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Mic Input console rear |
Line input playback mixer rear |
Direct outs on Mic input mixer |
Interior of Mic input mixer |
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Based on the legendary 5542 suitcase mixer, this is a
matched pair of the tabletop studio version of this console. Fully restored
to a very high standard. Together they can be set ranging from an 8 mic
input with direct outs and 8 stereo playbacks up to a 24 channel line mixer.
A combined length of only 1.2 meters means it would fit in the most compact
facility.
The input section features the 34128 balanced microphone input module.
Together with the mid range inductor driven eq. this gives the console the
classic sound of Neve from the early eighties. The eq. is a selectable shelf
eq. with 15/47/82/150Hz in the bass end, 820/1k8/3k9kHz mid centre
frequencies and top end shelf effective from 1kHz. All plus and minus loads!
In addition to the standard features each module has a Neve fitted direct
output with the 8 feeds going to a 35 way Painton on the rear (mating half
provided) There is an additional unused 35 way Painton which could easily be
utilised to provide separate line inputs switching on the mic/line.
The playback section is loaded with 34149 modules which each have a
selectable input stereo unbalanced input. It features a stereo selectable
shelf eq. again with 15/47/82/150Hz in the bass end and top end control
effective from 1kHz giving +/-15dB at 15kHz.
The units are linked together on the rear with a cable provided. This at
present links the main program, audition and aux outputs directly to the
busses of the second unit. As there are two largely independent monitor
panels there are various possibilities for stem mixing with 4 transformer
driven outputs (main and aux) per unit. Metering is VU on the input side
with PPM’s on the playback.
The original field version of this mixer had a battery pack option there is
blank panel to the left of each console. This could used to further enhance
the possibilities of the system for example with additional bus routing,
patching etc.
One of the power supplies is the original Neve version with facilities for
battery
charging! The other unit was history and has been replaced with a fully
compatible Soundcraft version. The noise floor still meets the original
specification of -86dBm.
Cosmetically they have been completely overhauled. There are no cracked knob
caps although I confess one of them is not quite the original colour scheme!
Both scribble strips have been replaced to original specification. Although
both consoles are designed to fit through a table top one is finished in
Sapele with the other having removable metal flanges. For installation it
would be easy to bolt the two consoles. together using the wood frame to
give finished look to the installation (as shown in the photograph).
They appear to have had quite a gentle life with little wear around the main
monitor pots and although not recapped all systems have been checked for
full output at 40 Hz. An original Neve service manual is provided.
The provenance of these consoles is clear, owned by a major UK
postproduction house
E&oe. |
