Console Choices?

[Studio Jiimaan]

We ae building a small project/production studio. We like the hybrid approach. For us this means an analog console as the front piece. Especially for recording. Our budget does not allow for an API 2448 or 1608ii or RND 5088 or any higher priced boutique consoles like Daking or Wunder. Not overly crazy on SSL sound (too clean) so Origin is not high on list; its footprint for 32 ch. is too big. Have eliminated AMS Neve consoles as well as out of price range. Not interested in 500 series based consoles. We are looking at 16 to 32 ch. as recording drums often. We prefer 24 to 32 ch. if possible.

So our choices are down to Audient ASP 8024 HE in 24 ch. or Trident 68/78/88. 88 is of interest as seems more refined than other Tridents. And its footprint is quite good. Just over 53 inches for 32 ch.

Not interested in vintage or used. Prefer new with warranty.

[James Perrett]

As I was reading the first paragraph I was thinking Audient - only to find it mentioned in the second paragraph. Though it will have a fairly clean sound rather than one full of character.

[sonics]

As I was reading the first paragraph I was thinking Audient - only to find it mentioned in the second paragraph. Though it will have a fairly clean sound rather than one full of character.

Agreed. If you are after lots of "character" then the used market needs to be included in your search. Lots of bargains to be had.

[Studio Jiimaan]

Not interested in vintage consoles as too much upkeep involved usually....and cost....as well as for some just getting parts. Selling off whole lot of vintage gear for that very reason. New consoles can 'recreate' vintage sound pretty damn close....without worries of maintenance etc.

Used consoles (as in from last five years or less) might be consideration but truly depends on how was looked after....

Still prefer having a warranty....Audient not really top of list because it has a 'cleaner' sound....little character....while Trident does have some 'punch' not unlike API 1608 or 2448 (a modern API sound compared to vintage one)

[sonics]

New consoles can 'recreate' vintage sound pretty damn close....without worries of maintenance etc.

Perhaps you could explain what you mean by that, and which consoles do so. I didn't know that was possible without DSP software. Are there desks with "desk emulation" built in?

[Arpangel]

Hill, Amek, Soundtracks, Soundcraft, Studiomaster, there are still small professional outfits using these desks, alongside computer systems, they sound great, and have a lot of character.
I had a Hill 24-4-2 for a few years and had no problems at all , and I bought it for a few hundred pounds, also had a big Studiomaster, same, no issues, that was a such a great desk, amazing EQ.
Take a look at this guy, he’s running a commercial studio using older gear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5numkDyHCU

[tea for two]

Take a look at this guy, he’s running a commercial studio using older gear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5numkDyHCU

Enjoyed that. As soon as I saw him with his put on make up goatee lol I thawd yeah I'd have a hoot working with him. Recording is a serious business so anything to make it light hearted I'm all for.
The modularity of the Hill Audio Concept 200 console in the video I dig, modularity is one of the things I'm drawn to in consoles. Still I want to pick up something as an A&H System 8 if I could find locally in decent working condition.

The Sontronics Orpheus multi pattern mic he was using to record the audio, I was wanting to get a multi pattern Orpheus just might do it.
Edit : Orpheus quite a bit beyond my budget. CAD Audio M179 multi pattern favourable review in SoS magazine is just about within my budget used 2nd hand.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/cad-m177-m179
My Presonus Revelator usb mic is multi pattern it's alright.

[Arpangel]

Take a look at this guy, he’s running a commercial studio using older gear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5numkDyHCU

Enjoyed that. As soon as I saw him with his put on make up goatee lol I thawd yeah I'd have a hoot working with him. Recording is a serious business so anything to make it light hearted I'm all for.
The modularity of the Hill Audio Concept 200 console in the video I dig, modularity is one of the things I'm drawn to in consoles. Still I want to pick up something as an A&H System 8 if I could find locally in decent working condition.

The Sontronics Orpheus multi pattern mic he was using to record the audio, I was wanting to get a multi pattern Orpheus just might do it. My Presonus Revelator usb mic is multi pattern it's alright.

Yes, I called him, had a chat about booking a session, which I’m going to do within the next couple of months, I want to record a few takes of his rare instruments, to use back home, should be good, especially the Clavioline, and Pianet T.

[Zukan]

I owned an Audient ASP and loved it! I've played around with Tridents in the past and they sound 'musical' (particularly their eqs ) but if I had to choose I would opt for the Audient.

However, and more importantly, can you give us a little more info about what you need the console for? Tracking, mix and pro, DAW integration etc....

[Studio Jiimaan]

Sorry for not responding sooner. We have decided to go with the Trident 88. Have booked several days next week in studio that has new Trident 88 to spend time on before finalizing decision. BUT reason for Trident 88 as main choice:

Fully modular, robust construction for ease of servicing.
Both in-line and group/bus channels allow for a large number of inputs, each with EQ, at mixdown.
Solid audio performance based on the Trident heritage.
Intuitive user interface.
More 'musical' EQs as previously noted. Also has more punch....sound very similar to new APIs (1608ii or 2448) at a lesser price....based on Trident 80C EQ.

All in all a hell of a bang for the buck.

[Hugh Robjohns]

...sound very similar to new APIs (1608ii or 2448) at a lesser price.

It's a feature-packed console and I'm sure you'll love working with it.

Regarding the sound — and maybe you were just thinking of the EQ — bear in mind that much of the sound of the API consoles comes from their standard fit I/O transformers (as well as the unique DOA gain stages, of course).

Although the Trident 88 can be fitted with (Lundahl) input and output transformers, they are an expensive cost option!

[Studio Jiimaan]

Transformers on Trident still keeps console at a cheaper price than API boards....and can pick & choose where transformers are....even add more at a later date

[MarkOne]

…and Pianet T.

Far in a way the worst keyboard I ever owned.

[The Red Bladder]

…and Pianet T.

Far in a way the worst keyboard I ever owned.

They sound magnificent when fed through a Marshall amp. The tine pluck pads do need re-greasing with fan-belt fat every few months. I got one for free when someone found it in a dumpster.

[Arpangel]

…and Pianet T.

Far in a way the worst keyboard I ever owned.

They sound magnificent when fed through a Marshall amp. The tine pluck pads do need re-greasing with fan-belt fat every few months. I got one for free when someone found it in a dumpster.

The sound you describe via a Marshall (you can use any amp of your choice) is the essence of a lot of 70’s bands I'm into, Soft Machine in particular.
But for me, I just love the clean dry sound of it.