Hi,

We're in the market for a new mixing console. There are a few options
(that are within budget):

SSL 4000 series, an older API, Trident 80 series or a Neve VR.
I have a question regarding the VR's: why is it that there are so many
available and that they are relatively cheap compared to the other
three?

I mean, we're talking a VR 48 or VR 60, with Flying Faders, recapped
within the last 5 years, kept in good condition etc...
Everywhere I look I see VR's popping up: why is everybody getting rid
of them? Or is everybody 'upgrading' to an 88R now?
Even the prices of a 4K series SSL seems to be quite a bit higher for
a comparable console (can't compare them, I know, but let's say 56
channels, Ultimation and TR).

So, I'm just wondering? Is a VR a bad investment then? Or is it that
they require a lot more servicing than an SSL? Are they more
maintenance-prone?

Thanks for your input,

Raf Roesems
Alamo Sound Services

VRs are very functional consoles that work quite well. They are not
without problems, but they have become a little "un-hip" recently,
partially because of the resurgence of SSL, especially the 9000J/K series.

I cared for two VRs, a 60 & 72 for 5 years while I worked at Capitol
Studios in Hollywood, and we did many many many high profile albums as
well as very visible TV & film mixes. Capacitors were an issue, fairly
easily corrected. Power supply distribution was an issue, also workable.
Flying Faders is a really popular and functional automation, so that's
all good. The recall package is a bit of a kludge, but functional.

The dynamics on each channel, while not as smooth as an SSL, is still
very usable. A very useful mod is "channel post-EQ/Insert pre-fader
meters". John Musgrave at www.madlabs.com has a CMOS switch PCB
available for this mod.

An older API can be a lovely desk, but can be pretty pricey. And, like
all older consoles, maintenance as well as day-to-day reliability can be
an issue. I all depends an your needs vs. market.

So I guess it really depends on what your market is. If relentless
trendiness is an issue, then go with a G series SSL. Trident 80s are
cool, sound pretty good, but are very primitive in terms of features
relative to the VR. The 88R is basically the VR feature set with very
different electronics inside; really well done. But if you want a
functional tool, and your clients won't whine too much, then the VR is a
lovely console.

Regards,
Steve

Raf Roesems wrote:

Hi,

We're in the market for a new mixing console. There are a few options
(that are within budget):

SSL 4000 series, an older API, Trident 80 series or a Neve VR.
I have a question regarding the VR's: why is it that there are so many
available and that they are relatively cheap compared to the other
three?

I mean, we're talking a VR 48 or VR 60, with Flying Faders, recapped
within the last 5 years, kept in good condition etc...
Everywhere I look I see VR's popping up: why is everybody getting rid
of them? Or is everybody 'upgrading' to an 88R now?
Even the prices of a 4K series SSL seems to be quite a bit higher for
a comparable console (can't compare them, I know, but let's say 56
channels, Ultimation and TR).

So, I'm just wondering? Is a VR a bad investment then? Or is it that
they require a lot more servicing than an SSL? Are they more
maintenance-prone?

Thanks for your input,

Raf Roesems
Alamo Sound Services

--
Stephen Anderson

~At the end of the day, it's all about
the music

VRs are very functional consoles that work quite well. They are not
without problems, but they have become a little "un-hip" recently,
partially because of the resurgence of SSL, especially the 9000J/K series.

I cared for two VRs, a 60 & 72 for 5 years while I worked at Capitol
Studios in Hollywood, and we did many many many high profile albums as
well as very visible TV & film mixes. Capacitors were an issue, fairly
easily corrected. Power supply distribution was an issue, also workable.
Flying Faders is a really popular and functional automation, so that's
all good. The recall package is a bit of a kludge, but functional.

The dynamics on each channel, while not as smooth as an SSL, is still
very usable. A very useful mod is "channel post-EQ/Insert pre-fader
meters". John Musgrave at www.madlabs.com has a CMOS switch PCB
available for this mod.

An older API can be a lovely desk, but can be pretty pricey. And, like
all older consoles, maintenance as well as day-to-day reliability can be
an issue. I all depends an your needs vs. market.

So I guess it really depends on what your market is. If relentless
trendiness is an issue, then go with a G series SSL. Trident 80s are
cool, sound pretty good, but are very primitive in terms of features
relative to the VR. The 88R is basically the VR feature set with very
different electronics inside; really well done. But if you want a
functional tool, and your clients won't whine too much, then the VR is a
lovely console.

Regards,
Steve

Raf Roesems wrote:

Hi,

We're in the market for a new mixing console. There are a few options
(that are within budget):

SSL 4000 series, an older API, Trident 80 series or a Neve VR.
I have a question regarding the VR's: why is it that there are so many
available and that they are relatively cheap compared to the other
three?

I mean, we're talking a VR 48 or VR 60, with Flying Faders, recapped
within the last 5 years, kept in good condition etc...
Everywhere I look I see VR's popping up: why is everybody getting rid
of them? Or is everybody 'upgrading' to an 88R now?
Even the prices of a 4K series SSL seems to be quite a bit higher for
a comparable console (can't compare them, I know, but let's say 56
channels, Ultimation and TR).

So, I'm just wondering? Is a VR a bad investment then? Or is it that
they require a lot more servicing than an SSL? Are they more
maintenance-prone?

Thanks for your input,

Raf Roesems
Alamo Sound Services

--
Stephen Anderson

~At the end of the day, it's all about
the music

SSL 4000 series, an older API, Trident 80 series or a Neve VR.

When you say mixing console, this room will be mainly doing mixing?

I have a question regarding the VR's: why is it that there are so many
available and that they are relatively cheap compared to the other
three?

Supply and demand? I am not a fan of the VR. I find it mushy and the controls
not well laid out and small. Everyone will have a different opinion.





---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"

SSL 4000 series, an older API, Trident 80 series or a Neve VR.

When you say mixing console, this room will be mainly doing mixing?

I have a question regarding the VR's: why is it that there are so many
available and that they are relatively cheap compared to the other
three?

Supply and demand? I am not a fan of the VR. I find it mushy and the controls
not well laid out and small. Everyone will have a different opinion.





---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"