Help wanted re, My First Decks. . . .

[tha_illsta]

got a pair of 1210s in pretty good nick for £400 a while back but the twisty thing on the base of the tone arm that raises it up and down on one of them seems to have seized up. any idea how to sort it out? if i just spray a bit of WD40 or something like that into it it wont do any damage to the electrics or anything will it?

definitive mixer look no further than:

UREI, FORMULA SOUND, RANE professional. In that order.

all Class A preamps inside. Fader lasts forever. well almost.

was thinking of getting a urei 1601 to replace my mixer. looks like a really solid mixer but could do with 3 channels so am thinking of getting a ecler nuo3 now, anyone had any experience with one of these? looks pretty solid from what ive read and i wont ever have to replace it unless it breaks which i hope it wont

WD40 don't do it!!!!

It is a common misconception that WD40 is a lubricant...it's a SOLVENT, so it might free it up but it'll just get stuck again.

The tonearm height adjustment wheel often gets very stiff or siezes.

You have to dismantle it and clean it with circuit board cleaner which EVAPORATES..unlike WD40

This is quite difficult. Not recommended if you've not done it before, I guess.. Try getting someone to service your deck and point out this problem....

..or leave it how it is?

ECLER mixers are good..a lot of them in continental clubs.. not familiar with the nuo3..but club usage is usually a good sign...

It's all about usage requirements..

Home use: it's a relatively low level,so anything is OK. Durability: depends on the user
Club/Rig use: class A makes all the difference. Durability is a must.

Will ask around about the Nuo3 if you like.. (see below)

[tha_illsta]

F.Y.I.:This is the UREI I am talking bout:



A Now re-issued Classic.

Gotta get used to the rotaries though as they no longer appear to make the crossfade unit!

[tha_illsta]

URIE 1601 IS 3 channel

3rd channel is MIC/LINE

it looks preety sturdy

obviously if you want 3 dex then no

see above..

[tha_illsta]

My pal says Nuo3 is new version of the Nuo5

It is FRENCH and as such does not have the Worldwide reputation of the UREI and RANE mixers.

I have used the Nuo5 in Swiss nightclub.. sounded real sweet but hard to tell as they had JBL by UREI amps (!) Sounded nice in tha booth though so probably good.

And they now appear to guarantee the Cross fade for EVER ( heard that before )

UREI don't bother with this nonsense, it just DOES last for ever!!!!! The 70's issued ones are still running in various clubs today...

The ECLER build quality looks good, but neither my pal or I know anything about the signal path...but I assume it's good

However they are the manufacturers of precision gear including 35mm Movie cameras so that said, could be a good buy..

The UREI 1601/1601E/1601S is real cool. It has exciters on both channel so you can make the tops real bright like a CD (not harsh though)
E model has cool FX section
S model has a sampler

I have never heard a better mixer than UREI 1620 though.

I believe the 1601 has the same Amps inside (studio grade)

Hopefully you have bloody good amps and speakers to match these high quality mixers or else it might not be worth it, unless you are looking to buy a nightclub lease in the future...

Hope this has been helpful..

[badger]

thanks a lot for getting back to me, very helpful

WD40 don't do it!!!!

It is a common misconception that WD40 is a lubricant...it's a SOLVENT, so it might free it up but it'll just get stuck again.

hmm sounds like a big job, might just use wd40 as a stop-gap as long as its not going to do any harm until i can sort it properly. to be honest it doesnt actually matter that much if it seizes up again as long as it seizes up in the right position

[badger]

want 3 full channels (not 2+1 like the urei), just for extra options really.
the nuo3 is eternal crossfader (this is magnetic so has no contact so wont degrade) upgradable so it doesnt come as standard, but the one it comes with is supposed to last a lifetime

Hopefully you have bloody good amps and speakers to match these high quality mixers or else it might not be worth it, unless you are looking to buy a nightclub lease in the future...

got a pair of alesis m1 mk2 active monitors, another reason why ecler is a good option - can connect xlr to xlr
i know its probably more of a mixer than i really need but what can i say, i have expensive tastes and when it comes to music i think quality really is important, and im always looking to get better equipment so speakers/amps are next after a mixer, be ages until ive got any spare money though!

still contemplating the urei 1601, its a hard decision to make. both are really good mixers and i plan on having which ever i get for a long time

[guerillaeye]

I agree.. a styling setup is essential.. unless your pocket doesnt agree.. then you must be a ninja and find things like this

i got dibs!

[tha_illsta]

got a pair of alesis m1 mk2 active monitors, another reason why ecler is a good option - can connect xlr to xlr
i know its probably more of a mixer than i really need but what can i say, i have expensive tastes and when it comes to music i think quality really is important, and im always looking to get better equipment so speakers/amps are next after a mixer, be ages until ive got any spare money though!

still contemplating the urei 1601, its a hard decision to make. both are really good mixers and i plan on having which ever i get for a long time

F.Y.I All The aforementioned UREI mixers have 2xXLR outs

1 for the booth output (i.e. monitors)
1 for the main output (i.e. master out / to the amps)

PLUS

seperate RCA phono connector outs

again, 2

This could be useful to attach to your recording equipment or domestic HIFI amps if required

and an FX loop with lockable/momentary throw switch for cool shit with outboard FX or Filters or to insert compressor/limiter which of course you could also do on the main outs if you have enough XLR wires, and a suitable C/L unit

UREI also makes great studio EQ's and such so I presume the EQ section featured for each channel is of a superior standard.


Can't say a lot about the ECLER because I know little about it that I haven't allready said.

That said it doesn't look too shoddy, and doubtless someone else better equipped might be able to expound it's qualities fo' shaw.

My money's on the UREI for what it's worth ( and I'm a betting man )
But the 1620 though is best, sounds better,and it's analogue not digital like the 1601.

Nowt wrong with expensive tastes, hopefully you will be able to afford the gear soon. You could easily waste a lot of money on a medium grade mixer that you replace several times before the good 'un wears out.
Like most people do.

I am not a fan of ALESIS m1's but they are a reasonable studio monitor, and OK for home listening. I ain't going to get into my recommendations for studio monitors, could be here all night.

I would suggest good quality HIFI speakers for an all round better listening experience (not recording)

See next post if you are interested in having a look at my picks.

[tha_illsta]

For HI FI speakers I recommend these. But they are damn heavy so watch your back e.t.c carrying them up the stairs. My wrist still twinges occasionally since having to lift the buggers above head height for mounting

And no, I don't own a set. What do you think I am, made of money?



They are the Legacy Audio Focus 20/20.

In additon to your chosen mixer you will need power amps, I recommend these as sufficient, and well matched to the purpose. These are heavy c**ts too so again, watch your back.



They are the Aragon Palladium Monoblock Power Amp

You will require 2 (two) as they are mono.

of course you could go crazy and spend a lot more money but that would possibly be ridiculous in my opinion, these are good value for money, and long lasting provided you look after them.

F.Y.I I have not read about these in a magazine or whatever.

I have listened to this combination extensively, with a critical ear, not in some shop or HIFI show, in a familiar room and in reference to other speakers and amp combinations.

As I have done similarly with the above mixers, my comments are a result of prolonged use in different situations and venues, and with reference to other similar products.

however your personal tastes may differ slightly from mine so TRY first.. is the golden rule.

[badger]

mmm those look nice, think itll be a while before i can afford them though

F.Y.I All The aforementioned UREI mixers have 2xXLR outs

1 for the booth output (i.e. monitors)
1 for the main output (i.e. master out / to the amps)

PLUS

seperate RCA phono connector outs

again, 2

This could be useful to attach to your recording equipment or domestic HIFI amps if required

I am not a fan of ALESIS m1's but they are a reasonable studio monitor, and OK for home listening. I ain't going to get into my recommendations for studio monitors, could be here all night.

good that the urei has xlr but still only 2 full channels, suppose im unlikely to need 3 in reality.
know what u mean about the alesis, low end can be a bit dodgy especially but i bought them when i knew fuck all about what to get and they serve their purpose well enough

bah was set on the ecler but considering the urei 1601 again now, damn your good advice benny!

[RubiconMan]

yo badger, i'll be round for a cuppa soon then leeds saturday?

[tha_illsta]

bah was set on the ecler but considering the urei 1601 again now, damn your good advice benny!

Thanks (?!) glad to be of some help.

For your information and that of other interested parties I have found the UREI 1620LE available at $1299 inc. shipping (see picture above)
List price is well over $2000 so this sounds like a bargain to me.

prior to the release of the limited edition re-issue the used item was changing hands at well over £2000 IF you could get one, which wasn't easy.

Apparently the new version is faithfully accurate to the 70's original, and like much of the 70's gear still in use in studios all over the world such as preamps and compressors e.t.c it will only increase in value as time goes on..

Think of it as an investment!!!!

P.S. I do not work for UREI, SOUNDCRAFT, or any BUSINESS connected with the marketing, sales or promotion of their products. Just in case you thought I did!!!!!! I am just into the improvement of sound, on a wider scale...

[FSTZ]

are UK cats burnt on Allen and Heath?

I would love to have a 92 or a 62

[eski442]

all u need is a pair of vestax pdxa1s and an A&H xone62

trust, this is what i run.... i wouldnt change this set up for the world.

ive been offered 1210's an those bloody ttx things and nothing compares to vestax an sure alot of people will agree u only need to ever by one mixer if u get A&H

[tha_illsta]

Yep, well if VESTAX PDXA-1 floats your boat then all well and cool.

I personally have no love for the brand, RELIABILITY and DURABILITY can be a problem with their mixers, for example, but whatever takes your fancy.

I and many other people I know have owned TECHNICS SL1200/1210 Mk II's for over 20 years without a problem, save for a couple of services. Believe me they have seen some particularly heavy-duty use over the years and are still working well on the daily. Let's see how the Vestax hold up in the future.

And similarly, the ALLEN&HEATH xone62/92 mixers are great, offering some superb features, and the reasonably high quality of the signal path, as featured in their mixing consoles, of which I have used and owned extensively, is good too. Again, my personal view is that RELIABILITY can be an issue, but they are reasonably popular on the nightclub circuit e.t.c and therefore you can't go too far wrong if these are your preference.

Just my personal views here, nothing else.

As I have said, the UREI 1620 mixer has been in constant use since the 70's in many clubs and as such, in my opinion offers unrivalled reliability.
And many people including those with better "ears" than I, have testified to the quality of their signal path, pre-amps e.t.c. They just SOUND real nice, that's the thing. But again, whatever YOU prefer, is best.

Not trying to tell anyone their own game here.

It's all good.

[eski442]

well fair play mate thats the first time ive ever heard of anyone ever having any problem with the durability/life span of any of their series of tt's....

i agree on their mixers, they are a bit poo but then again i would never buy anything other than A&H when it comes to that...

what sort of problems have u encountered with vestax? and are their any other light weight plated decks that have precision pitch control even close to them? cos if there is i wanna no haha these bein the reasons i fell in love with stax near 8 years ago now

what sort of mixer would u suggest that could better a xone?

[tha_illsta]

well fair play mate thats the first time ive ever heard of anyone ever having any problem with the durability/life span of any of their series of tt's....

i agree on their mixers, they are a bit poo but then again i would never buy anything other than A&H when it comes to that...

what sort of problems have u encountered with vestax? and are their any other light weight plated decks that have precision pitch control even close to them? cos if there is i wanna no haha these bein the reasons i fell in love with stax near 8 years ago now

what sort of mixer would u suggest that could better a xone?

Well..

I guess the VESTAX - TT series decks are superor in many ways to the SL1200

but they ain't been around nearly as long so let's see about tha lifespan.

Technics SL1200/1210 mk. II is one of the longest running electronic products ever manufactured, still in production today.

As for reliability and durability, look no further than the manufacturer's general reputation. Can't believe they make the decks any better than the mixers e.t.c

I have never played out anywhere that have them, technics are everywhere as you know. Guess it's a familiarity thing.

What with the weight and that, I can't help thinking build quality is an issue..

Yes I have used them.. PITCH CONTROL is doubtless superior and they sound good too, but that doesn't help much when you get down the club and there they are... the "good 'ol" technics again.

BUT, AGAIN PERSONAL PREFERENCE IS KING IN THIS GAME.

And again, the XONE is cool, I'm not knocking it but see earlier in this thread for my picks of mixers that are sonically superior, and featuring better build quality, reliability e.t.c.

THESE ARE JUST MY PICKS, YOU MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICES ON PERSONAL A PREFERENCE BASIS.

To summarise: UREI, FORMULA SOUND, RANE.

I am basing this on SOUND QUALITY ON A RIG not strictly USABILITY or FEATURES, which can vary widely depending on your preference.

I have seen quite a few of the XONE mixers in disrepair, and indeed BROKEN. and they are only a fairly recent model.

Many of the units I have mentioned are still in daily commercial use today. And have been in use since the 70's 80's e.t.c. with only minor servicing and repair needed in a few cases.

Original UREI 1620 mixers are still worth £3000 or so

but you can now buy the limited edition re-issue for $1299 which is built exactly the same according to the manufacturer. This is a BARGAIN in my humble opinion, and that of other more knowledgable folk than I

I personally like the rotary style mixer, although it takes a bit of getting used to.

If you are in doubt, fair enough, point taken. But try and listen subjectively on a good system if you get the chance, and I am confident you will be impressed by the sonic clarity and fidelity of resolution.

P.S. Capitals are used here for emphasis only, not shouting or anger.. in case you thought.

[badger]

yo badger, i'll be round for a cuppa soon then leeds saturday?

yeah sure, will let you know when i actually make a decision and buy one nah cant make it to leeds this weekend, moved into a new flat last week and my parents are coming to visit this weekend and bringing furniture etc. definitely make the next one though, the line up looks amazing

and sorry if it seemed like i didnt appreciate the advise benny, its really useful. just makes my decision harder

[tha_illsta]

[tha_illsta]

or perhaps the newer varieties on offer....