOUR needs and everyone has different needs so a console is NOT for everyone. Having said that I will tell you this, since I purchased my console I have been working non-stop. My paying clients have gone up more than 200% and I am currently booked 2-3 projects out.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

@@MixingMusicAnalog I totally understand. I have a 48 channel Allen and Heath. Nothing like working on a console

[@simonfma7273]

Excellent well thought out video ... Thank you!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Glad you liked it!

[@eternalgospels]

Much appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

My pleasure!

[@jayjlyon]

Do you have any experience with the Matrix 2? I have been thinking about getting one for my hybrid studio. I have a lot of analog gear, with 3 patch bays. So I am thinking about the Matrix 2 at some point, to make the chains easier. I could look at Flock audio for a patchbay solution, so weighing what would ultimately be best.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

I do not, sorry. I have seen one but never used it

[@CurserTV]

I’m recording hip hop and rnb so maybe faderport would be better for me

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Totally depends. The style of music really has nothing to do with it

[@kevinyuen1951]

Omg thank you so much!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

You're welcome!

[@Somedei]

thanks for all these tips ! Cheers

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks Oscar!!

[@LuizMenezesJr]

On the last video about recalls, I didn’t get how you get back and forth with your clients with one or two changes with the final mix. Do you keep the desk and outboard gear all set waiting for the client to return to you? What if you have to work on another project and the previous client returns with the first changes of the final mix? Cheers from Brazil!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Go back and watch the video again. I answered that question in detail.

[@michaeltablet8577]

Thanks again for all you do!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

My pleasure!

[@JasonBuffin]

Great video! The SSL Origin is such a great mixing console. I'm curious (never seen you talk about it on this channel) do you ever patch in the listen mic compressor for the mono drum room? I've used the one on my SSL SiX and it is a really killer sound especially for rock drums.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

That's a good idea but because I dont record at all only mix I have not tried it

[@JasonBuffin]

@@MixingMusicAnalog You should be able to patch it into a channel insert but you'd need a line attenuator to get it down to mic level. I use a -30db in-line pad with good results.

[@PAULPINBALL]

Great advice!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks for watching!

[@zonarecordingstudio]

In the box ,is sounding better and better by the day lol

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

no one said ITB does not sound great. :)

[@zonarecordingstudio]

@@MixingMusicAnalog I meant from myself, I’ve spent a lot of money on analog equipment over the years.

[@bryanknuffman9464]

Thanks!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thanks Bryan!!

[@WavetableMetaphysics]

Aren’t summing boxes analog consoles shrunk down to a rack unit? For me I think that would be my best approach. Let me know your thoughts please 🙏

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Well, they really aren't the same thing but I understand your comment. Summing boxes for the most part, I am not a big fan of. I think you would be better off with a box like the Fusion

[@jloiben12]

Your electric company thanks you when making this buy decision

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

The Console takes about as much energy as a desktop computer

[@Polentaccio]

Great video! I bought an old Ramsa board in good shape ( a few scratchy pots) and it was the best 500$ i've spent in ages. But that said, you are right. Additional cabling, i/o considerations, work flow etc, these all add up to more money spent than you realize. I'm lucky in that I can read schematics and have worked on amps so I can fix this desk if something goes. I also can just throw it out and not feel too bad about 500 $ lost. If you drop 80k on an old console and things go sideways....good luck. Nowadays, smaller mixers like the SSL big Six make sense to me. On board i/o, bus comp and basic eq built in. Just run your tracks through it and off you go. For small project studios, that's how I would do it.

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great points, thanks for watching!

[@danjacobson9881]

Me likes this video!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you

[@DanyLeeRoth]

I just buy a SSL 4040 G with a modern electronic silence energy saving PSU, they are by the desk no noise, and i turn of the desk after working,

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Great! Congrats!

[@bryanknuffman9464]

Thanks!

[@MixingMusicAnalog]

Thank you so much!!