Calrec vs. API

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

Hello,

Well I'm finally looking to get a serious small frame console to use
with my Studer 1" 8 trk. I've narrowed my choices down to a 12 X 4
Calrec with PQ11 pre/eqs and an API w/ 512/550b's. The API is about 6K
more than the Calrec. The API has a monitoring section while the
Calrec does not (I'd use my A&H mixer for monitoring). Both desks have
been recapped, serviced etc. Now the subjective part... I have not
personally used either of these desks. I've done plenty of searches
for opinions on these desks and have heard that Calrecs are
"sleepers," "more Neve-like than API," "cleaner than Neve," more
"hi-fi" "good bang for the buck" etc. APIs of course have more name
recognition, are known to be "punchier, "harder," "more mid-range
prescence" etc. My production style tends towards 50's/60's styles
techniques with most of my favorite recordings coming out of either a
Bill Putnam designed studio or RCA B in Nashville for example. I may
also be acquiring a 12 ch. Langevin 116b based console to use in
conjuction with the Calrec or API. I will certainly make whatever
effort neccesary to A/B the Calrec & API modules personally before I
make any decision but I just thought I'd pose this question anyway...

thanks,
Bill