So I was looking at this really yummy pre-loved Neotek Elite for around $16k, checking my bank balance,...then making some credit enquiries lol, envisioning the freak-out session that would happen when my woman finds out what I've just bought for $16k...when I really got serious, I started *thinking*. .
I'm tracking almost exclusively thru some nice outbaord pres - Avalon, Vintech, API, Sytek, Sebatron - and I'm pleased with the results I'm getting with these pres. I don't really need a console's pres for tracking - although it *may* come in handy *someday*. I'm tracking to a RADAR 24 / DAW running Logic combo which I'm also real pleased with. I'm also using almost exclusively outboard dynamics - 1176, distressors, LA-2A - as opposed to plugins.
My console at the moment is a Tascam TM-D8000 digital console. Yep, it's OK and I don't have any problems with it, but I'm only using it for mixdowns. and basically, I want to move the Tascam into a digital "studio B" DAW/sequencer corner of the control room and upgrade the main console to a nice sounding analog piece. Hence the Neotek Elite excursion.
But am I "wasting" money on paying so much for the beautiful Elite desk, preamps and all, when I probably won't even be using them? I'm thinking it may be better to mixdown thru something like an old MCI, Yammy PM2000, Peavey AMR or Soundcraft Ghost for under $5000, and I can invest the extra $10,000+ that I've saved elsewhere?
What do yous think?
Dingo
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As someone who has spent time on a Neotek Elite I can tell you i
As someone who has spent time on a Neotek Elite I can tell you it is a great sounding console and the mic pre's are way above average. As good or better than the Sytek. $16k for a Neotek elite is damn dirt cheap when you know what they cost when they were new.
Most of it comes down to working style. I myself prefer a real console to interface all the outboard gear I usually use. The
Neotek is a real pro board for mixing duty unlike the cheap ass Mackie types where something like the Dangerous 2-bus would be a prefered and better option.
For me the issue with owning a large format console was maintena
For me the issue with owning a large format console was maintenance. If you can perform basic chores like replacing worn caps and transistors and perform surgery on a blown power supply then you don't need to be concerned. However if this is beyond your abilities you may find that owning a large format desk is more headache than it is worth. One thing I love about working in DAW is the lack of maintenance..
Kurt Foster
You have to remember the benefit of owning a big console isn't t
You have to remember the benefit of owning a big console isn't the pre's or EQs really. It's the quality of the summing bus for mix downs, ease of use and number of tracks you can mix. My Sony doesn't have the greatest sounding pres however when I mix on it as opposed to Pro Tools (etc...) the quality is really evident. The routing is also extremely friendly. It's actually fairly similar to the Neotek Elan I used to "work" on at the studio where I interned.
At this point I would say it will be a big step up from the Tascam but you have to ask yourself can you get your money back from your clients or will it just be another fun toy that they wouldn't really understand?
AND I just read all of RecorderMan's words. He has the best advice yet...
Neotek Elite is an awesome choice, Another good console better t
Neotek Elite is an awesome choice, Another good console better then most of the new ones made. Api 1604 is cool but $65000
Neotek might still be building not sure, would also be a great option if so.
I know classic APi is starting to build a console probably DIY kit version. but might be kick ass if it is anything like their pre amplifiers.
ironsheik, post: 97457 wrote: ....the quality is really evident.
ironsheik, post: 97457 wrote: ....the quality is really evident. The routing is also extremely friendly. It's actually fairly similar to the Neotek Elan I used to "work" on at the studio where I interned.
At this point I would say it will be a big step up from the Tascam but you have to ask yourself can you get your money back from your clients ...
I agree with Sheik on this one, I also cut my teeth on an Elan' and it's a sweet console, but if this is a business investment, you need to ask yourself if it's worth it. Also, Kurt had a valid question/concern about your ability - or willingness - to maintain an older large format desk...
Yes, 16 k is a good price for a Neotek, but you should ask yourself where else you might invest that 16k and maybe get more of a return on the investment(s)?
16k can buy a lot of peripheral gear, converters, pre's, etc.
And, if you're really not looking at this as your mainframe - the epicenter to your recording and mixing workflow - and, as Recorderman mentioned, are looking at it as more of a summing device, then there are many other options available... with smaller footprints in both money... and size.
If, on the other hand, this is more of a personal thing and you simply like having an LF console and mixing with more of a tactile workflow, and if you can still get parts, and if you are savvy enough with electronics repair to maintain it, then yes, it's a very nice desk. You could certainly do a whole lot worse.
Although ... LOL... as a side note here, man to man and husband to husband: it's been in my own personal experience that the wife is generally much more accepting of a purchase like this if you can immediately start to show some corresponding financial return. ;)
fwiw
-donny
My opinion would be to get a dangerous 2-bus: (dead link removed
My opinion would be to get a dangerous 2-bus:
(dead link removed)
It's only around $3K and would allow you to do want the console would do as far as summing in the analog domain. As you say, you've already have some great outboard pre's. Hell you could get another 10 channels of API pre's for around $6K. So at $9K you'd be way ahead of the game than that console @16K. Do you need all the routing, eq, auxes, buses of that board? The pre's are alright but nothing compared to the ones you have and the ones mentioned. The dangerous 2-bus would let you get even more analog gear at the right step for the right price. And your girlfriend will be happy when you say you saved $13k!