Neotek Series lll

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 12:26 pm

Does anyone know anything about these boards? If their pre's and eq's are decent? Do you know what a working used board would go for? Any info is appreciated! I have one I could purchase but haven't found much out about this model. Thanks

Tom

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 2:07 pm

I've never had the pleasure of using a NEOTEK board. I heard tracks cut with them that sounded mighty nice. I've never heard anything bad about them, only good stuff. As to its worth or value, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So I don't think it would be a bad investment? Again it depends on what your application will be for it. I know this guy in Washington DC that used to schlep out an entire NEOTEK board for his remote recordings in a road case! I thought he was crazy? Even though he made some very nice recordings. I however only used a couple of those crappy API 3124M's for my fine arts classical recordings. I didn't think my recordings were any less in quality than his but there is certainly that "baffle them with bulshit" factor when you bring something that large out with you in comparison to my much smaller, lighter, easier to schlep rack package. So, in conclusion, if you are going to record a show, you should put on a show, to impress people with your bullshit. Thank goodness I know I am full of it!

Bull in the buff
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 2:32 pm

um thanks

I only do studio recording. I did once take out my Ramsa recording console to live sound with. I was crazy.

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:04 pm

i've always had a soft spot for neoteks... the EQ is amazing ... and i'm not alone... the story goes that while recording (what was their big album) fleetwood mac were in the process of building their own room... one of the consoles th ey were considering was a neotek... the company had sent them a channel for eval ... and after hearing it they requested a scond channel and recorded the whole album with the two....

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 1:02 am

i used a Neotek in studio and on remotes (in a truck) in the mid 80's, and it was wonderful; great sound, great specs, and indeed a great EQ section. We used it for Classical and Jazz all the time, it was that good.

However, there were always a few problems (like any other analog board) with EQ pots, a few latching problems on the master module, and so on. We didn't have a lot of spare parts for it at the time, so getting things fixed was always a bit of a stretch. (Although their tech support at the time was great.)

Even with the series III, I'd make sure you're aware of any problems with the modules, switches, etc. No doubt there will be things that need attention, and hopefully it's being offered with some spares to get you through. I'm sure there's someone out there who does mods and repairs for it, so you should google the name a bit and see what you find before leaping into it.

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 1:41 am

I have 2 Neotek Elite modules custom rack mounted. I use them on a variety of sources with great success. I have also used them when mixing down thru a Folcrum into the Neoteks to 2 track. Great sounding pres, nice clean & punchy. The EQ is very versatile. I like 'em a lot.

Cheers,
Skip

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 7:13 am

Awesome! Thanks all. Keep any info coming. I appreciate it. This console was used at a University. It didn't get used hardly at all. I don't know if I will be able to run any signal thru it before purchasing it but if I do have a chance at buying it the price would be extremely low. I doubt there are any spare parts for it but thanks for the heads up. I will certainly find out. I feel confident about recapping this board but does anyone know of other issues that may creap up. You had mentioned EQ pots, etc. Are there other components I should look for as spare parts? Again, I'm not sure if I will have the chance at buying this but I hope to!

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:28 am

I know that these guys do not own them now, but they might have more experience than the current owner of the company with the series III parts, etc. Call Martinsound and see if they can gve you some insight as to what you may need to budget for ongoing maintenance. Even if it hasn't been used much, that can actually cause you more problems. Pots and switches go bad from NOT being used. Caps dry out anyway, so you're probably looking at recapping the thing. The power supply should be checked to make sure that it is within tolerance.

Buying an old analog console is not a one time purchase. You will soon discover why there are so many consoles for sale and studios are downsizing. It costs too much to keep them going.

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