Vintage Console Restoration - Part 8 "Now what have I done?" 

Loving this series! Bummer that you're selling it. That was a ton of work.

I'm really proud of you for all the amazing work you did on this, and I'm also proud that you were able to listen to yourself and make a decision that works for you. As someone who's actually recorded in the space, I'm happy for this decision. I really enjoyed the feel of the space with the digital mixer- we had room to sit in the control room and record guitar up front and still have it feel spacious (which is good for my ability to focus). I love being in your studio and I think this is the right decision for it.

So cool to watch this journey no matter how it ended.

That is sad.. I really loved the whole project!

Binge watched all your video series this weekend on vacation. Great videos and tons of knowledge. Glad you are doing what’s best for you. I had gone through the analog console itch 5 years ago. Beginning of 2023 I sold most of what I didn’t use. (Still attached to some that I don’t use but I love the nostalgia of them) and went with the 2 Apollo interfaces with the mic pres and 16 input / output. Then set up with softube console 1 and (2) console 1 faders. Love my new set up. Very small profile with everything I will ever want or need. Can’t wait for your next videos!

You know you made the right decision by how you felt right at the moment you made it. Great call. And how many people have taken on the rebuild of a massive pro studio console?! You did a really good job and it does look totally cool. As does the rest of your studio. Thank you for sharing all this as you went along .. it's been an awesome ride! And don't stop!!

Hello John, I hope that you are well, I went through a similar experience as you and had all the emotional and physical challenges financial concerns and to keep this comment as short as possible is this. Take a good look at the new Harrison 32C Desk. It will give you the analog tactile that you can enjoy and the digital recall etc. that brings a smart Canadian like you into the 21st Century. That said, it sounds GREAT! It will be your last big purchase and it will tic all the box’s. Sorry I didn’t see your youtube stuff sooner. You’re welcome. Blessings to you.

That’s a bummer 😢 I’m busy wiring up my console, I hope to have it finished end of this week, even thinking about buying a 2nd console for live recording and as spare donor. Around 300 audio and 60 power cables, nothing visible all in a 3 m2 studio. If it doesn’t fit, make it fit. To bad that you didn’t get to do some mixes on it, I was hoping you would love it and start fixing a MCI-JH24 for a perfect matching pair 🥹 I’m sure the buyer will be very happy with your console, you did a tremendous job servicing it. But if it doesn’t suit you then I suppose letting it go is understandable. Try to do a A/B comparison with the Presonus, maybe you’ll make up your mind and build a bigger studio 😊

A tip of the Hat.. What an adventure. I have been a Tech for 45 years and I have the same sickness.. lol Where can I find one

Would be great if you could keep both, but I suspect you, as well as myself, don't have a money tree out back...lol. Gotta do whats right for you...right..? cheers Jon

Big consoles arent for every workflow, I have an AMEK Einstein with added side car, I happen to love the hybrid mixing, but I do see why it isnt for everyone , especially when you have to do recalls.

Hey hope all is well I really enjoy your videos I live in Nova Scotia Canada and it would be an honor to have that mixer if you weren't so far away I hope you're making good headway in everything sir The Parkinson's your daughter's music your video game stuff everything you do it would be nice to meet you someday take care of my friend

LOL

Nah man this console is cool but only if it works for you so big respect for your decision! All the best, Tobi

Absolutely no reason for you to be sorry it needs to work for you. And if nothing else its been really interesting watching you restore this beast of a console. You should feel good about that, I'd have given up ages ago. Keep the videos coming.

As much as I really enjoying seeing the journey and the install I think you made a well considered choice to favour the optimal workflow for you. I’m personally loving having my console, but I had also considered getting an MCI like yours and it would have taken up the width of my room so I really get the footprint issue! Keep up the good work mate

If it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work for you. You put a helluva lotta effort into it and it was awesome to watch, and thank you for putting it out into the world. Good luck on getting everything set back up how you want it!

Thanks for the series, I found it really interesting. I went through the big console itch right before Covid lashing out with a big $$ loan to buy a SSL 6048 that was supposed to be in excellent condition. I couldn't check it before buying as it was in storage 3000Km away so only had a few photos and the seller's word on it. The seller removed it from the studio he bought it from and assured me it was near perfect when he decommissioned it also sending it via SSL in England for extensive re-capping so by all accounts it should have been good. Totally my fault for not considering old complex gear in long term storage of around five years. It works but with lot's of small issues related to the long term storage and being a thirty-eight year old console. It takes up loads of space, is super power hungry (When it runs) and since Covid my work life has changed totally so it is really nothing more than a very beautiful piece of furniture now. Everyone has changes in life, we just have to embrace them and move on to a better place whatever that might be so my SSL will be for sale once I can get it fully functional again. I also have a SL32 which I'll probably end up using, smaller, reliable and feature rich as you know. All the best from down in Australia.

I understand. Your previous setup was just so optimized for your workflow. I wonder if a smaller mixer would have worked better, or if it still wouldn’t have been a fit.

Jon...I'm very interested in this desk as I need to replace my aging Toft ATB 24...Question: Has the desk been re-capped...?...Thanks

😢 but you gotta do what’s right for you. I agree. A smaller analog console like an API or a Trident would be ideal but those are very expensive. I got a new baby: tascam model 16. Have only just set it up. Looking forward to playing with it. 😊

Thank you for this journey you have shared, I was in the same position lately thinking I need an analog board vs my Presonus 32SC but now im re thinking all that myself, sometimes things that just work should be left to do just that, to get work done!

Tbh the coolest part was the challenge and the restoration, do more of that if you feel ❤

I learned to mix on one of these. Love that you shared this.

So back to the PreSonus board?

This journey was fantastic to watch! Good for you not letting the sunk cost make you make the wrong decision. That's not easy to get away from. I look forward to the next adventure!