Soundcraft 500

Soundcraft 500 are modular analog consoles, exist in 16/24 and 32 channels.

At 6, 8 groups, 4-band EQ with high and low semi-parametric midrange.
Mic / line with switch, phantom power, pad and low cut (100 Hz) on each slice.

Insert and direct out on each channel insert on each group, all connections are symmetrical, external power supply 19-inch rack.

UTILIZATION

This is a mixer, so not rocket science, it's to be.

English manual clear and detailed.

I use it in a home studio to compose and mix my tracks (electronic, idm).
It is perfect for this use, my only regret is low cut filters, I would have preferred they cut to 80 Hz!
6 are configurable auxiliary (pre-fader/pre-Eq, pre / post and post / post) by removing jumpers slices.

The modularity is very convenient for maintenance or if you want to change a faulty channel or even replace a mono with a stereo.
In this case you must also change one of the input modules on the back, these modules grouped connections of four units, it is better to replace a group of four slices when you wish to change the config.
Simply remove a few screws to access what you want, everything apart from modules.

SOUNDS

This console sounds great and breathless!
EQs are accurate and effective.

It adds something nice, warm and musical.

The headphone amplifier is excellent, capable of powering headphones with an impedance of 8 to 600 ohms.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this console for about a year.

I used Mackies and Allen & Heath GL2400, I prefer for the Soundcraft sound, its modular design, EQs, manufacturing, external power supply.

Little regret for the low cut at 100 Hz but for my style of music I think.

I would do this choice without hesitation.

If you want an analog console that has a big sound, robust and well done for a reasonable price, go for it, it's a great console!

Analog mixer 24 channels, 8 groups, 4 aux sends changed to 6. EQ with 2 semi-parametric
precise and responsive.

UTILIZATION

There is no easier, no need manual functions are under the fingers

SOUNDS

What characterizes this console for me is its tone, its musicality. No breath, a simple and effective EQ, output level important ... that's good!

OVERALL OPINION

I just bought a used Soundcraft 500 to € 1,500. It should be 1985 and in excellent condition. Musician and sound engineer for over 40 years, I have used most of the monsters of the 70s, 80s, 90s and digital. Obviously those who have most impressed me are the 73 series NEVE and series 81, series V, but today, even if it is an old fantasy, have such a console is almost impossible, not by its size or even the price (you can find a series Legend 60 channels, the queen of consoles, in super condition for "only" 50,000 euros Audiofanzine on) but its power consumption because the monster has very good appetite, not to mention the air conditioning for cool the beast! ... So what remains today to be put in the tooth? A Yamaha? ... Certainly excellent for the stage, but in the studio, to love ... A Midas or Toft Audio? Very versatile and robust, but as is the pro is not given and the rest as Allen & Heath, Mackie and Company: A good sound (as they say its hot or EQ's English??!, anything! And its always the same because the circuits are all the same construction techniques and assembly limits designed consultancies where we kill each other to save a single screw!. So .. what's left? Well this kind of console about 20 to 25 years of age as the Soundcraft 500, 600, 6000 or 8000 ... and even a good 200B which has the same preamps and EQ that the 500! course they can not compete with NEVE or SSL but it's good. was no need to highlight the "Label Rouge" Caution, his English "because they were English and naturally his English since the 70s ... With them, no need to "warm up" the sound of blows plugs in Pro Tools, the circuit design mass makes them less sensitive to all noise generated by noise digital clocks of computers and sound cards of all kinds are also built with hard, impedance input / output offset well thought quite the absence of essential input transformer and output. Obviously here more security but regardless, most of the components are standard and can be found everywhere in SCV for less common (Vu or small switches) ... Anyway, if you ever come across one of these consoles in your quest for musical , do not go your way. If it is not too ruined (like rust on, under or into the chassis or other signs of abuse, spend time observing an expert if possible), it will bring you naturally sound sensations you are looking for!