The best mixing desks of all time

The mixing console is a fundamental piece of equipment in the recording studio, and its evolution has had a significant impact on the way music is recorded and produced.

In the 20th century, several mixing desks became iconic and had a big impact on music production. Some of the most notable ones are:

• Neve 8028, 8038, and 8078: These consoles are known for their warm and lush sound, and have been used on countless hit recordings in the 1970s and 1980s.
• API Legacy Plus: This console is known for its clarity, warmth and punchy sound, it was widely used in professional recording studios.
• SSL 4000 series: This console is known for its clear and powerful sound and its signature “SSL G Series” channel compressor which has become a go-to device for many engineers and producers.
• Rupert Neve Designs 5088: This console is known for its warmth, clarity, and richness of sound, and is often used in professional recording studios.

All of these consoles have played a major role in shaping the sound of recorded music in the 20th century and are considered some of the best mixing desks of all time.

Neve

The Neve 8028, 8038, and 8078 are all classic mixing consoles produced by the British company AMS Neve in the 1970s. They are all considered among the best mixing desks of all time, known for their warm and lush sound.

The 8028 is a 28-channel console, the 8038 is a 38-channel console, and the 8078 is a 78-channel console. All three consoles feature a four-band EQ, a mic preamp, and an auxiliary send on each channel. They also have 8 sub-groups and a stereo mix bus. They are also known for their unique Neve sound which is known for its richness, warmth, and depth.

These consoles were used in many famous recording studios and on many famous recordings. They are sought after by engineers and producers for their unique sound and character. The 8038 and 8078 are considered the flagship of Neve consoles and are known for their versatility, clarity and warmth.

API Legacy Plus

The API Legacy Plus is a mixing console produced by Automated Processes Inc. (API). This console is an evolution of the classic API consoles and it is known for its high-quality sound, flexibility, and durability. The Legacy Plus features 24 input channels, each with a four-band EQ, a mic preamp and an auxiliary send. It also has 8 sub-groups and a stereo mix bus. The console also features an integrated patch bay for maximum flexibility. The Legacy Plus is often used in professional recording studios and is known for its clarity, warmth and punchy sound. It is considered by many as one of the best mixing desks of all time.

SSL 4000

The SSL 4000 series is a line of mixing consoles produced by Solid State Logic (SSL) in the 1970s and 1980s. It is considered a classic console and is known for its clear and powerful sound. SSL 4000 consoles are particularly famous for their “SSL sound” which is known for its punchy, big and tight low end and smooth and detailed high end. These consoles feature a four-band EQ, a mic preamp and an auxiliary send on each channel. They also have 8 sub-groups and a stereo mix bus. They are also famous for their signature “SSL G Series” channel compressor which has become a go-to device for many engineers and producers. The SSL 4000 is considered a staple in many professional recording studios and has been used on countless hit recordings.

Rupert Neve Designs 5088

The Rupert Neve Designs 5088 is a mixing console designed by renowned audio engineer Rupert Neve. It is a modern version of a classic console, known for its high-quality sound, flexibility, and durability. The 5088 features 32 input channels, each with a four-band EQ, a mic preamp, and an auxiliary send. It also has 8 sub-groups and a stereo mix bus. The console also features an integrated patch bay for maximum flexibility. The 5088 is known for its warmth, clarity, and richness of sound, and is often used in professional recording studios. It is considered one of the best mixing desks of all time due to its unique sound and versatility.

There are several resources available for learning about mixing desks, including:

Books: There are many books available on the subject of mixing desks, such as “The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook” by Bobby Owsinski and “The Recording Engineer’s Handbook” by Bobby Owsinski, which provide in-depth information on the technical aspects of mixing desks, as well as practical tips for using them.

Online Courses: There are many online courses available on mixing desks, such as those offered by Berklee Online and Udemy, which provide in-depth instruction on the use and operation of mixing desks.

YouTube: There are many YouTube channels dedicated to music production and audio engineering, such as Pensado’s Place, where you can learn about mixing desks through videos and demonstrations.

Practical experience: The best way to learn is by doing it, seeking internships or apprenticeship opportunities at recording studios or audio engineering schools to get hands-on experience with mixing desks.

Professional audio engineers: Reach out to professional audio engineers and ask for advice, they are often happy to share their knowledge and experience.

It’s important to note that learning about mixing desks is a continuous process, it takes time, practice and experience to master it.