Originally posted by Phil English:
Can any one give me some guidance on this console...
You mean advice other than 'try to get the session moved to a studio with a real console instead of that tinny sounding piece of $*^t? If you can move it to a 9098i room, you'll be a much happier person. They're easier to use, mostly because they sound a world better.
I have never used any Neve
Don't worry, even after this experience you'll still have not used a "Neve", but you will have used an "N word" desk.
All BS aside, it's not that tough. Yes, they can look intimidating, just don't be intimidated. I remember the first time I sat behind an SSL...I looked left, I looked right, then I looked at the assistant and said: "damn, there's enough knobs on this thing to really ^#$% something up"...to which he replied: "yep".
It's just a desk. It's just like a Soundcraft Ghost or a Mackie. The routing may be a tad different, but if you understand the rudiments of how this $*^t works, you'll be a 'zen master' of this thing in under an hour. If you don't understand signal flow, then you have no business being in a "real" recording studio anyway...so put your tail between your legs, go home, and learn 'signal flow'.
I don't know what Bill was talking about with 'Union Members in Hollywood', but you will find that any studio with a VR Legend will also provide you with an able bodied assistant. Their job is to run the patchbay, run the automation commands, answer any and all questions you may have about the desk, and help you 'trouble shoot' when you've done something goofy (like inadvertantly hit a 'solo switch' and you're not sure which one it might be, that kind of $*^t).
Most of all, have fun. Most likely you'll get through it without a problem. If the automation is 'Flying Faders', you'll most likely be proficient with it in an hour or two of using it, the assistant will insure that or just ask for a new one. It's real easy, you get on the 'intercom', page the 'studio manager' and say: "pardon me, might it be possible to get an assistant that doesn't suck? The one that came with the room is useless." Works everytime.
Best of luck with the gig, tell us how it goes!!