16/8/FB ? FB meaning fold back ? there seems to be many versions of this same 16/8/2 model, but all are relatively the same as far as EQ goes . I think the EQ has something to offer according to opinions. There are some attributes suitable for studio use.
Does the FB have only have 60mm faders or 100mm ? The early 16/8/2 did not have the 4 concentric pots on the aux sends section , rather a single pot with a pushbutton switch to select.
Still hoping for a schematic as a baseline for repairs , quite a few mods are seen in these , in fact these remind me a little of a small Soundworkshop 1280 or Trident flexmix consoles , those too had transformers on the channels strips. I wonder if the 16/8/2 had any design relationship with the Amek 2k series console which also housed transformers on the channel strips but the original Angela Blue did not have any transformers to my understanding. I really like these older colored sounding mixers. I am not particularly impressed with the pcb quality of 16/8/2. The boards are single sided and the traces are not coated with soldermask, only tinned. The traces & pads tend to lift very easily. However, Its relatively easy to use copper tinned bus wire of various gauges to restore damaged traces. The nice thing is the boards are so simply laid out that I could redo the boards in pcb cad and have new ones made of higher quality. The only issue is the boards use some very costly pots that are non standards from parts distibutors , and I would not want to use Alpha as replacements. Would have to go to Piher or Vishay and order a load of custom sealed ones or scavenge from parted out consoles and strips. However this does not guarantee good parts. Dust & grime is the enemy in most of this stuff. That is why I go for the sealed pots if available. Nonetheless, can't wait to get this board sounding.
I'm going to replace the 4 pin ( xlr type ) Cannon power connector with something more durable. I found some Amphenol gold plated 5 pin (heavy gauge male/female connections ) military/aerospace connectors that should connect right up with a little handy work and a Amek +/-18 , +48 power supply. That 4 pin Cannon power connector is just to small and flimsy in my opinion. I like the isolation the Amphenol connectors offer.
looking back about 30 years ago , I remember finding a 16/8/2 in a local music consignment store but did'nt have the $ to buy it back then. Now , there dirt cheap.
Just read thru the EQ project forum , very encouraging that the EQ is so suitable for music. Quite a few mods as would be expected to enhance for mastering use. Also , this console is really flexible for the DIY recording enthusiast tech with a limited budget and appreciation for transformer coupled circuitry.
February 15, 2006, 02:03:44 AM