SSlmixed.com Forum
Tech discussion => 4K,6K,8K Series => Topic started by: lukeaudio on March 25, 2014, 04:39:54 PM
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Hi guys,
This is my first post, during two years I have wanted to buy an SSL console, in this moment I have a chance and I desire to know your opinion about it, is an SSL 8000 GB without TR ,VCA auto,without recap etc... this mix comes with 24 mono channels and 4 stereo channels ….
the price that they offer to me is 15000 USD, I want to know if it is a good price for this equipment?
In the other hand, may you tell me if I can install TR to this console? and could you tell me which aspects I have to taking into account when I check it?
Thank you very much to all
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Think that's a pretty good price! That would be 9K in the UK :-)))
Does it have a computer???
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If it has a Computer, then you can add the 5 card sandwich into the computer, just slot it in, and activate it in the Computer setup.
Other considerations you'll need multiplexers on each channel..
Do you have any pics?
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8) 8) thanks for the replies …
tomorrow they send me some pictures, Also tomorrow I'll know if this console come a few extra
thank
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Is this the one from France?
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no...This is in South America
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Might have to add 5000 $ shipping then, but 15K US$ is a great price, and recapping can be done.
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Hi lukeaudio, welcome to the board!
Do you have change to test console? I hope you do.
Find out picture of the channel strip and use some image manipulation program to make a sheet where you have 8 channels (one bay)
Then print enought of sheets (3 in your case for 24 channel desk) and go to test the console. Better to reserve some time for it ;-)
Now you have to test ALL switches and pots. Use 4 different color markers to point condition of every single switch/pot. Here's my suggestion for colors.
Green - works perfectly
Yellow - some scratchy sound when switching/adjusting
Orange - lot's of noise when switching/adjusting, distorted sound when enabled etc
Red - Does not work at all
After you've finalized your test session you have quite nice map telling condition of the console. Caps are very much easier and cheaper to replace than switches or pots. So if you have plenty of orange/red find an another console, lots of green/yellow and you found a diamond.
Hope this helps.
Paavo
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For comparison..
The French 8000GB on GS this month was also 24 channels and 4 stereo, defiantly a larger price point:
http://s754.photobucket.com/user/badam7/media/studio%20sales/ssl%208000/167929_177812685586299_3516322_n.jpg.html
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Go for it!
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Hi,
The SSL 8000 GB, probably is one of the best SSL consoles every made in my opinion. Specially if you consider modern workflows.
I think TR is something you can retrofit on a later stage, although in my opinion is something you definitely want to have on these consoles nowadays. Just make sure you have a fully working computer with it, since this is the most problematic and Achilles knee of the entire console, with parts getting very expensive and hard/impossible to fix.
For the total recap of the console, if you're going to do it yourself, save a couple thousand of bucks for the materials. The 8000 GB is not that old, when comparing with an E or earlier G is. Try to know if it was ever recapped, and if it was when it was. Capacitor life on an SSL 4/5/6/8K is much bigger than on a NEVE or an SSL 9000, because it works under much less stress and much much less heat. So even if it wasn't recapped on the last 10 years, you should probably be fine, only fixing some problems here and there. I would advise to fully recap the center section no matter what. Then you can do it like our friend Marc Mozart did, and slowly recap each channel, while you use the console.
What's is the metering? Is it plasma or VU? If it is plasma have special attention if they are working correctly, these are not easy to find these days and sure not cheap!
Then I would suggest what Paavo recommended. Just make a full inspection/listening of the channels and annotate everything:
- sections not working (EQ, routing, compressor, sends)
- blown lamps/leds
- scratchy/faulty buttons (specially the routing matrix ones)
- scratchy/faulty pots
This will add to the final bill, since they are not cheap to replace.
EDIT: I don't know if this is you case, but just be careful with "buy as it is" deals, without having an opportunity to fully test it. These deals can quickly turn into nightmares.
Good luck!! If you decide do go for it I'm sure you'll have lots of fun and enjoy it a lot! These are consoles that with tender and care were made to last a life time. :)
Welcome to the forum!
Cheers,
Artur
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hi guys..... thanks for the replies ..Today I got some picture . I want to know why This console comes with three power supply ?
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There are two Power Supplies and one Changeover-Unit that combines the two. The size of the console should work with one Supply, but I'm guessing they had the other one for backup. Always good to have a spare.
Other than that, what I recognise is:
- no meters for the channels
- no computer keyboard
- no computer
If there are no massive problems with defective switches, it's still a steal for 15K US$. Of course shipping, costums etc. must be added depending on where you are based.
Funky Junk France had a similar console in 2009, but with complete G+ computer. They wanted 34K Euros (= 46.000 US $) and they sold it.
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Agree with Marc, it's an amazing price, and the console, is an amazing starting point.
For example VU meter Banks come up all the time on Ebay.
I'd buy this if it was offered to me, without thought.
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Hi,
The price is very good indeed! If you account only for the mono channels you have your 15K in there.
Although, I personally would think twice before commiting to it unless you're a power user / tech and know how to handle electronics and where to find parts.
Someone like Sintech this could be a great catch, but for the common user this console could be a challenge, since there are lots of stuff missing. Also if the console is like that, and you can't really test it, one could only imagine how's the inside and electronics. Like some say, if the price is to cheap to be true, then maybe there's a catch with it. Be very cautions with this, while fixing some caps, resistors and ampops is relatively cheap, replacing those pots and buttons are expensive! I see from the photo that the routing matrix has lots of buttons cracked/missing? This could be a problem if it reflects that the matrixes are broken somehow.
From what I see, at least for my workflow, I'd consider VU meters, computer, TR, and that can add up quickly on your budget. Even buying as it is, you might find a more "complete" console at little more price.
This is only my thinking process if it was me buying it.
Cheers,
Artur
EDIT: just to add up. Recently funky junk sold a 40 channel (4 stereo channel strips - 48 inputs) G+, with everything (VU meters, Ultimation, Computer, TR, phase scope), for around 34k Euros. That was the price they were asking, I know the value was negotiable and could include ports+comission. This console was all reviewed and recapped.
http://www.funkyjunkfrance.com/SSL_4040Gplus.html
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Plan on a lot of maintenance, that said, this is a low price to get into world class territory.
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Hi guys ...
Thank you very much for your recommendations. I decided to buy this console, I will attach pictures to you when I get it.
I want to know what things (cards, ribbons, or any other) I will need to add TR and VCA automatization, and where I can buy these?
Thank you
Carlos Huertas
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Congratz on the console :-))))
If you have a picture of a module out of the console, you'll be able to see if it has multiplexers fitted.
These can be bought with ribbon loom for a range of prices: One for each channel.
You'll need a keyboard: either a G series, or an E series with the piggy back TR bus driver card. A remote keyboard won't work as it doesn't facilitate TR or S29 needed for the Multitrack.
S9 Y lead: connecting from the left and right S9 lower bus cards to the keyboard.
If the console is not automation ready:
You need to run a 50 way Female to Male connector from each bucket, and two from the Centre (VCA and S31) to the DL panel.
And S29: 20 Way Ribbon to D-sub to facilitate multitrack/Protools with Konnektor.
Of course: Computer tower with TR and the like.
For that console Six 50 way ribbons 10 meters (or whatever) to the machine room.
RGB+ sync from the machine room to a suitable LCD TV or Computer monitor with scaler
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thanks sintech......its an excellent information .. do you know were I can buy spare parts? or only I need to surf in the web ?
thanks
lukeaudio
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Really, you need to buy a computer either from a dealer, or eBay or maybe here!
Console wise.. if it's not automation/TR ready, I would get Jim to make all the needed cables up, and he could instruct you on the fitting of these. He's Ex-SSL and this is what he's very good at.
For the TR a little power is needed, beyond the ribbons. He will be able to advise you.
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Hi Guys,
I want to know if the spare for SSL 4000 can work in a SSL 8000GB?
Thank you
Luke
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Hi Guys,
I want to know if the spare for SSL 4000 can work in a SSL 8000GB?
Thank you
Luke
Yes, all the modules are interchangeable, have 4000 E and G+ channels, and one bucket of G+ 8000
My 8k's is non-GB, so it has the normal quad arrangement.
Let's say we put a standard 4k into an 8Kgb:
8K utilizes matrix 1-8 for ABCD routing. leaving 24 groups, rather than 32 on the standard console.
The 4k routing will be shifted by 8, so to route to Group one, you'll need to hit 9
If you route to ABCD abcd (1-8) the 8k automatically floats the large fader to the selected Stereo bus, leaving the rest of the channels architecture free to be used for other tasks.
The 4K will struggle to route to the ABCD bus, as this is facilitated via an ABCD routing card.
Small Fader routing: on the 4k, Just hit LF and RF to go ST1 and LB and RB to go ST2
8K has a Route button inlace of the 4k Float, the 4k will float as normal, but not to ABCD
http://www.peterduncan.com/frames/gmodules.htm
Stereo Channels are pretty much all the same, the standard ABC: use A on a 4k, AB on an 8k and ABC on a 6k
At some point, I'll convert the 8K routing to 4k, as it's just cut traces, mod wire and a small card on the standard 611 motherboard.
Can confirm Total Recall is happy with a mixture of channels in place, you just get the standard graphic.
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hi guys,
Finally, I received my console. Im very happy. I will upload more photos when I clean it.
I have some questions:
1. Checking all the faders, I look that one is broke. The model is P&G 32... Which models of faders working in this console to replacement?
2. I have two power supply and one changeover. This console have two power connector, I only want to use one PSU but I don't know in which connector I have to put it. Maybe this question sounds stupid but in the user manual doesn't say anything.
Thank you
Luke
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Faders - these are standard VCA Faders. I think Andy "sintech" has some spares he's selling.
Power Supply - two similar cables bring the power from the Changeover Unit to the Console. With your configuration, you can indeed run the console with one Supply. You just connect only one Power Supply to the Changeover Unit. You may want to look into calibration of the Supply.
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thanks for the replies …Mcmozart
luke
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Yes! have NOS VCA faders for sale, and many other parts, hit me up!
Also, a few Channel Extenders, incase you don't have one.
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hi sintech
can you send me the list of the spares that you have? and the prices of them?
Please send me a private message to this email: carlosyjuan@hotmail.com
Thank you very much
Luke
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Hi guys,
I have another question, its indispensable connect my SSL to the changeover through to PSU or I can connect directly to a power supply?
Thank you
Luke
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With a console your size, you should just run one supply and forget the changeover unit. In this case it was fitted incase of failure during live broadcast.
Running two supplies, is more noise.. more power, more heat.
So yes, the power supply directly to the console
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Andy, so if running just one supply - connecting it with just one cable is sufficient? Because I am running my one supply still through the Changeover Unit, and from that two cables into the console.
With a console your size, you should just run one supply and forget the changeover unit. In this case it was fitted incase of failure during live broadcast.
Running two supplies, is more noise.. more power, more heat.
So yes, the power supply directly to the console
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Yeah, if you have 40 channels, you can run just one cable over to the console. The two cables join at the console end, and share the load over.
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8) 8) 8) 8) thank