Are you ready to go with an actual console or control surface?

It’s the timeless debate. A digital control-surface will help with ergonomics and workflow, keeping all audio “in the box,” while going with analog can provide unmatched character and color. This decision comes down more to your sonic preferences than it does budget. There are good choices out there in both analog and digital domains for almost any budget-range.

There are essentially two types of digital systems; console and control-surface. A digital console, like an AMS Neve 88D or SSL C300, handles all audio, routing, effects and automated mixing functions within the digital domain. Typically these desks have high-quality A to D converters onboard, which digitize the audio for signal flow through the console. Ergonomically, these digital desks look, feel and behave like their analog counterparts.

In terms of control-surfaces, there are some very smart and advanced digital systems out there now, made by Slate Digital, Avid, SSL and others. Audio does not actually pass through the surface, but instead of having to use a mouse, you have tactile control over the DAW’s parameters. You’re mirroring the DAW functions on the screen…faders, mutes, pans, sends, etc…with an actual analog-like user interface. For many, this makes working far easier and quicker. Audio is typically flowing in and out of the computer via an external interface.

Most of us know the reputation of analog. Desks like Neve, API, SSL and Trident have been household names for decades. These consoles have a sound. They have color. They have character. SSL and API give you punch. Neve and Trident give you thickness and opulence. If analog is your direction, there is a world of new and used analog consoles out there of all different shapes, sizes and sonic character. Which one is the best fit for you? If you have say, $15K to spend, do you buy a new budget desk for that price, or buy a vintage classic that was pushing $100K when it was new?

One of the nicest trends over the last few years is the advent of analog consoles with smart DAW control, meaning your audio stays all in the tone-rich analog domain, while you have convenient full DAW facilities at your fingertips to replace the mouse. The faders on the console control both the analog audio and the DAW mix data. Examples of these would be the Neve Genesys desks, and the SSL AWS series.

One of the features of DAW that we take for granted is that it is total reset and total recall. Load your file from last week’s session and in seconds you’re back where you left off. And it’s easy to program your mix to be fully automated to the ‘enth degree. So how does that work with a console? If you’re on a DAW control surface or digital desk, the manual moves you make on the surface control the moves on the DAW screen, and of course are recorded, recalled and replayed by the DAW. Your hands can move on. The mix can recall and reset the console. There’s a 100% mirroring and it’s ergonomically great not to have to mouse around.

But what about an older analog desk? Usually the technology is old enough to where the automation might be wonky or totally off-line. In that case you can do the mix-moves in the DAW, and play the tracks out through the console channels with the console faders set at unity. You’re still getting the sonic benefit of the analog circuits. This is why you often see analog studios that also have a DAW control surface sitting next to the console.

Conversely, many analog studios are essentially using the DAW as a “tape machine”. The faders in the DAW are set at zero, no moves, no plug-ins, output set 1 to 1 to the console channels, using the console to do the mixing, either manually or by console automation. In many cases, the analog console owner must live with the reality of manual recall and reset. It’s going to take more time and effort, but analog believers say it’s 100% worth it. Good thing we have digital cameras on our phones to photograph our settings. Many analog consoles, most notably SSL, have a feature called Total Recall, (a name they own and trademarked in 1969). While this can recall the mix, it does not reset the faders knobs and switches on the console. At least TR gets you half-way there, showing you the image on the screen of where the knob was in your mix, and where it is now. It blinks green when you match it up.

It’s a big decision. Going “out there” in the open market and buying a used desk can have high risks. The first time-buyer may not recognize red-flags, or even know all the questions to ask.

Keep in mind that more analog console channels means more channels of digital converters. A pro mixing specialist may have 64 discrete DAC outputs from his DAW, and he’s not using cheap converters. So it’s key to think about what the right number of mixing channels will be. We see a lot of 32 channel mixing rigs, using the Antelope Orion 32 channel converter, which is reasonably priced and sounds solid. A matching console will need 32 or more channels, accounting for effects returns. However, you may be happy to sum your mix out to 16 or 24 great sounding analog paths to help fatten up your mix. Not to mention there is the physical size, weight and footprint of the desk itself to consider

First of all, do you have the right budget? A $10,000 used console needs a $15,000 budget; there’s shipping, servicing and installation costs. It’s not sexy and no one likes to pay for it, but cabling is not free, far from it. We have all-to-often seen novice console buyers get in a pickle by buying the desk and then not having the proper resources to do all the other necessary things.

Do you really know what condition the console is in? That’s where a Tech-Report comes in. Hiring a qualified and impartial technician to inspect the console before money changes hands is STRONGLY recommended. A tech report may cost you a couple hundred dollars, but it is money well spent.

Whether you purchase a new or used console, there’s going to be shipping, which, if you use the right kind of shipper, can cost anywhere from$500 to two or three thousand. Then there’s getting the console in your door and assembled in place. There’s power and wiring up the desk, any necessary troubleshooting and servicing, and finally commissioning. All of these steps along the way have costs. As mentioned earlier, a $15K total budget buys a $10K console. We don’t know anybody who likes paying for these necessary steps, but we also don’t like unhappy surprises. All this is an essential part of the commitment of buying a real console.

Any time you invest in a high level console, you need to consider the wiring and patch-bay element. This is not an afterthought type of issue. It has to be pre-planned and built in to the budget. A good patch-bay along with installation and wiring can cost as much as $10K. Even consoles that come with an onboard bay need to be wired in to your room - not always easy or cheap. That’s why buying from a reputable service-based company, with competent technicians is key. If buying a used desk get all the information about the bay and what cabling comes with the desk. Often, you can get a package deal which includes the price of the console bundled with a service and installation plan, and even a warranty.

We have seen may times a first-timer who wanted a used SSL, for instance, but was not aware of everything that is part of an SSL system. There’s a tall rack of power supplies and computer that must live in a climate-controlled space, for example. There are minimum power requirements. To connect to the console patchbay, all your gear needs to be wired to Cannon DL multi-connectors. Basically, buying a used SSL or Neve or API requires a certain level of infrastructure that unfortunately some buyers learn too late. It is rarely if ever a plug-and-play scenario. Either way you look at it, buying a preowned console is a commitment.

A smart buyer should be looking to work with a company that can service, support and warrantee the used console. Working with the right seller from the start is key. You can discuss what you’re looking for, your budget, logistics, etc, with an experienced consultant that knows the used console landscape, and can guide you through tech-report, purchase, refurbishment, delivery, installation and provide after-care. Often this level of seller may offer a bundle deal that includes all of the above. This is where you really find the added value, and can save some money and trouble in the end. Plus, it’s a lot easier for the buyer to deal with one person throughout the process than multiple. You’ll have an agent looking out for you, who has your back at all times.

There is always the option of buying something new, and fortunately there are plenty of good choices on the current market. Let’s look at analog and hybrid desks first. What are the features you need? How many channels is enough? Good mic-pres? Solid center-section with monitoring? On board patch-bay?