During the latter part of 2012, I had an increase in enquires regarding SSL wiring installations which hasn't happened for a number of years. Smaller, mostly private home type studios can now afford an SSL console as they cost nearer £20k rather than £120K.
Unfortunately, although some people have always dreamed of owning an SSL console, there is another price to pay. Dealers sell on consoles, want their commission and rarely provide manuals and other documentation which leaves us techs and wiring people with problems to deal with afterwards especially as there seems to be a lack of spare parts available these days and SSL is not providing any support for the older consoles.
Recapping is also now an issue which can apparently add a few thousand pounds to the cost. Also, computer issues seem commonplace as the older floppy and 3.5 drive systems prove problematic at times, again with few spare parts and knowledge available.
A lot of people involved with this forum are based in the UK, Europe and the States but,
I have yet to know about anyone from Japan posting anything on here. There are (or were) a
huge number of SSL consoles in Japan, some of which may now be available for sale. The shipping cost from there would be expensive and there could be a 2 month delivery time involved but, this location may be another place to look at if you need an older SSL console.
Hope this helps from Jim Lassen (
www.profcon.co.uk). Also on Facebook
FACEBOOK. Select the photos, click the albums and view a photo for more information.
