Using Since D8b launch! I have a question on how to move on

[machmike]

Hi everyone, it has been nothing short of an eternity since I have talked with everyone here. I am one of the original users and posters on the initial forum way back when, but have long lost that username... Mackie sent their first batch to Sweetwater sound almost 18 years ago and I bought one....

I am finally considering moving on from this amazing mixer board. I am having problems:

I am having quite an issue finding anything that is as functional from a usability, workflow ease of use standpoint. I need to stay away from mixing with a mouse. Without physical controls I suffer. Mouse and keyboard take me out of the creative process I use my system for writing and creation (I really don't enjoy using ProTools as I find it a soul sucking monstrosity for the creativity process).

What is out there that isn't a complete in the box solution? How have some of you managed to move on to find a system with total recall and automation? I tried the Mackie Pro Control with PT and found working with the latency counter productive for my process. Also I like to mix with my ears not eyes.

I guess I am just asking what solutions have many of you used to move on from the D8b and still retain all of the amazing features.

I am using external Mic Pres Avalon 737sp x4, apogee word clock and the HDR24/96 with a carton of excellent outboard effect units.

I do have a full MCU Pro and 3 fader banks, but they are sitting in boxes unused.

My Sweetwater rep basically told me I would have to move into an SSL for 80k...That is a hard pass.

[Phil.c]

Welcom back Mike, there's still a few of us original users around!

I'm sorry I can't answer your question but there should be others here who can, good luck.

Phil

[Crash]

I know a few that seem to think this is/was a good console to go to post d8b, but I believe it is now out production.

https://www.allen-heath.com/ahproducts/gs-r24/

[Phil.c]

I've seen discontinued but not here.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing ... dition=all

[Old School]

Hi,
I think your Sweetwater rep was right. There is nothing between a D8B and an SSL that can do everything that the D8B can do. If you're not a production studio (recording full bands for profit) then you can get by with the features of the so-called "studio-live" boards, but they won't work for me. For some reason all the companies who produce consoles have decided not to produce anything for a mid-level studio. Everything about the consoles under twenty grand feels cheap and lacks basic functionality such as dedicated tape ins and outs. If you find a contender, please let me know, as I have tried to move on and cannot. I love my D8B, but it has more and more problems as it's age begins to show.

Have a blessed day,
Mike W.

[Phil.c]

The D8b is as we all know is unique, there was nothing like it at the time and probably the same now, I love mine, bought from new at the time...I have three now.

As Mike said, these are now old and problematic, if I were going into recording bands again, I would be very hesitant about using one because faults can arrise out of nowhere, and that's not too good when there's a band all set up!

[Old School]

You are so right Phil. It's why I have a spare ready to go at all times. I can generally change it out it less than 20 minutes while the guys take a break. (off the paid clock, of course). But until I hit the lottery, I must keep plugging along with the D8B.

Have a blessed day,
Mike W.

[Phil.c]

It's a bit embarasing though Mike, and it doesn't look very professional but a great piece of kit when it's running right