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[amwintx]

Hello,

I have a Hill Audio "Remix" console that I bought for a very reasonable sum. It has a semimodular construction - each channel is its own board. All the chips are socketed 5532's. I was wondering if I could change out the chips to a newer design - and if that would make an appreciable sonic difference. I have attached a copy of the schematic for the input channels.

Thanks,

Adam

[amwintx]

Here is a picture of the console in case that helps.....

[MI]

Hello,

Unless there are problems with burnt out chips,
it doesn't make sense "re-chipping" this type of console.
The board is only as good as it's weakest link.

Have you tried the console yet? What is it you don't like
about the sound? What are you comparing to?

The console was optimized for use with NE5532's.

Having said that, I think you could try OPA604??
(but I'm not 100% sure) try it on 1 channel and see if you
like the sound, it could be an improvement, or a could make
things worse, or it could sound exactly the same as before...

Be aware each chip costs over a 1$. It could add up fast
considering you have 24ch plus master plus bus sends and
monitor section return...

Also consider if you re-chip the whole console, the cost alone
might wind up being probably more than you paid for the console.

The Hill is a good console, years ago I used to have a
Series Three 24x8.
I found it comparable to a Soundcraft 600 that I also worked
with, but the Soundcraft had more bells and whistles,
like monitor, talkback, and better eq function compare to the Series 3.
The high end Pro Hill board was the Concept 8400 model.
That board also contained NE5532's or NE5534's.

My sugestion is to leave well enough alone.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Don't worry about it.

Use the console and enjoy it as is.

Mario

[Brian Roth]

Mario made some good comments, IMHO.

BTW...cool to see a SCAMP rack in another place!

Bri

[MI]

Hello Brain,

Thanks.

And thanks again for all your help during my adventures
with my MCI!

Everything has been running smooth (knock on wood)  

All the best!

Mario

[amwintx]

Thanks for the responses. The board does sound pretty good and I had already come to the conclusion to leave the board alone for now - though I am curious to try re-chipping one channel at some point - just for fun. Thanks again.

[OOF!]

be careful when swapping out the 5532 with 604 chips.  definitely do one or two channels at a time.  they do demand more current and will cause the desk to oscillate IF the desk design can't support it.  it happenned to me a long time ago- of course, after i had re-chipped my entire desk.... Argh!!!!!!!!!
i did find a more open top-end with the 604s- from analog devices- and just left them in the master section.
good luck,.
david lawrence