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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2022 20:53:18 GMT -6
Proof will be in the final result, but knowing it can be modifited to post fader, its hard to imagine buying something like an SSL Big Six, when something like this exists. Not to mention its 8 channels... Price goes down if you want less channels (obviously). You could even do something like a 4 channel Mono Mic/Line and 4 stereo EQ version. You can use the SSL Big Six both pre / post fader (there's a switch for it) and it does a metric ton more. HW inserts on Ch 1-4 plus master insert, very good inbuilt converters, great bus compressor, selectable mono / stereo channels, dual headphone outputs. Also the specs are impressive and tons more, where should I stop?
Look, I'm not a Big Six fanboy (irrelevant of how it looks). I want a 16 channel desk with less limitations and I'm still saving / looking at the LoopTrotter modular or SSL Matrix. Given half a chance to replace it with something like a 16 channel version of the Speck Lilo for example I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately there's just this void in the $5K - $13K mixer market and even at twice or three times the cost nothing comes close at the moment.
My perfect mixer would be a routing matrix like the Big Six with 16 channels (4 pre's is fine), inserts on the stereo's and a 4-band EQ. I'm sure they could do it for 3X the cost of Big Six but hardly anyone would probably buy it. So it's exciting when I see posts like this, those who are willing to go a bit bespoke. I doubt Alice would modify a desk to my specifications but I might give it a try anyway  ..
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Post by the other mark williams on Dec 19, 2022 21:05:16 GMT -6
Proof will be in the final result, but knowing it can be modifited to post fader, its hard to imagine buying something like an SSL Big Six, when something like this exists. Not to mention its 8 channels... Price goes down if you want less channels (obviously). You could even do something like a 4 channel Mono Mic/Line and 4 stereo EQ version. You can use the SSL Big Six both pre / post fader (there's a switch for it) and it does a metric ton more. HW inserts on Ch 1-4 plus master insert, very good inbuilt converters, great bus compressor, selectable mono / stereo channels, dual headphone outputs. Also the specs are impressive and tons more, where should I stop?
Look, I'm not a Big Six fanboy (irrelevant of how it looks). I want a 16 channel desk with less limitations and I'm still saving / looking at the LoopTrotter modular or SSL Matrix. Given half a chance to replace it with something like a 16 channel version of the Speck Lilo for example I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately there's just this void in the $5K - $13K mixer market and even at twice or three times the cost nothing comes close at the moment.
My perfect mixer would be a routing matrix like the Big Six with 16 channels (4 pre's is fine), inserts on the stereo's and a 4-band EQ. I'm sure they could do it for 3X the cost of Big Six but hardly anyone would probably buy it. So it's exciting when I see posts like this, those who are willing to go a bit bespoke. I doubt Alice would modify a desk to my specifications but I might give it a try anyway ..
I really like the hypothetical board you’re describing in your final paragraph, Danny. I probably can’t afford it at the moment, but I like it. |
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Post by jacobamerritt on Dec 19, 2022 21:28:41 GMT -6
Seems worth reaching out to Paul. He can give you all the details on the noise specs and so forth. For me, I was just looking for a simple console with some sonic character thats well built, and functional for our tracking purposes. So, Jacob, are you thinking about using this as a summing mixer? Or as a front end / monitoring mixer? Or both? Or neither, but something else entirely? For tracking mainly. Thats why we requested a mod to make the preamp and EQ outputs post fader. I'm sure we'll also use it for summing/mixing to hit the cool limiter design a little. I like the idea of 'glue' from a console like this, with a retro pedigree. Michael Kiwanuka's producers consider it a secret weapon. Those type of records are very much my taste. I'll still be keeping a handful of other outboard preamps, compressors, and EQs too. I'll have about 17 preamp channels total by the time I sell off some stuff. It's also worth noting, the phantom power goes to all channels when engaged - unless you decide you want channels to have none routed to them. I almost had them make two channels with no phantom as a dedicated pair for ribbons. But thats what FETheads and the like are for. Plus I have plenty of other pres as needed. Also, there is no phase reverse on the channels... But for me these things are not deal breakers. |
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Post by jacobamerritt on Dec 19, 2022 21:31:46 GMT -6
Look, I'm not a Big Six fanboy (irrelevant of how it looks). I want a 16 channel desk with less limitations and I'm still saving / looking at the LoopTrotter modular or SSL Matrix. Given half a chance to replace it with something like a 16 channel version of the Speck Lilo for example I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately there's just this void in the $5K - $13K mixer market and even at twice or three times the cost nothing comes close at the moment.
My perfect mixer would be a routing matrix like the Big Six with 16 channels (4 pre's is fine), inserts on the stereo's and a 4-band EQ. I'm sure they could do it for 3X the cost of Big Six but hardly anyone would probably buy it. So it's exciting when I see posts like this, those who are willing to go a bit bespoke. I doubt Alice would modify a desk to my specifications but I might give it a try anyway ..
Yeah, its definitely not for everyone. I just think bang for the buck in this console is pretty dang awesome. And there is a lot of customizability available. May be worth shooting them an email with what you're after and what budget you hope to be in. Also - Iron Age Audio is making some cool console stuff and Matt is really creative with solutions. Priced well too. |
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Post by jacobamerritt on Dec 24, 2022 1:07:52 GMT -6
Some specific info on transformers and faders from Ted: You are asking questions about transformers; I can let you have details on what we use, (mic input OEP A262A48E, output VTX101006 or Stevens and Billington RX01), but this does not tell you very much because the performance of the transformer is controlled by the impedances around it. Transformer manufacturers try all the time to minimize any effect on sound while engineers look for additional harmonics. As a designer I know which harmonics are desirable and generally design so that it's possible to get true undistorted sound but at the same time, if required, when the circuitry is 'pushed', the result will be clarity and warmth; that is particularly true of the 828 type of circuitry, the use of transformers has very little to do with the final sound. The type of Alps fader used in the 828 mixer is RS60N1219A0, we use a dual track fader for mono channels where a 'back-of-fader' contact is needed, this uses a unique circuit activating a relay as soon as the fader is moved away from the 'off' position. These Alps faders are very much superior to the earlier faders used on the original 828 mixers. From the general literature: All active circuitry in the signal path is discrete transistor using ‘through hole’ technology following the original circuitry of the Mk1, however, the monitor section has been converted to surface-mount technology. ericn - Curious if you know where these faders fall in the ALPS line up of quality (I saw your posts in the Toft Integra) |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Dec 24, 2022 11:00:27 GMT -6
Some specific info on transformers and faders from Ted: You are asking questions about transformers; I can let you have details on what we use, (mic input OEP A262A48E, output VTX101006 or Stevens and Billington RX01), but this does not tell you very much because the performance of the transformer is controlled by the impedances around it. Transformer manufacturers try all the time to minimize any effect on sound while engineers look for additional harmonics. As a designer I know which harmonics are desirable and generally design so that it's possible to get true undistorted sound but at the same time, if required, when the circuitry is 'pushed', the result will be clarity and warmth; that is particularly true of the 828 type of circuitry, the use of transformers has very little to do with the final sound. The type of Alps fader used in the 828 mixer is RS60N1219A0, we use a dual track fader for mono channels where a 'back-of-fader' contact is needed, this uses a unique circuit activating a relay as soon as the fader is moved away from the 'off' position. These Alps faders are very much superior to the earlier faders used on the original 828 mixers. From the general literature: All active circuitry in the signal path is discrete transistor using ‘through hole’ technology following the original circuitry of the Mk1, however, the monitor section has been converted to surface-mount technology. ericn - Curious if you know where these faders fall in the ALPS line up of quality (I saw your posts in the Toft Integra) Rs60 series is $18-20 open frame far from Alps best. |
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Post by jacobamerritt on Jan 17, 2023 17:26:43 GMT -6
My 828 console is coming along nicely! Some backordered 33nF Capacitors were holding them up, but they should arrive this week. Click photos for a bigger view. Are you still curious about these paulcheeba ? 
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jan 17, 2023 23:13:09 GMT -6
So, Jacob, are you thinking about using this as a summing mixer? Or as a front end / monitoring mixer? Or both? Or neither, but something else entirely? For tracking mainly. Thats why we requested a mod to make the preamp and EQ outputs post fader. I'm sure we'll also use it for summing/mixing to hit the cool limiter design a little. I like the idea of 'glue' from a console like this, with a retro pedigree. Michael Kiwanuka's producers consider it a secret weapon. Those type of records are very much my taste. I'll still be keeping a handful of other outboard preamps, compressors, and EQs too. I'll have about 17 preamp channels total by the time I sell off some stuff. It's also worth noting, the phantom power goes to all channels when engaged - unless you decide you want channels to have none routed to them. I almost had them make two channels with no phantom as a dedicated pair for ribbons. But thats what FETheads and the like are for. Plus I have plenty of other pres as needed. Also, there is no phase reverse on the channels... But for me these things are not deal breakers. Having delt with way to many boards with global phantom in my live freelance club days, any decent tech can build you some phantom blockers in XLR barrels. They are also a must with the Fostex printed Ribbons. |
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Post by jacobamerritt on Jan 18, 2023 12:08:21 GMT -6
Having delt with way to many boards with global phantom in my live freelance club days, any decent tech can build you some phantom blockers in XLR barrels. They are also a must with the Fostex printed Ribbons. I had the option to do some channels with NO phantom... just didn't seem like a big enough deal for me- I have lots of other pres in addition to this, or can use a Cloudlifter type device. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2023 13:30:45 GMT -6
Glad to see they are back in production. I owned one back in the day..
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Post by jacobamerritt on Jan 18, 2023 15:42:45 GMT -6
Glad to see they are back in production. I owned one back in the day.. They are updating elements to more reliable technology while still keeping the sonics in line with the past models. Im really really excited to see how it turns out. Kind of feels like it could be a huge success (Again) for studios like mine, who want a nice sounding summing mixer with quality preamps and EQ that isn't a huge footprint or has typical console features that aren't necessary with their workflow- the price per channel is outstanding, and feels like an absurdly good value. |
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Post by paulcheeba on Jan 18, 2023 22:18:47 GMT -6
Not really but Ted is great!
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Post by jacobamerritt on Jan 20, 2023 14:33:28 GMT -6
Alice UK sent me these photos before shipping it out. Should arrive next week! (Click for bigger version)   |
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Post by keymod on Jan 20, 2023 14:36:22 GMT -6
Happy for you!
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Post by gravesnumber9 on Jan 21, 2023 9:13:47 GMT -6
Alice UK sent me these photos before shipping it out. Should arrive next week! (Click for bigger version) Looks great! |
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Post by vvvooojjj on Jan 21, 2023 11:04:43 GMT -6
I really like the look of this mixer. A configuration of 3-4 mono/mic channels and the rest stereo channels with eq would be really cool set-up for a voc/synths/bass/gtr setup. I guess the aux inputs are mono? 3-4 stereo ones would be nice for delays, reverbs, eventides, etc... when recording synths. I'm not really into summing at the moment, but this configuration would also work for that. One could use channel 1 when recording vocals, 2 for DI bass/gtr and 3-4 for synths connected to www.franklinaudio.com.au/ss-6 and leave the rest for summing. |
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Post by jacobamerritt on Jan 21, 2023 12:08:41 GMT -6
I really like the look of this mixer. A configuration of 3-4 mono/mic channels and the rest stereo channels with eq would be really cool set-up for a voc/synths/bass/gtr setup. I guess the aux inputs are mono? 3-4 stereo ones would be nice for delays, reverbs, eventides, etc... when recording synths. I'm not really into summing at the moment, but this configuration would also work for that. One could use channel 1 when recording vocals, 2 for DI bass/gtr and 3-4 for synths connected to www.franklinaudio.com.au/ss-6 and leave the rest for summing. That’s something they could probably do! I considered a format like that myself. They do lots of bespoke builds- here is an example with 4 mic/line channels with 4 additional stereo output channels like you seem to want. They also did DB25 direct outputs. This one is actually available for sale, they made an extra. Alice <Bespoke Build link I think the band that had a couple of these built uses it in the way you describe- they use lots of synths and drum machines. I actually was a fan of theirs randomly then saw their name on the Alice site. Alice are developing a stereo output channel that also has transformer input and EQ. |
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Post by plinker on Jan 21, 2023 12:37:48 GMT -6
I just read up on it -- this is cool mixer!
Congrats!
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Post by vvvooojjj on Jan 21, 2023 13:15:42 GMT -6
Alice are developing a stereo output channel that also has transformer input and EQ. This sounds cool. |
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Post by jacobamerritt on Jan 21, 2023 16:06:16 GMT -6
Alice are developing a stereo output channel that also has transformer input and EQ. This sounds cool. You should get in touch with them... Its also quite an affordable unit! I think I mentioned but my 8 pre/EQ version was about $3250 total shipped (depending on the exchange rate) with modifications and a couple t-shirts thrown in. |
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Post by jacobamerritt on Feb 10, 2023 0:41:49 GMT -6
Update: Unboxed it tonight, maybe the most well packed gear I’ve ever received. Rewired all my outboard racks/patchbays to integrate from square one.
Haven't done much than play some music through it. Solid build! Pots feel really nice. In/out jacks are solid. Messed with the EQs and limiters on the music, both seem like they'll be very useable. First session with it is this weekend. Pumped!
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Post by lowlou on Feb 10, 2023 5:01:55 GMT -6
Is the sound clean or does Alice mixers saturate a bit like old Tascam Teac prosumer mini-mixers ? I use one Tascam Teac model 3 for my drums, it colors the sound nicely. I'm not summing anything and use the direct outs. I wonder if the Alice can color signals in the same proportion.
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Post by jacobamerritt on Feb 10, 2023 12:21:19 GMT -6
Is the sound clean or does Alice mixers saturate a bit like old Tascam Teac prosumer mini-mixers ? I use one Tascam Teac model 3 for my drums, it colors the sound nicely. I'm not summing anything and use the direct outs. I wonder if the Alice can color signals in the same proportion. Im not sure yet, but I know the old 828s definitely have 'vibe'... I just had this one made, so we'll see! First session with it is tomorrow. |
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Post by plinker on Feb 10, 2023 18:11:31 GMT -6
Very cool! I'm excited for you.
Just curious...do they recommend a burn-in period?
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Post by jacobamerritt on Feb 10, 2023 18:58:14 GMT -6
Very cool! I'm excited for you. Just curious...do they recommend a burn-in period? They didn't mention one... It has input transformers, but I don't think I've heard of a need to burn those in? |
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