Soundtracks Topaz 24

Condition & Description Condition Good Description PROJECT TOPAZ 24 ch mixer with hard-to-find meter bridge, lovely British-style EQ, relatively compact form factor considering the amount of channels and flexibility. AUX SENDS When designing an in‑line channel strip, it can be difficult to decide how to implement the Aux Send controls because, unless they are all made switchable for pre/post operation and all switchable between the main and monitor paths, some degree of compromise is inevitable. Even then, when mixing, there are plenty of occasions when you need to use the same effects unit on both the off‑tape signals and those coming in from sequenced MIDI equipment; for example, you may want to use the same reverb unit on the lead vocals as on the drum machine. Topaz compromises by providing six Aux buses and four Aux Send controls, which are used both for setting up cue mixes and with effects. Aux 1 is pre‑fade and is dedicated to the main channel signal path for use in setting up performers' cue mixes. Aux 2 works similarly but is dedicated to the Monitor signal path. SUMMARY As a contender for best budget desk, the Topaz has a lot going for it. Its direct competitor in price seems to be the Soundcraft Spirit LC; I feel the Topaz offers far more flexibility in the EQ department, but it loses out when it comes to effects send management. In most areas, the low cost of Topaz isn't reflected in the quality and number of features provided. The electrical performance as regards noise and headroom is excellent, and all the essential buttons are provided, right down to a phase switch. The only reason why no pad switch is provided is because the Analogue Devices preamp doesn't need one. When it comes to styling and layout, Topaz again scores very highly. Even without the optional meter bridge, the metering is still adequate for most recording purposes, especially as most users still rely on the meters on their tape machines, not on their mixer. Some people will bemoan the lack of a test oscillator, but to be honest, most of the ones fitted to budget mixers are inadequate for tape machine line‑up, and if you just want to trace a signal, you can always plug in a synth and stand a book on the keyboard! At a little over £100 per channel, the Soundtracs Topaz acquits itself as a competent and flexible desk able to cope with some quite serious work, and it really must be considered an exceptional desk at the price. Its only obvious weak spot is its effects send handling, but even so, most potential users should find that it's still flexible enough to do the job. The top end of the short list may be a little crowded these days, but from what I've seen, the Topaz deserves to be there alongside one or two other worthy contenders. Inexpensive it may be, but cheap it's not. A well‑specified mixer most suitable for 8‑ or 16‑track users who are looking for high performance on a tight budget, without sacrificing essential features Power supply is Included. Meter Bridge is fully functional and VU meters work as well. Pic of damage when moved by last owner. This does not affect any of the mixers functions or functionality or channel strip function. So because of this I am selling as is… All the pots and faders have been cleaned with Deoxit Fader inside and out. Two faders are missing as well. (Groups) Great Console!

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Model

TOPAZ 24

Type

AUDIO CONSOLE

Brand

SOUNDTRACS