WTB: Tascam LA-3500

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

In article <no-795BA9.20482328092004@nntp-stjh-01-01.rogers.nf.net>,
Bob Realist <no@spam.4me> wrote:

> Got an opportunity to buy a mint Tascam M3500 desk for cheap. It has a
> full meter bridge but it doesn't have the balancing amps installed.
> Anyone have an idea where I might find a set of LA-3500 boards, and what
> might be a reasonable price for them? The desk is 24 channel, I think
> that means I'd need 3 boards. Been keeping an eye on ebay, no luck so
> far...

Not to sound like a snob, but have you tried to mix on an M3500? It's
not an 'easy to get along with' console. The last time I tried, we had
a Studer A80 1" 8 track feeding it and a pile of really fine mikes and
it was like pulling teeth to to get good sounds out of it. You do the
math...

I say a modern Mackie is a huge step up, and people gripe about those
all the time.


Just trying to prevent some headaches,

Monte McGuire
monte.mcguire@verizon.net

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

"ScotFraser" <scotfraser@aol.com> wrote
>
> Maybe you made the mistake of trying to use the 3500 EQ.

I *like* the M3500 eq.

Hey, deja vu... have we had this discussion before? <g>



> Using the Mackie EQ is REALLY a mistake.

Right, I *knew* we agreed about something!

--
"It CAN'T be too loud... some of the red lights aren't even on yet!"
- Lorin David Schultz
in the control room
making even bad news sound good

(Remove spamblock to reply)

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

The Tascam 3500 board is a great board. There have many hit records
recorded on it. I have the LA-3500 Balanced Amplifier Kit. I was just
getting ready to list it on ebay and was doing a search and came up with
your post. You can email me gene5712@aol.com.

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

<< I'll jump in to say that I've had my M-3500 for almost 15 years...and I
find no problems mixing with it...>>

I used one for a lot of years & probably mixed a couple hundred album projects
on it, but I wouldn't say without any problems. Interfacing with +4 gear was
always an issue (which the line amps would cure.) I never was fond of the EQ
although several here seem to like them. All in all it was a decent performer
in its price range, & probably the last nearly pro affordable mixer Tascam made
before going a lot further down market. Oddly enough, I rather liked the mic
pres, considering the price.

<<..and even though I have a bunch of outboard EQ's...I will still use the
3500 EQ's on some tracks as needed.>>

It was the 3500 EQ that pushed me into buying a lot of pro level outboard gear.

<<They are not extreamly flexible EQ's...but they can do a good job
too...just got to dial 'em in.>>

For basic tone shaping they're not too bad, but certainly not something to use
for any surgical correction or mastering quality tone shaping.

<<If you can find a decent 3500...it will blow away the Mackie boards...IMO.>>

Sonically, yes. The Mackie seems to have a slightly lower noise floor, but much
worse EQ. The Tascam always came across as less harsh, a bit warmer, when
comparing mixes with a couple Mackie-equipped friends.
BTW, I have a 32 channel M3500 currently sitting idle in my studio for anyone
interested in a purchase.






>>

Scott Fraser