They've been discontinued, so I'm not sure how much future support you can expect from Mackie. I think it would be overkill if you're just using it for tracking. For the same amount of money you could get some outboard preamps that are much better than the preamps in the board.

-Duardo

The sound of the preamps leaves a lot to be desired as in most Mackie products...I have read on other sites that Mackie is not adequately supporting these mixers since their discontinuation.You might search other sites to confirm this.Also, there were several OS upgrades during the life of these things...if you buy one be sure you know which version you're getting.

It would seem that if you're going to mix in ProTools anyway that having all the recall and automation in the D8B is overkill for tracking...High-end pres and outboard or a nice analog console seems to be a better fit for you.

What about a DM2000 or a O2R 96. Or if you want a real bargain a used O2R?

I talked to Elliot Scheiner at AES and he honestly uses just his DM2000 to do his surround mixes. No external gear.

Steve

d8b is still a decent board...no, preamps are't the best - that said I've heard much worse sounds from some 'high end esoteric' stuff...most current OS can be upgraded if need be...Mackie stated 2 weeks ago they would continue supporting the board for an unstated amount of time...

Software still sounds anywhere from passable to superb...hardware limited to 48K (which is probably a major factor as to why it was discontinued...) there have been major advancements in the past few years in AD and DA conversion...many people (self inclusive) prefer using external pres/DA conversion to either DAW or HDR, mix with d8b, and use an external master DA (Benchmark DAC1 seems to be popular)

Is it the best out there? Nope, but it darn sure ain't the worst by a long shot, even comparing to some midlevel analogs...Will it work for you? Only you can answer that...

If you do get one, make sure the BIOS is current, and you have the latest CPU (300mHz)

Ken

being discontinued!!! dang, here I thought I was all up to date on everything... (embraces humility once again) yowza!

Any of you all worked on a Soundcraft Ghost? I have a friend who owns one, hes always talking about getting "out of the biz", I know if I offered him some money...

I love to mix in pro tools, so I am now looking at those HUI's, and baby HUI's, whatever Mackie has out there for a Mixing controller surface... I might get two consoles, tho the midi controller need not be super expensive, cuz I have dealt with my trackball long enough for anything to be getting back on faders again would be a blessing.

I work on my Ghost all the time. They are MORE than a single step above the Mackies though I'm sure those with Neotek/Amek/MCI/Neve/Sony MPX might not agree.
The Ghost makes a great tracking platform for not a lot of cash for someone intending to dump into ProTools for editing/mixing.The preamps are decent...by that I mean they are rather neutral and clean, the EQ is very good,the routing and monitoring is excellent,and everything thats a channel,bus,whatever, has an insert point.I've seen them for as low as $2500 for a 24 and as much as $7000 for a very low hours, 32w/midi mute.They retailed for over 10K.They are also upgradeable and there are sites on the web where you can upgrade the chips in the pres and get a much better sounding board.There are also other methods which I will not discuss here and now.

Dave,
Now that i am not tied to the house any longer, the next time you track drums I would like to come up and participate. I am very curious to hear your Ghost console... I could bring some othe pres as well and we could do some comparisons..

This is real good news Kurtster.The thing will make you nod yer head and go hmmmmmmm.I have it in mind to track the basics here in this room before we move(if my financing goes through cause I'm trying to buy a place).We have the whole next album written and rehearsed.I'll talk to the Boys tonight about this.I kinda like this room.The new place is going to get a serious treatment and we might be down 6 months on recording.(like the records dont take a year already!!!)

I'd agree that if you could get a good price on the Ghost that'd be a good way to go...

-Duardo

so I am now headed into looking at a Ghost. My former business partner has a Ghost, I never worked on it myself, but maybe I will end up with that. Also looking at a Mackie Control, for the protools, I think I like the idea of adding as many faders as I need with the Control, as well as it looks like they are coming out with a "knob" control surface. Well, its time to go work my "shit job"(pizza man) that pays for this(for NOW!)(I cant wait till recording is my number one job again)

Another Ghost owner here (24-channel CPU version), though I haven't had mine as long as Dave's had his. Still, I'm digging it on a number of levels. Very flexible routing, good pre's and great EQ. 'Bout to team it up with a Radar24. The Ghost's seem to be one of the few boards that fill the space between the toys and the giants and do it nicely at a good price point.

I am so delighted that I got completly away from Crappy!!!

I had a 1604 (in closet now) and a SR-32. The SR-32 I purchased in 2001 from AMS on a payment plan....oh, I was so poor! :( Before I had time to pay off the bill, the thing had bleeding and connection problems. It was ultimitly fixed 4 times with in 10 months. :p

I like the Trident 65. I would love to own one.. :tu:

Alan and Malcolm are working on a 12 channel Toft board that has me interested. David

so I am getting my friends ghost( for lest than 4 g's.) Installed with a multitrack, a patchbay a few snakes and the loan of my buddies outboardgear(like 4 good lexicons and an actual plate reverb!), as he just does not want to be a studio owner anymore. Im stoked. Now instead of being a mixing/overdub studio, I will be able to do full out tracking. YEAH!!! Thanks you everyone for your time.