console for my future studio

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console for my future studio

jacko

I'm planning to build a new studio in a few years time. Most of my work is mixing and I'm currently running a Pro Tools HD setup with ICON D-Command, some analogue outboard and summing. The new studio would serve not only for mixing but also for recording drums and even full bands, so I've been thinking about the SSL AWS. I should be able to afford a second hand one. What other options would you consider in my case? It is important for me to have an EQ on every channel - I always EQ things when I record.

dights

Depends on how much you can get a second hand AWS for.

I love SSL gear though! Especially the dynamics, but the EQ is great as well - functional and surgical. Also for me you can't get better for detailed "clean" analogue summing.

That's the problem with the AWS though. Yeah you get EQ on every channel, but only 2 channel compressors? Also you get a mic pre on every channel which is a waste for me... you'd want another vibe of mic pre anyway, even if you did want 24!

Perhaps look at the XL-Desk... it's interesting at least?

jacko

dights I'm reconsidering AWS again. Now I have an X-Rack alongside my D-Command and I love the flexibility of using both. I investigated how DAW control works on AWS and most functions I need are there. And the good thing is - I could use ProTools Control iPad app, as AWS uses HUI protocol which can work alongside EUCON, while ICON completely blocks the ability to enable EUCON.

24 EQs, 24 faders with banking, 2 compressors, bus compressor and sensible routing capabilities - it seems tempting if the price for a second hand unit is right. I spoke to Mattia earlier and he says the AWS are quite reliable.

I just need to sell a property (my previous studio) to finance the purchase.

For now the console would serve the mixing purpose only at my home studio. Perhaps tracking in a few years time in a new recording studio (if I ever create one...).

jacko

dights you get a mic pre on every channel which is a waste for me.

I guess they wanted to make a console that would be as universal as possible to reach their sales target. Second hand units (900+ SE) can be bought for 30K EUR. That is more or less how much you would pay for an used SSL Matrix with 24 X-Rack EQs, 2 channel comps and a bus comp. And you would have 16 faders, limited center section and you would be missing 24 low pass filters. So I guess there isn't much sensible choice around.

jacko

Well, it will largely depend on second hand market what I will get. Rupert Neve 5088 seems like a good choice with mojo. Custom75 powered by Neve doesn't seem to be bad either - I am recording an album on it as we speak. Good desk. Another choice would be to stick with ICON or S6 and buy preamps with eqs and compressors. But price wise it doesn't actually become cheaper than a 24 or 32 channel high quality desk.

jacko

I also think that a smaller console, just big enough to have basic bussing capabilities to record multi-mic'd sources to one track, might be a better solution. Various outboard preamps and eqs would be good as well.

dights

jacko Yeah I hear that, and they designed it to go with the X-Rack units for extra compressors.

I'd just like it far more if it had 8 or 12 mic pre-amps, and 8 or 12 compressors... it would be a much better desk in my opinion.

It's still one of the nicest small format desks you could have though! I love the SSL sound when it comes to summing. People think that it has no character... Nonsense! It has clarity, punch, depth/width, a smooth top and bass extension. That's one of the reasons why SSLs have been the mixing console of choice for 30 years!

jacko

dights It has clarity, punch, depth/width, a smooth top and bass extension.

That's what I've always liked in all X-Rack modules I had!