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Soundtracs FME Vintage Analog Mixing Desk, PSU+extras - British EQ Mixer FM 1986
Estimated price for orientation: 800 $
Category: Mixers
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: Soundtracs Inputs/Outputs: Analog XLR In, Analog XLR Out Analog/Digital: Analog Number of Channels: 18 Features: 3-Band Equalizer, Fader-Type Control, Headphone Cue, Phantom Power, Send/Return, Talkover Number of Buses: 4
OVERVIEW:This is a fantastic desk from the golden era of British-made consoles. Aimed at the semi-professional market it originally retailed for £6,000 ($11,500 AUD) in 1986!! (Using the Bank of England inflation-rate calculator it's actually more like $30,000 AUD nowadays!)It's packed full of features including but not limited to:16 Modular channel inputs (currently setup with 14 mono Inputs + 2 Stereo Input. Two spare mono channels included in the sale)4 Sub Group Inputs including a total of 8 Tape/Effect Returns (can be used as additional channel inputs if desired)Stereo Master Group with individual Master, Solo, Monitor, Headphone & Talkback levels4 Auxiliary sendsInserts on all input channels (except stereo channels) and Master busAMAZING British EQ with switchable Hi & Low shelving Freq and Switchable/Sweepable Mid Freq.Meter Bridge for Returns + Master and SoloNew and improved "Blue Dog" power supply (worth £250 GBP alone!) made by veteran Soundtracs service wizard Tim Jones from Studio Systems. To see why his power supplies will improve your mixes compared to the original ones have a read here: Comes with two spare mono channels (I seem to recall one had some issues with the EQ but otherwise working)I've custom built a trolley/rack unit which you can see in the pictures. Custom made rack units will normally set you back one or two hundred bucks but you can have it for free at the "Buy It Now" price or an extra $30 otherwise which is barely enough to cover the cost of the castor wheels! (collection only - rack rails not included but universal size so most replacements should fit. I got mine )
This guy does a great job at reviewing it on youtube (from what I can make out, the unit is exactly the same) so I would recommend checking out his 2 part in depth review:PLEASE DO NOT BID UNLESS YOU READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING (INCLUDING SHIPPING)CONDITION (& conditions):This is a 30 year old piece of equipment and although it is in working condition to the best of my knowledge it is strictly "Sold As Is" with NO RETURNS and NO REFUNDS (full or partial); if you bid it will be assumed that you have agreed to these terms. I'm not trying to scam anybody (I've been an ebay user for over 10 years and you can see from my feedback that I'm a serious seller/buyer) but I don't do this for a living and simply don't have the time to deal with timewasters; I just want the stuff I'm not using anymore to go to people who will use it!All channels were tested and internal routing, FX, Led lights, Aux etc seem to be fine but like most mixing desks, over a long period of time it has developed some quirks... Minor things really but here are some examples:The Bass EQ on one or two channels works fine when "cutting" but when "boosting" it seems to be only acting as sort of "boost ON/OFF", i.e. not a gradual boost. The word "Solo" on the meterbridge doesn't light up when Solo mode is activated however all individual solo lights, solo meters and Solo function in general operate correctly. Another example: One of the stereo channels seems to get equal L&R levels when the Pan knob is turned slightly to one side rather than perfectly centred.There may be other (probably minor) issues but you could literally spend a lifetime trying to identify each one. If you are a tech you're probably familiar with the saying "if it ain't broken, don't fix it" and the same applies here. None of these "faults" (not that I can remember any others) affect the desk's functionality in a way that would compromise its ability to produce great sounding mixes. So please understand what you're bidding for. If you're after a desk in immaculate condition please look elsewhere (and probably abandon the idea a vintage unit altogether).This desk is rare and even more rare is to find one in working condition (especially on the other side of the world from its manufacturing country!) so I expect it will attract the attention of overseas and interstate buyers. If you fall in such category please read the shipping section below for more info.<
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Brand: | Soundtracs |
| Inputs/Outputs: | Analog XLR In, Analog XLR Out | Analog/Digital: | Analog |
| Number of Channels: | 18 | Features: | 3-Band Equalizer, Fader-Type Control, Headphone Cue, Phantom Power, Send/Return, Talkover |
| Number of Buses: | 4 |
OVERVIEW:This is a fantastic desk from the golden era of British-made consoles. Aimed at the semi-professional market it originally retailed for £6,000 ($11,500 AUD) in 1986!! (Using the Bank of England inflation-rate calculator it's actually more like $30,000 AUD nowadays!)It's packed full of features including but not limited to:
16 Modular channel inputs (currently setup with 14 mono Inputs + 2 Stereo Input. Two spare mono channels included in the sale)4 Sub Group Inputs including a total of 8 Tape/Effect Returns (can be used as additional channel inputs if desired)Stereo Master Group with individual Master, Solo, Monitor, Headphone & Talkback levels4 Auxiliary sendsInserts on all input channels (except stereo channels) and Master busAMAZING British EQ with switchable Hi & Low shelving Freq and Switchable/Sweepable Mid Freq.Meter Bridge for Returns + Master and SoloNew and improved "Blue Dog" power supply (worth £250 GBP alone!) made by veteran Soundtracs service wizard Tim Jones from Studio Systems. To see why his power supplies will improve your mixes compared to the original ones have a read here: Comes with two spare mono channels (I seem to recall one had some issues with the EQ but otherwise working)I've custom built a trolley/rack unit which you can see in the pictures. Custom made rack units will normally set you back one or two hundred bucks but you can have it for free at the "Buy It Now" price or an extra $30 otherwise which is barely enough to cover the cost of the castor wheels! (collection only - rack rails not included but universal size so most replacements should fit. I got mine )
This guy does a great job at reviewing it on youtube (from what I can make out, the unit is exactly the same) so I would recommend checking out his 2 part in depth review:PLEASE DO NOT BID UNLESS YOU READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING (INCLUDING SHIPPING)CONDITION (& conditions):This is a 30 year old piece of equipment and although it is in working condition to the best of my knowledge it is strictly "Sold As Is" with NO RETURNS and NO REFUNDS (full or partial); if you bid it will be assumed that you have agreed to these terms. I'm not trying to scam anybody (I've been an ebay user for over 10 years and you can see from my feedback that I'm a serious seller/buyer) but I don't do this for a living and simply don't have the time to deal with timewasters; I just want the stuff I'm not using anymore to go to people who will use it!All channels were tested and internal routing, FX, Led lights, Aux etc seem to be fine but like most mixing desks, over a long period of time it has developed some quirks... Minor things really but here are some examples:
The Bass EQ on one or two channels works fine when "cutting" but when "boosting" it seems to be only acting as sort of "boost ON/OFF", i.e. not a gradual boost. The word "Solo" on the meterbridge doesn't light up when Solo mode is activated however all individual solo lights, solo meters and Solo function in general operate correctly. Another example: One of the stereo channels seems to get equal L&R levels when the Pan knob is turned slightly to one side rather than perfectly centred.There may be other (probably minor) issues but you could literally spend a lifetime trying to identify each one. If you are a tech you're probably familiar with the saying "if it ain't broken, don't fix it" and the same applies here. None of these "faults" (not that I can remember any others) affect the desk's functionality in a way that would compromise its ability to produce great sounding mixes. So please understand what you're bidding for. If you're after a desk in immaculate condition please look elsewhere (and probably abandon the idea a vintage unit altogether).This desk is rare and even more rare is to find one in working condition (especially on the other side of the world from its manufacturing country!) so I expect it will attract the attention of overseas and interstate buyers. If you fall in such category please read the shipping section below for more info.<