Mackie SR24:4

24 channel, 4 bus , 6 auxiliary, analogue mixing desk

This fantastic console used to be the solid centre of my studio, grouping 24 audio channels of synths, samplers and effects into one place, and also serving as the performance interface for live dub reggae type effects such as feedback delays and reverbs, dubbing the mix etc. The sound quality is perfect, transparent as a desk should be, the EQ is the same; does what its supposed to do without any unintended consequences. It’s other major strength to me is how much power in such a small console, this is as condensed as a mixing desk can be without becoming claustrophobic; it’s ergonomically and practically very well made indeed.

But I no longer use it, these days I have 6 hardware synths which go directly into my soundcard, my hardware effects units and samplers all switched off, the mixing desk is nothing but an attractive centre piece; like the homely glow of a fake fireplace. That said; I cannot bring myself to part with this gorgeous bit of hardware. It would be a really good live desk, for example if you were running a stage at a music festival and needed to be able to accommodate multiple acts at the same time, bands, an MC etc, just add a PA system – but I don’t run a stage! Dilemma, I know if I sell it I’ll find a use for it the very next day … Anyway, a highly recommended console.

UPDATE: Oh dear . . well .. one day it failed to turn on.. apparently the internal power supply died, the homely fire glow no longer.. probably just a dead cap, right, but.. So, I eventually sold it to somebody locally for like £150 🙁 To be fair; I had this mixer switched on for thousands of hours; and it did me proud for the years I needed it, I paid about £1500 brand new in instalments cus in the old days you needed a good mixing desk.. I hope it got fixed and now somebody else loves it as much as I did.