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R/E/P => R/E/P Archives => Reason In Audio => Topic started by: Eric Bridenbaker on November 16, 2005, 04:13:54 PM

Title: Quad 8
Post by: Eric Bridenbaker on November 16, 2005, 04:13:54 PM
Wondering if anyone here has worked with the Quad8 consoles, and what they are like.

Keep hearing that they are among the best sounding boards ever built, something to do with a +/-30V power rail and expanded headroom, top notch EQ's etc.... very curious about any info regarding this company and the way the equipment sounds.

Best,
Eric
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: ToddP on November 16, 2005, 04:27:11 PM
Eric Bridenbaker wrote on Wed, 16 November 2005 13:13

Wondering if anyone here has worked with the Quad8 consoles, and what they are like.

Keep hearing that they are among the best sounding boards ever built, something to do with a +/-30V power rail and expanded headroom, top notch EQ's etc.... very curious about any info regarding this company and the way the equipment sounds.

Best,
Eric


Larry DeVivo wrote a very interesting and informative article on the history of Electrodyne (who built the Quad 8 consoles) in the Sept./ Oct. issue of Tape Op. Check it out if you get a chance.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: blueboy on November 16, 2005, 04:30:52 PM
I don't know if this will interest you but...

http://www.digitalprosound.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=3 5696

JL
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: J.J. Blair on November 16, 2005, 04:52:40 PM
Brian Kehew owns one.  Click on my Use Your Ears link in my sig and ask there, and Brian will answer you, I'm sure.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: compasspnt on November 16, 2005, 05:25:56 PM
I bought one new, a Quad Eight / Mitsubishi "Westar," in about '85-86.  I recorded many albums on it, and was always well pleased.  REM's "Green" was done on that desk, as well as Stevie Ray & Jimmy Vaughan's "Brothers" album, produced by Nile.  I did a couple of Fab T-birds, some ZZ mixes, and lots more on it.

There were at least 3 different EQ modules which could be plugged in to each channel, as well as two empty slots which would service the mix buss.  I had mostly the basic ones, and about 8 of the fully parametric.  Never had, but always wanted, the graphics.

My Lucas Engineering technician tells me that the IC's in the EQ's could certainly be upgraded.

It always seemed quite clean, and the pre's were fine.  Looked a bit MCI-ish, but was much more solidly built.  Mitsu bought them about the time Sony bought MCI.

I finally sold it just a few years ago to The Tragically Hip.  They had cut their very first album on it 18 years earlier.  It lives in Canada now.

At the time, many people didn't think too much of them...now it's a Classic.

Sometimes I wish I had it back...
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: robot gigante on November 16, 2005, 07:22:53 PM
blueboy wrote on Wed, 16 November 2005 16:30

I don't know if this will interest you but...

 http://www.digitalprosound.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=3 5696

JL


I've used the Pacifica and if the original consoles (which I haven't heard) sound like it then I think that they would sound outstanding at least as far as the pre's go.  

It would be interesting if Peter M and co did a remake of the Q8 EQ's as well.  

I almost had a chance to pick up a Q8 stereo compressor for next to nothing but the guy had already sold it by the time I found out about it...   I was kinda bummed.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Bob Olhsson on November 16, 2005, 08:07:41 PM
A 20 input Quad-8 was the most common console I saw people getting when they went 16 track. Most 3-8 track recording boards had been 12-14 input tube homebrews so going 16 track almost always meant buying a new transistor board at the same time. Many people I knew didn't expect 24 track to catch on nearly as fast as it did.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: rnicklaus on November 16, 2005, 09:05:30 PM
Does anyone know what model Quad 8 was in The Sound Lab tracking room?

That was nice - this was before they came out with the Coronado and Pacifica.

When did the Westar fitin time wise to all this?
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: rnicklaus on November 16, 2005, 09:09:28 PM
Bob Olhsson wrote on Wed, 16 November 2005 17:07

A 20 input Quad-8 was the most common console I saw people getting when they went 16 track. Most 3-8 track recording boards had been 12-14 input tube homebrews so going 16 track almost always meant buying a new transistor board at the same time. Many people I knew didn't expect 24 track to catch on nearly as fast as it did.


I'm sure some of us were cutting basic tracks on consoles with 24 inputs and 16 monitor for a while there (split consoles) during the transition.  I was.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: RMoore on November 16, 2005, 09:14:32 PM
Eric Bridenbaker wrote on Wed, 16 November 2005 22:13

Wondering if anyone here has worked with the Quad8 consoles, and what they are like.

Keep hearing that they are among the best sounding boards ever built, something to do with a +/-30V power rail and expanded headroom, top notch EQ's etc.... very curious about any info regarding this company and the way the equipment sounds.

Best,
Eric



i also suggest check out the new tape op mag issue  - its got a feature on this very subject..electrodyne quad 8
www.tapeop.com
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Eric Bridenbaker on November 16, 2005, 09:16:35 PM
Thanks for the great replies. Definitely sounds like something worth looking into. Those A-Design Pacifica pre reissues look very cool as well. Will check out that tape op article too!

I did manage to find a thread from Gearslutz, where Larry DeVivo had this to say about the design lineage and sound of Quad 8: (seems he really, really likes them!)

"Hi Gang,

The lineage goes like this Langevin, Sphere, Quad Eight & Langevin. All 4 were owned by the same parent company. Many of each's designs use the other's components. So basically they are very similar console design and the exact same in some cases. Later John was given a budget to design two different pre's for the Langevins.

The real jems are the older Q8's, Electrodynes & Sphere's (certain early Langevins also). These have John Halls propriety op-amp design in them. He sealed them in epoxy so they couldn't be back engineered and never did a schematic for them. Late one Sunday evening the sales guy who was Quad Eight (I wont give his name out) and the manager for Electrodyne copied all of Electrodynes schematics. Quad Eight the manufaturer was born. Edyne sued and won. At this that time the AM4 op-amp was born. It was Quads attempt to copy John Halls op-amp and he says they missed! But owning both designs they are very very close and I use both.

As Scott mentioned earlier we did a shoot out between all these modules and in the end it prompted my to sell my Neve BCM10 full of 1073's, that's how strong I felt about the Edynes & Quads! I'd say the sound sits right in between the Neve's and the API's and for the money they sit way above those two.

Check out the article that will be in Tape-Op, probably wont be out for a couple issues yet but it gives a lot of insight into the industry at that time.

Most people have all the stories screwed up. Deane Jensen inhertied (if you will) his most famous op-amp design, but that's another story and one I will probably never be able to tell.

BTW Paul, there's a mastering version of those Sphere graphic EQ's out there and I'm viciously trying to hunt then down. I own 8 of the mic-pre/graphic 712's now and am buying as many as I can find. My Electrodyne console is a 15x4 and is full loaded now! Also if anyone has any Quad CLS 22 compressors they want to sell. I'll take 'em for our Pacifica !!!

Larry DeVivo
www.silvertonemastering.com/stone"

Full thread is here:

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php3?t=148

Best,
Eric
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: ALLEN WRENCH on November 16, 2005, 10:49:32 PM
Hey Eric, having had recently gone through the USED CONSOLE thing… spending a shit load of money on mods and repairs, just to find out the thing is a $10,000 waste of time and money… that’ll probably sell on EBAY for $ 1,800

You should check out Paul Wolf’s Tonelux console:

http://www.tonelux.com/

You can get it into any configuration you want, and the thing’s raging!  Hopefully I’ll be in a Tonelux within the next year.

As far as I know, I’m pretty sure Paul was running API in the late ‘80s – Early 90’s and is behind a of the kick ass API tricks.  No doubt people will be throwing some comments RE: Paul and Tonelux after this.

One of the things I heard while buying older consoles were things like… “Do this mod and it’ll be just like a _____!”  or “All it needs is to be recapped.”  But much to my surprise after doing all these costly things is that I had a noisy hunk of crap.  Well at least it matches my hunk o’crap MCI machine.

There seems to be a market glut of consoles out there right now, but BE WARE some of those great prices are for fucked up gear that need work and will take a great deal of money and heartache to get happening.  

Get the ToneLux that fucking thing’s solid.


Paul and I at AES NY 2005 (I'm on the left)
index.php/fa/1871/0/


Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: compasspnt on November 16, 2005, 11:05:51 PM
Mr. Wrench makes a good point.  SOME older equipment is not worth salvaging.  Of course, some is.

But I can personally attest to the quality of anything that Paul does.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Brent Handy on November 16, 2005, 11:52:24 PM
I tracked on this Virtuosso here:

http://www.nextlevelrecordingstudio.com

It is big, fat, and has tons of headroom.  I wish that I had one!
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Eric Bridenbaker on November 17, 2005, 01:27:19 AM
ALLEN WRENCH wrote on Wed, 16 November 2005 22:49

Hey Eric, having had recently gone through the USED CONSOLE thing… spending a shit load of money on mods and repairs, just to find out the thing is a $10,000 waste of time and money… that’ll probably sell on EBAY for $ 1,800

You should check out Paul Wolf’s Tonelux console:

http://www.tonelux.com/

You can get it into any configuration you want, and the thing’s raging!  Hopefully I’ll be in a Tonelux within the next year.

As far as I know, I’m pretty sure Paul was running API in the late ‘80s – Early 90’s and is behind a of the kick ass API tricks.  No doubt people will be throwing some comments RE: Paul and Tonelux after this.

One of the things I heard while buying older consoles were things like… “Do this mod and it’ll be just like a _____!”  or “All it needs is to be recapped.”  But much to my surprise after doing all these costly things is that I had a noisy hunk of crap.  Well at least it matches my hunk o’crap MCI machine.

There seems to be a market glut of consoles out there right now, but BE WARE some of those great prices are for fucked up gear that need work and will take a great deal of money and heartache to get happening.  

Get the ToneLux that fucking thing’s solid.



Thanks Allen,

This is always a concern with vintage gear, and the stakes naturally get a lot higher with something as complex as a console.

Tonelux looks like the deal, solid build and definitely has the design credentials behind it. Haven't seen any in Canada yet, but sure they must be around somewhere.

There is a certain confidence that goes with the purchase of new gear, and if the design is good, it'll sound great.

On the otherhand, I also do love to take the occasional risk (though I haven't at the console level) on something vintage and possibly mysterious, which has been known at times to lead to some serious voodoo.

A few weeks ago I picked up an old 1955 Pilot Radio hifi mono tube preamp. The thing looks like a small golden toaster oven with a handle on top. Five tubes, mic pre and LP/NAB/AES/FOR phono EQ curve settings with variable impedance, line in, high and low EQ. Unbalanced RCA in/out, but can take quite a bit of input voltage an puts out +4dB nominal no prob. Found it on tour in a pawn shop in Vernon B.C. and definitely spent more on the recap than the purchase price.

Just hooked it up today, ran some bass, vocals, acoustic guitar through the various inputs. Smooooooth, (with lots and lots of O's). The bass knob is fantastic. I can say is that this thing certainly knows what it's doing, and that's the kind of thing that's going to make it on a record. I'm about as happy with this as I am with another recent buy at nearly ten times the price, which was a Millennia TD-1 DI/Pre/EQ box (albeit for different reasons; the two are very different beasts indeed!!)

One of the guys I was with that day in the pawn shop dug up a 60's Ludwig snare for 100 bucks or something, with the original skins and strainer still on... all the while saying that it's not "buying" gear, but more like "rescuing" it. He tuned it up and played it that night at the concert. The drummer for the headliners kept jokingly trying to steal it after the show.

Anyway, not to get too OT, but with the Q8 stuff it looks like that it would be worth a stab, at least to try and find a few channels and give them a try. Seems like the early stuff was very cutting edge. A lot of good ears here like the sound, and a lot of good records were made on Q8's. Thanks Again.

Best,
Eric
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Brian Roth on November 17, 2005, 03:54:43 AM
Brent wrote on Wed, 16 November 2005 22:52

I tracked on this Virtuosso here:

http://www.nextlevelrecordingstudio.com

It is big, fat, and has tons of headroom.  I wish that I had one!



As "the guy" who keeps that beast running <g>....it is quite the beast. apparently the very last desk that Mitsubishi shipped before they pulled the plug.

And, as is typical, the stoooopid power supply will keep me full of billable dollars, although Mr. Mathews and I are working on a total swap-out of the PS unit....

I will say one thing...it is probably the ONLY desk I've ever seen with the gold-contact Schadow switches used everywhere.


Bri

Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: RMoore on November 17, 2005, 06:15:06 AM
Especially nowadays with tons of options for brand new 'vintage' gear / reissues or based on old classics there's a lot to be said for avoiding original 'old' stuff with special needs,
Its very much like buying a used classic car and especially with tape machines and desks that have lots of different moving parts, switches, pots etc the fun of a great score for the $ can diminish rapidly with all the refurbishing and repairs needed to get the things 1/2 way working - speaking as someone who has gone down that route (vintage) prior to this current era of mega vintage reissues.
Have to say the Electrodyne, Quad stuff sure seems interesting,
I enjoyed the Tape Op article,
I was also pleased to learn what kind of console a classic fave studio / production / label (Jamaica - Studio One)had that I'd seen in pics but had no clue what the wierd looking thing was - an Electrodyne! Cool..
Cheers,
RM
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Tim Halligan on November 17, 2005, 06:58:55 AM
compasspnt wrote on Thu, 17 November 2005 06:25

I bought one new, a Quad Eight / Mitsubishi "Westar," in about '85-86.  I recorded many albums on it, and was always well pleased.


Terry,
What was the difference between the Westar and the Superstar?

I mean besides the fact that they sold bugger-all Superstars... Very Happy
Was it Mitsu's attempt at the SSL/Neve paradigm?

compasspnt also mentioned


REM's "Green" was done on that desk, as well as Stevie Ray & Jimmy Vaughan's "Brothers" album, produced by Nile.  I did a couple of Fab T-birds, some ZZ mixes, and lots more on it.



...as well as Johnny Diesel and the Injectors.

Still a great sounding album from a band I used to see playing around Perth for years.
Laughing


Cheers,
Tim
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Bob Olhsson on November 17, 2005, 10:54:25 AM
R.Nicklaus wrote on Wed, 16 November 2005 20:05

Does anyone know what model Quad 8 was in The Sound Lab tracking room?

That was nice...
Sure was although Armin and John Sands modified the heck out of everything! The opening of the studio was held up for months because the Studer multitrack didn't sound right. They were who first taught me about improving the "balls" aspect of common gear.

Armin told me he really liked tracking with a different console and kind of tape than what he was going to use for the mix. I think his words were "It spreads out the coloration." He was a big fan of the Warner Burbank scoring stage and its huge Quad-8 although he told me he hated the JBL monitors there and insisted they be disconnected during his sessions so he "couldn't be tempted to move any mikes."
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: compasspnt on November 17, 2005, 11:42:08 AM
Tim Halligan wrote on Thu, 17 November 2005 06:58



Terry,
What was the difference between the Westar and the Superstar?

I mean besides the fact that they sold bugger-all Superstars... Very Happy
Was it Mitsu's attempt at the SSL/Neve paradigm?


Well I am not familiar with the Superstar, but I  think I remember Gary Belz having one early in his studio forays.  Seems like it was much more automated, and had some extra features.  My Westar was, although 44 inputs, somewhat more compact in size, and didn't have any automation...just the way I like 'em.

compasspnt also mentioned


REM's "Green" was done on that desk, as well as Stevie Ray & Jimmy Vaughan's "Brothers" album, produced by Nile.  I did a couple of Fab T-birds, some ZZ mixes, and lots more on it.


Tim Halligan wrote on Thu, 17 November 2005 06:58



...as well as Johnny Diesel and the Injectors.

Still a great sounding album from a band I used to see playing around Perth for years.




Yes, well, I did so much work on that Westar, that I couldn't mention everyone.  And, although that album was the biggest seller in Australian rock history at that time (even above Madonna, Springsteen, etc.), it was not even officially released in the US (major Chrysalis/US problem at the wrong time), so I didn't think a good portion of our readers would know it.  But yes, it certainly benefitted from the Quad 8 influence, as did the next Diesel album, and two of The Angels albums, one of which is still their biggest one, and a Jimmy Barnes remix

Thanks!

Now I do want that desk back...
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: rnicklaus on November 17, 2005, 12:18:21 PM
Bob Olhsson wrote on Thu, 17 November 2005 07:54

R.Nicklaus wrote on Wed, 16 November 2005 20:05

Does anyone know what model Quad 8 was in The Sound Lab tracking room?

That was nice...
Sure was although Armin and John Sands modified the heck out of everything! The opening of the studio was held up for months because the Studer multitrack didn't sound right. They were who first taught me about improving the "balls" aspect of common gear.

Armin told me he really liked tracking with a different console and kind of tape than what he was going to use for the mix. I think his words were "It spreads out the coloration." He was a big fan of the Warner Burbank scoring stage and its huge Quad-8 although he told me he hated the JBL monitors there and insisted they be disconnected during his sessions so he "couldn't be tempted to move any mikes."


Everything about Sound Labs in the mid '70's was top notch.

It was the first time I ever experienced an outboard mic pre as the mix room console had no mic pres but a small vocal booth for any small overdubs.  

Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: J.J. Blair on November 17, 2005, 12:27:57 PM
I wish I could remember the model number.  I checked out a very late model 16 channel Quad Eight console that a friend was trying to sell me.  Totally loaded with TL072s and the EQ sounded more like a Tascam console than anything else.  Thin, brittle and not musical.  Really not happening.  It must have been a Mitsubishi thing.  It definitely was not something John Hall would ever have done!  This must have been Quad Eight's version of the Neve 8108.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Eric Bridenbaker on November 17, 2005, 01:56:05 PM
I did get to work on a Mitsubishi Westar a few times, they used to have one at Sound Ideas, maybe still do. There was also one at the Trebas studio here in Toronto. I liked it at the time, but it was years ago, on some of my first studio sessions, and I really didn't have the ears to tell the difference then. I should see if those masters are around somewhere...

Like the Neve, different generations will undoubtedly behave differently, though a common design pedigree often has a "sound" associated with it, parts of which will carry through. Based on what I've heard so far, the earlier Electrodyne ones are tops, and the Q8/Mitsubishi units have been behind some great recordings. The Wall was apparently mixed on several linked Quad Eights as well.

Best,
Eric
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: ALLEN WRENCH on November 17, 2005, 08:31:38 PM
On the vintage desk topic… aren’t all the models, great records and sounds everyone’s talking about… from a time period when the Quad 8s were recently new?

Don’t caps start drying out at around 10 years?  … or when are you supposed to start ‘recappin’?

I’m not talking shit about the Quad 8, I’m sure they were ‘bad as fuck’ when they were new.  But how about 20+ years later and with ISSUES.  

And how much will it ACTUALLY cost to get it back to NEW, or even REASONABLE working condition.

I’d be interested in hearing from some techs about the average cost of getting the old stuff into usable condition.

There are a lot of low price tags on formerly high dollar consoles out there right now, possibly because of the temporary ITB PT fad, but the cost of getting one up to speed could become quite considerable.

I'm seeing some good deals every once in a while.  for around $15,000 you can get something cool, but I'm betting there's another $10,000 of BS that's hidden under the hood sometimes.

I'm just saying to be aware of this factor!

Don’t count out the ToneLux!


Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Mike O on November 17, 2005, 09:27:48 PM
ALLEN WRENCH wrote on Fri, 18 November 2005 01:31

On the vintage desk topic… aren’t all the models, great records and sounds everyone’s talking about… from a time period when the Quad 8s were recently new?

Don’t caps start drying out at around 10 years?  … or when are you supposed to start ‘recappin’?

I’m not talking shit about the Quad 8, I’m sure they were ‘bad as fuck’ when they were new.  But how about 20+ years later and with ISSUES.  

And how much will it ACTUALLY cost to get it back to NEW, or even REASONABLE working condition.

I’d be interested in hearing from some techs about the average cost of getting the old stuff into usable condition.

There are a lot of low price tags on formerly high dollar consoles out there right now, possibly because of the temporary ITB PT fad, but the cost of getting one up to speed could become quite considerable.

I'm seeing some good deals every once in a while.  for around $15,000 you can get something cool, but I'm betting there's another $10,000 of BS that's hidden under the hood sometimes.

I'm just saying to be aware of this factor!

Don’t count out the ToneLux!





Always good advice to be aware what an older classic might take to bring up to spec - depending on maintenance. As for the Tonelux; as near as I can tell a 24 channel Tonelux configuered as an 8 buss with eq on each channel will run about $70k. Quite a different budget.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: ALLEN WRENCH on November 17, 2005, 10:17:41 PM
The thing I was really dig on the ToneLux is the ability to configure it.  

I, as well as many people here have got a good amount of outboard gear.  And I’m sure most people don’t let the brand of desk they’re working with determine which EQ, and or mic pre they’ll be using in any given situation.  So why buy a desk full of stuff you won't use  in the first place?

I’m planning in buying a Tonelux in SECTIONS.  For example, first I’m planning on buying a GROUP section…

I’ll end up with 8 faders, the control room module, the monitor and some of the effects returns.  At first I’m not even going to be buying the ToneLux PREs or Eqs.

God forbid that you’re a DAW guy, this could even be your total set up.

As time goes on I’ll pick up more channels, faders, Eqs etc.

How many engineers or producers here work with ONLY API, Neve, Manley,
SSL, etc.?  Whenever I see studio shots, I see a big ‘ol racks with a pretty wide variety and array of gear.  Almost like a painters palate.

I’m planning on using the ToneLux basically as a line mixer, and also using  all the API, Neve, and Manley PREs, and Eqs I already own.  

With the ToneLux set up you only have to buy what you need, and are more able to put gear purchases towards your favorite weapons, or integrate gear you already have.

The ToneLux Eq looks REALLY happening, but for me right now, I need to concentrate on a better signal path and make use of my Massive Passive’s and my API Lunch Boxes and other crap.

So $ 70,000 up front?  Nope, probably the set up I’ll end up going with will EVENTUALLY be around the $ 25,000 mark.  And I can probably buy each SECTION in (approx) $ 9,000 bites

So my thinking is compare ToneLux @ $ 25,000 to getting a deal on a console at $ 15,000, putting $10,000 into it… and then have it STILL be a pile of crap.

I’m not saying TO DEFINITELY buy a ToneLux, just to be aware of it as a high quality and affordable option, AND ALSO be aware of the dangers of buying something old, albeit cool, having work done to it while expecting it to be better than new, and then finding out you wasted a whole bunch of money.

I paid $ 10,000 for this lesson, but I’m passing it on to you for FREE!!!!
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: thedoc on November 17, 2005, 11:59:32 PM
Bob Olhsson said "Armin and John Sands modified the heck out of everything"

Yes, when I visited there, they showed me a veritable 990 factory...
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Eric Bridenbaker on November 18, 2005, 04:55:54 AM
thedoc wrote on Thu, 17 November 2005 23:59

Bob Olhsson said "Armin and John Sands modified the heck out of everything"

Yes, when I visited there, they showed me a veritable 990 factory...

Does this mean that they changed all the op amps to 990's? Cause the 990 design makes for a great unit, if the rest of the system can handle the volume, won't work all the time, but they're damn clean and loud, lots from the very bottom to the top, really love 'em...

The orig Q8 opamps were reportedly based on Electrodyne's, but the original Edyne schematics for the opamps were kept under wraps, or so the story goes...

Cheers,
Eric
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: RMoore on November 18, 2005, 08:49:49 AM
ALLEN WRENCH wrote on Fri, 18 November 2005 02:31

 There are a lot of low price tags on formerly high dollar consoles out there right now, possibly because of the temporary ITB PT fad, but the cost of getting one up to speed could become quite considerable.




The biggest example of this are the MCI 500 & 600 series consoles,
Often going for dirt cheap compared to the top dollar new prices of yore,
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: compasspnt on November 18, 2005, 10:47:59 AM
Ryan Moore wrote on Fri, 18 November 2005 08:49




The biggest example of this are the MCI 500 & 600 series consoles,
Often going for dirt cheap compared to the top dollar new prices of yore,



...but which can be much improved by 990 mic pre mods, such as Hardy, which make a direct replacement...
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: RMoore on November 18, 2005, 12:06:55 PM
Wasn't aware of those Hardy drop in pre cards  - looks great!
The info is going to brighten the day of a couple MCI and SONY users I know,
Kool,
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: thedoc on November 18, 2005, 12:27:20 PM
Eric, they had two rooms, and I am not sure if the plan was to put 990's in both consoles.  If my memory is correct, that would be one API, and one Q8.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: compasspnt on November 18, 2005, 12:28:22 PM

http://www.johnhardyco.com/products.html
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Greg Youngman on November 18, 2005, 01:35:15 PM
Hey Bob.  You mentioned John Sands.  Is he still around and kicking?
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Bob Olhsson on November 18, 2005, 11:00:22 PM
I was hoping someone knows more about John's whereabouts than I do! I last saw him at Capitol around 1985.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Brian Kehew on November 23, 2005, 02:36:53 PM
I have a lots of experience with older Quad Eights. I own the Pacifica, which is a 1976/77 era console, the type The Wall was mixed on. It is very similar to an API, but cleaner, less colored. The EQs are quite similar (designed by the same API guys), but less powerful, more for gentle adjustment. That being said, the EQ's NEVER sound bad at any setting.

The Pre's are warm and smooth, but not sizzly bright. Overall, I'd say it does not sound as "wide" as a Neve (like the API more bandwidth limited in a nice musical way) but I prefer the subtle smoothness in the Quad 8 to Neve.

I have not recapped most of my board (1977), only a few on the Main Stereo Bus. Why? Because I cannot imagine a console that sounds any better than this. Seriously. If you offered me a Neve 8078 or old API in trade I would turn it down. This console (Pacifica) is warm and clear, punchy like an API, but smooth like a Neve. The transformers are all Dean Jensen-created to go in there, and they are LARGE, physically as big as they could possibly be and still fit in the console. Excellnt quality Bourns pots are used throughout, the only issues I ever have with my 30-year old console is dirty switches, sometimes.

Older Quad 8 (as mentioned before) are astounding sounding modules, but you're unlikely to find any console with more than 8 or 16 channels, as it was "that era". The later 80's consoles (Mitsubishi/Westar) are good sounding, but not in the same league as the older stuff. Considering you can get a 70's Qaud Eight for between 15 and 30 thousand, it's unbelievable.

Quad Eight was the desk for most of Capitol Tower, Motown LA, Producer's Workshop, many more... Certainly, as people say, "as good as API or Neve".
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Brian Kehew on November 23, 2005, 02:37:35 PM
And, yes, you can run signal at +25 through the console and it will NOT clip! Amazing.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Bob Olhsson on November 23, 2005, 03:08:28 PM
Brian Kehew wrote on Wed, 23 November 2005 13:37

And, yes, you can run signal at +25 through the console and it will NOT clip! Amazing.
And what a sad statement about how far we haven't come!

Almost every old Q/8 I ever saw, other than on a Foley or ADR stage, was a 20 input. John Windt came up to San Francisco to expand Wally Heider's studio A for use with a 24 track. Wally also had outboard API-550as normaled to every channel! I was so impressed that I bought a pair to lug around with me.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: dcollins on November 23, 2005, 03:38:45 PM
Bob Olhsson wrote on Fri, 18 November 2005 20:00

I was hoping someone knows more about John's whereabouts than I do! I last saw him at Capitol around 1985.


Last I heard he had a company called "Points of Presence" doing internet stuff.

DC
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: bigaudioblowhard on November 24, 2005, 03:37:10 PM
Brian Kehew wrote on Wed, 23 November 2005 12:36

.

Quad Eight was the desk for most of Capitol Tower, Motown LA, Producer's Workshop, many more... Certainly, as people say, "as good as API or Neve".


Ian Gardiner at Boutique Audio has just finished racking my QE MM61S modules.

All fixed up and checked out by a Mr. John Hirsch (sp?). Apparently he's some kind of QE guru.

I'm picking them up maybe tomorrow. I'm so damned excited, letcha know. bab.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: RMoore on November 27, 2005, 04:41:03 PM
heres the full tape op article online at cinemag

http://cinemag.biz/electrodyne/electrodyne_part_1.html









Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: tmiller on November 28, 2005, 04:29:09 PM
I've been working on a QE Coronado since 1981.  This is a 78 vintage.  The QE pre-amps have stood their ground in blind tests on different occasions when we brought in the 'heavy weights' to compare them.  I think they are some of the best made.

We actually bought a spare console so we could have the AM-10's and parts to keep ours up and running. The sound of these consoles is amazing and it's a wonderful thing not to have to use a magnifying glass just to read the knobs.  
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: scot on March 14, 2008, 10:27:55 PM
I worked at Sound Labs in the 70's anyone know how to contact John Sands? If so scotmorgan@cox.net, Thanks, Scot
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: iCombs on May 01, 2008, 01:13:11 PM
bigaudioblowhard wrote on Thu, 24 November 2005 14:37

Brian Kehew wrote on Wed, 23 November 2005 12:36

.

Quad Eight was the desk for most of Capitol Tower, Motown LA, Producer's Workshop, many more... Certainly, as people say, "as good as API or Neve".


Ian Gardiner at Boutique Audio has just finished racking my QE MM61S modules.

All fixed up and checked out by a Mr. John Hirsch (sp?). Apparently he's some kind of QE guru.

I'm picking them up maybe tomorrow. I'm so damned excited, letcha know. bab.


Probably would have been Ken Hirsch from Orphan Audio/Quad Eight Electronics.  I've got a pair of my 12 MM310B's at his shop at the moment and am incredibly excited to get them back and play with them.  I mean...there's 3 good sized x-formers in one 310 module...plus the inductors in the EQ...hell...the KNOBS are metal!

I'll be sure to check back once I get them in and start flogging them!
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Matt Allen on June 26, 2008, 01:13:45 AM
Great thread from years ago!

I get to enjoy a Quad Eight Coronado, same one that is mentioned above by t miller.
Hands down some of the best recordings I have heard.
Almost as if the console is perfectly matched with our recording space.
The Sphere's come in a close 2nd. Not really the same sound, but equally incredible.

The QE Mitsubishi Westar really shouldn't be in the QE category. It was the answer to Sony's 3000 series console, or vice versa.
Seemed like a "digital clear, crisp, bright, correct" kind of sound. blah!
just my old 2 cents
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Silvertone on September 12, 2008, 03:55:53 PM
Wow, in all this time I've never caught this post.

I should do a follow up to the article as I have been gathering a list of music cut on these old babies.

I wasn't aware Sound Labs had a Quad Eight. I bought some Electrodyne 712 channels strips from them some years back. I wonder if they had both Q8 and Edyne consoles at one time?
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: leonardo valvassori on January 09, 2009, 06:19:59 PM
Brian Kehew wrote on Wed, 23 November 2005 14:36

I have a lots of experience with older Quad Eights. I own the Pacifica, which is a 1976/77 era console, the type The Wall was mixed on. I


Bob Ezrins Q8 that the Wall was actually mixed on is still in use here in Toronto at Halla Music. I've recorded on it (as a musician) several times and can attest to how good it sounds.



Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Brian Kehew on January 16, 2009, 06:47:31 AM
I think (according to a friend who worked at Quad Eight) that The Wall was mixed on three consoles "tied together" to handle 72 tracks at times. I'm sure it wasn't needed for the whole album (listen to its sparseness at times) but for the bigger pieces.
Title: Re: Quad 8
Post by: Silvertone on July 18, 2009, 07:17:02 AM
Brian Kehew wrote on Fri, 16 January 2009 05:47

I think (according to a friend who worked at Quad Eight) that The Wall was mixed on three consoles "tied together" to handle 72 tracks at times. I'm sure it wasn't needed for the whole album (listen to its sparseness at times) but for the bigger pieces.



That's what I was told by 3 different sources when writing the article... the first guy being John Hall... then I had to verify this!

I'm now restoring The Judds old Sphere console and man does it sound good!