Yamaha PM430 worth it?

[rbuskov]

I have been offered a Yamaha PM430 for cheap and wonder if it might be worth the work to mod it for my needs. I would want to add direct outs, make Aux 2 post fader and probably upgrade opamps and replace caps.

I am aware of Humners PM430 rebuild (https://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=59851.0) but what I am aiming for is a bit different. I would use the mixer to record synths and drum machines rather than summing.

Anyone have experience with this? Are the transformers on the inputs and main outs the same as in the PM1000? Any idea if I would be able to fit transformers for balanced outs inside the box?

Edit: I'm also considering an EzTube line mixer (https://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=72187.0)... is anyone in a position to make comparisons between the sound of these two?

 

[L´Andratté]

No, but it´s hard to tell these things anyway, had a PM430 maybe 13 years ago and used it for synths, but it sounded "narrow" to me, I didn´t get under it´s hood so maybe that sound was only the old age of it. But try, you can easily flip those old yamahas on the bay or reverb and if you got it cheap earn a dinner with your beloved

 

[rbuskov]

it sounded "narrow" to me

As in narrow frequency response? I have read that some people find the sound of this mixer "dark" (i.e. lacking in the high frequencies) but also quite "fat" in the low end (maybe due to low end distortion from the transformers?). 

If this is the case I might still find it useful for drums and bass lines... and I could always build an 8 channel EzTube mixer to go with it for the other stuff and get the best of both worlds

 

[iampoor1]

The transformers in it are different than the pm1000.

Fat/rolled off top end go hand in hand sometimes.  8)

 

[rbuskov]

The transformers in it are different than the pm1000.

OK, good to know.

Fat/rolled off top end go hand in hand sometimes.  8)

Indeed