Buying a SSL Console

[tlmaen]

I would highly encourage a new power supply. I have an Atomic and it can live in the control room. I have to sing Andy's praises. I did NOT go over to the UK and check the console out before buying but talked to Andy, who maintained it, many times and when it got over here for the most part fired right up.
Mike

Hi Mike, a new PSU is definitely on top of the List.
It will be the MPower as its basically the same, but a bit less expensive and easier to get for me.
I think its okay to not see the console in Person if you have enough Information, Photos and conversation with the Dealer/Seller...

Thanks,
tlmaen

[tlmaen]

Someone should check in with Gareth Connor around potential VU's.
He was working on a replacement system, and they looked exceptional.
Would solve the plasma issue, which I agree is a real pain.

...actually, just got in contact and will report back.

Anthony.

Hi Anthony,
this is interesting!
I think it can be done without too much hassle.
But a lot of mechanical work. Redesigning the VU PCB but with integradeted Buffer Amp for modern VU Style Meter and integrating the orignal LEDs...

tlmaen

[horizonsound]

Hi Tlmaen,

The VUs from Peter Higgs are in fact available. Pricing is around the same - if not less - than what I paid for all my original ones.
~USD$100 per meter including fascia plate and LED illumination.

Anthony.

[tlmaen]

So...
After a good month of negotiating and checking lots of things, I finally bought my first 4000 E Series Console!

Next thing is decommissioning and delivery.
The Trader is experienced with decommissioning and delivering Consoles, so I am not worried too much.
Are there any special things to consider?
Do you have to remove every Channel after moving the console around and reseat the cards before you fire it up?
Any tips?

I am probably gonna ask you a lot more questions when I get the console...:-)

Thanks,
tlmaen

[Richealey]

Generally as much is removed from the console as possible the lighten the lift.
If the console is shipped flat the modules are usually put back in once it's in the truck.
Your console is actually pretty small so it won't be too bad to lift. Plan on having lots of muscle
available on delivery day. It may arrive on its back as well. Rarely can you get an SSL through a
doorway with the legs on. What's the path from the truck to your control room like?

[Dave Dicson]

The quiet versions of the Atomic power supplies for SSL's that can be put in control rooms, have a slower fans. They only have a 2 year warranty. The "regular" Atomic power supplies that have "normal" fans, have to be put outside the control room, like we have all of ares. They have a 5 year warranty.

[tlmaen]

Generally as much is removed from the console as possible the lighten the lift.
If the console is shipped flat the modules are usually put back in once it's in the truck.
Your console is actually pretty small so it won't be too bad to lift. Plan on having lots of muscle
available on delivery day. It may arrive on its back as well. Rarely can you get an SSL through a
doorway with the legs on. What's the path from the truck to your control room like?

All of the Channels will be put in Boxes. The Frame comes in two empty pieces of approximately 120x125x110cm, that should be easy to handle.
We are 4 People and the way into the studio is pretty straight. 👍🏻

[tlmaen]

The quiet versions of the Atomic power supplies for SSL's that can be put in control rooms, have a slower fans. They only have a 2 year warranty. The "regular" Atomic power supplies that have "normal" fans, have to be put outside the control room, like we have all of ares. They have a 5 year warranty.

I already bought the MPower PSU from Malcom Toft. It is way easier to get in Europe, and less expensive.
It also comes with a 5 year warranty and free shipping.
I have a small machine Room, so the little noise of the fans can stay outside of the control room.

[Richealey]

Make sure your small machine room has adequate air conditioning

[jimlfixit]

Timaen
In which Country are you based?
I worked at SSL for 7 years (1980-87) and helped ship out loads of consoles. As someone mentioned, remove the legs to get through any doorways and pack the modules and 651 separately in bubble wrap at least in the truck. This saves time taking them out of the vehicle and back again on the drive to the studio and bear in mind there could be speed bumps on the way which could affect the edge connectors if the modules are fitted loose within it if the console is bounced about on the drive there.
2 People to lift at the patch end should be ok as that is the heavy part. 1 or 2 at the other end to carry it and guide it through the doorways without bashing into anything.
Good luck and if you need any DL 96 way wiring made, get in contact as I am very experienced with this stuff and have made many looms for SSL consoles over a few decades.

[tlmaen]

I am located in Hamburg, Germany.
The Console is from London.
The channels are wrapped in bubble wrap, put in boxes.
The console is Split in two almost equal sized parts. patchbay is external and the cables can be removed.
The company is MJQ, they seem to be well experianced, and I am in close communication with them.

Thanks for your help! Dont think the wiring is causing too much trouble, as most if it will happen directly at the patchbay. (Outboard, mic lines, etc).

For the Mic Lines/Channel Mic In I will make two Lemo patchbays, as they have a much better connection than TT patchbays. And you can patch mics while phantom power is on (no shorts).

T

[mjlaudio]

What is the best way to get the legs off? When I moved my console I laid it on the back on dollys and the legs were really hard to unscrew in the position. I’m moving again and am curious if there’s a better way.

Thanks!

[Pinebox]

What is the best way to get the legs off? When I moved my console I laid it on the back on dollys and the legs were really hard to unscrew in the position. I’m moving again and am curious if there’s a better way.

Thanks!

There isnt a good way really. Getting them off isnt as hard as getting them back on. While its on its back you need to line up the legs with the back profile and get the bolts to thread while holding the weight of the leg. Its actually better to do alone because of how tight the tolerance on the thread entrance is, its easier to have control over fine alignment movement while threading the bolts. Sit on the floor and rest it on your knee and get the swear jar ready, it really sucks. When taking off the legs be sure to tape the bolts in the beams for the move to keep them in place and make life easier on the other side of the move.

[Tonemiester]

I put mine on its back on good furniture dolly's and the legs came of fairly easily.

Mike

[tlmaen]

It was fairly easy with my Console.
They pulled every channel out, disconnected the two buckets and liftet it off the two stell beams.
Every Part of the console could be moved by 1-2 people and a dolly.
The Patchbay with all the attached cables was a bit of a pain though...

T