Why does the I/O need to be on top and why under 3 feet long? Those are some very limiting requirements.

Our studios are set-up with all of the rack gear directly behind our present boards--anything higher than 8 inches and we can not access our gear---and the boards plugs behind are not accessable---so for quick inserts, etc we need top connections---all our our table top desk are built so the engineer can readily reach all controls--without leaving their chair----maybe a little unusual but, makes sense for ease of use... see photos
- http://fp2k.redshift.com/cjogo/crystalrecording.htm

A patchbay can cure that no problem. Sounds like a tough setup having to reach behind your board to tweak and patch.

I am in the market for a console now too but I'm debating on whether to wait to buy a "pro" used $5k-$7k board or just buy a cheap 16 channel for now and wait even longer. Personally, I think it's better to wait and go two steps up. Like a used Trident or Neotek (maybe.) But I found a really cheap deal that won't hurt at all. I can still buy my API pres.

Josh---I have plenty of patch bays but, so many units are XLR, 1/4, rca, dig etc>>> too difficult---there are many great classic boards on the market for amazing prices.....Looked at a 924 Trident and the Tascam 2600II---any word on the Tascam SX-1,,might be worth waiting for ?

thanks kindly C Jo Go

Well, if it helps anyone, I've got a friend who is selling a reasonable (working) condition 28 channel Neotek Series II with patchbay. I think he was going to start at $5K, but he'd take less.

Is it the neotek on ebay? What exactly is the condition of it... and how does a series II compare to an elite? Also, do you know any good techs in your area that can work on older consoles? Im going to be picking something up in the next couple months and want to find someone to go over it before i start using it.

Try 24 channel Ghost

Allan & Heath launched a new small footprint 24 or 32 ch desk at the AES. I thougtht it was GREAT looking. The central 8 group faders are VCA's so can be automated. It has HALF the depth of the Ghost.

:)

I got two words for ya: SOUND CRAFT.

Take my opinion with a grain of salt, but if it were me the choice would be pretty simple. You might be able to find an older board, 400 or 600 series, that pretty much meets your requirements, for around $2000. Good luck.
TL

Hello does anybody else think that a soundcraft ... (whatever number you put in) may compare to a Neotek elite?

Perhaps a Sony 3000 series board would be in order. you see them used in the 5 to 6K range all of the time. The cool thing about these boards is that several companies make replacement modules for them. I know that Avalon makes class A pre's and EQ's for them and John hardy makes a pre for them based on the Jensen 990. Due to the modular nature of these boards you could upgrade the channels as money permits. Sear Sound in NYC has one of these boards but it has all Avalon modules.

I don't think a Soundcraft 600 will compare very favorably to a Neotek Elite, but then again, I'm not sure I've ever seen an Elite under 10 grand that's worth owning, and it's been a while since I have seen a 600 *over* $2K. The 600, with the master section and a few channels sent to Jim Williams (I think it's $250/master and $125 or so a channel) becomes a really good sounding board, though, for not much money. Certainly head and shoulders above any of the $3-4K new boards I've heard. I still miss my 600- it took me a couple months to realize it, because of the sheer difference, but moving from my as-above modded 600 to the D8B was an audible step down.

Originally posted by jo:
Hello does anybody else think that a soundcraft ... (whatever number you put in) may compare to a Neotek elite?

John I'm with you

I never had to go digital-mixing-land. I love tracking digital and mixing in analogworld.
My previous post comes from my little experience with a soundcraft TS 12 and TS 24 and a Neotek Eilite. The soundcraft rocks for Git. but not for much else. The Elite was really sweet in every aspect. I really loved the sound of this board (but don't overload the Channel - clipping was horrible).
I don't think that Soundcraft makes shitty boards, but Neotek is another league (at least for me).

Thanks for all the helpful inputs!!!I think we have narrowed the search down to the Ghost, Allen &Heath, or the new Midas Venice---still trying to just locate one of either console--ready to buy yesterday -any suggestions???
Every studio photo seems to have their "giant of a desk" in the center for their production----but we are not tracking through ours..just a quality mixdown desk------thanks again Happy New Year

C Jo Go

Anyone familiar with the Soundcraft 200 series? I'm looking for a portable board, so these have my interest. Same story as the 400 or 600 as far as upgrading it and the results?
Ted