just curious do you mean that there were no comparable facilities in china?
Thank you for the continued replies. I am actually still trying to solve this situation. I returned the R8. The lack of transparency about where it was built and the compromises with my workflow were enough to make me feel like it wasn’t the right solution. So back to the drawing board. I use an SPL Crimson audio interface which has served me well but the limited mic pres has become a real limitation especially for recording drums. I’ve considered buying a small mixer to sum into the Crimson or just biting the bullet and purchasing a new interface (most likely an RME) but just can’t decide on the right path. The RME looks great and Ive heard nothing but good things but having to use the total mix software kind of turns me off.
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I thought this until I actually got the Fireface and found Total Mix to be a huge added bonus.
It’s really powerful stuff, and the notion that you can connect a midi controller to it and map it all to give you hands on control is pretty sweet… I just haven’t felt the need to do that yet, the iOS app and Total Mix software cover what I need.
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It would be interesting to see what RME would do if they build a mixer and what the price would be.
Not that I think they ever will.
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Was a little anxious about buying B6 at first due to the emphasis on the noise bug after launch but now after 12 months happily owning it i think there is no need for an alternative. Perhaps a even slightly bigger version for those who run into max channels. I love mine and would buy another instantly if this one breaks on me.
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Interesting to find that no one has mentioned it yet
You might not believe me initially, but I have found pretty much perfect substitute for Big Six.
it’s…
StudioLive® AR12c Analog Mixer
https://www.presonus.com/en/deals/2779200101.html
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Hello, created new account just to suggest Yamaha N12 firewire digital mixing studio, which is quite similar to the BiG SiX - 16 channels of I/O via FireWire, 4 mic pres with comps, and built in high quality reverb.
I have smaller N8 and works fine, apart from the fact it is no longer supported past MacOS 10.14 High Sierra.
But something to consider…
SOS review - Yamaha N12
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Thank you and welcome to the forum. I had been eyeing the N8 years ago but ultimately decided against it because Yamaha discontinued it. I have heard nothing but great things about them though. Maybe if I see one comes up for a decent price I’ll pick it up. I actually ended up picking up a used Soundcraft EPM6 and kept my old Crimson interface. It feels like a stopgap measure but will be useful and interesting to explore options with a mixer in the setup.
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No worries at all.
I only wish Yamaha could come up with new recreation of the N12/8 with USB C connectivity and without dedicated Win/Mac drivers, so it could potentially be future proof!
Anyway, I found a few N8/12 on web right, for example - https://reverb.com/uk/item/83435330-yamaha-n12-mid-2000-excellent
And there was one on eBay as well if you happen to be in the UK.
Funnily enough, I used to own Soundcraft EPM8 a couple of years ago, but did now like the sound of it - quite boxy and unpleasant.
I thought there is a problem with my speakers at the time (Focal Alpha 65s) but eventually it was the desk itself!
Anyway, I am in love with SSL BiG SiX discussed here and elsewhere - would be perfect mixing console for my DAW based studio set up!
Saw one in Glasgow at Signal Sounds - portable and not too heavy!
Good luck!
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I had an N8 for a while, and its incompatibility with current MacOS is what made me get the Big Six! I did like it, though.
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Yes, it is pretty decent mixing console! Found mine two years ago for around £120 plus had to buy PSU for it!
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What about it makes it a decent replacement?
Quality components, form factor?
Edit: Gotcha, so comparable/approximate otherwise.
I had investigated the AR series a while back when I was looking into options for submixers – many Sweetwater reviews point to a high rate of component failure a couple of years into ownership.
I meant it in terms of design / specs, not in terms of quality.
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I came into this mixing console / DAW controller a while ago when doing some research.
It has motorised faders, DAW control buttons, compressor, 8 line / mic inputs, insert on the mix buss and some stuff.
Connects to the computer via Ethernet, but sadly does not have any eq on any channels…
But still quite interesting alternative - however not sure if it is working under modern OS though.
And here is SoS review from 2010.