I'm looking to set-up a makeshift analog studio over the next few months for the purpose of recording my friends' and my own music. I'm currently considering what mixer I'd like to purchase. I'll probably end up with one of the new Mackie VLZ3s, but want to get some suggestions before I spend anything. I don't need something that sounds "vintage" to be gratified, I'm totally content to have a transparent-sounding mixer, as long as it's good. That being said, I wouldn't mind something with a bit more character than a Mackie. I'm interested in older gear (e.g., the Sound Workshop 1280b), seeing that I'd rather have a better, cosmetically beat-up mixer, than a bland-new one for the same cost. My price range is $500 up to a little above a $1000. The goal is to find the right balance between quality and econo.

And while I'm at it, should I stick with a TEAC 3440s I have on hand, or is it worth me looking for an Otari MTR-10?

Thanks,
Doug

I've said it before on these forums, and I'll say it again, Ramsa WRT-820. What you get is a mixer that has nicer sounding preamps than a Mackie, much better build quality, and three band swept EQ,(Two peaking/dipping mids, and low shelving) into 8 busses.

You may have to watch out for scratchy pots/faders, as well as possibly needing to recap as most of them are at least 20 years old.

That being said, you can hear what they sound like on many old SubPop and Cruz records releases, as Jack Endino had one during this time.

Thanks for the help--I'm looking at a Ramsa WRT812 (for 300$) and a Ramsa WR8616 (for $350, but much closer to pick up). Am I getting anything out of the WRT series besides increased bussing/output capabilities? And am I getting anything more out the WR8616 besides more input channels?

it sounds like you're having similar ideas to what I had when I first got my Fostex E-16 tape machine and needed a mixer for it. I ended up picking up a Soundcraft 200-B from a friend who was upgrading, and I've really fallen in love with it. the thing I like about it in particular relative to other boards I've worked with is that the EQ's seem to be super sensitive and versatile. a small adjustment will generally make a huge difference, which comes in handy when I want something to stick out or blend in better with whatever else is around it in the mix.
I'm not a very tech savy person and am only speaking from personal experience, but those old Soundcraft boards do pop up on ebay pretty frequently and are generally cheaper than what you'd spend on a newer mixer.