In article ,
Eeyore wrote:
I was appalled at the level of disinterest in audio within the 'board'
at Neve. That's one reason I quit after about 3 years as a project
leader. I could see they were heading for failure, and indeed it was so.

Neve produced generally good sounding designs, but the quality of some
components was dreadful. Switches, pots and relays mainly. Often wore out
after about 2 years broadcast use - not what you'd expect from top dollar
prices.

--
*I'm planning to be spontaneous tomorrow *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

Eeyore wrote:

I was appalled at the level of disinterest in audio within the 'board'
at Neve. That's one reason I quit after about 3 years as a project
leader. I could see they were heading for failure, and indeed it was so.

Neve produced generally good sounding designs, but the quality of some
components was dreadful. Switches, pots and relays mainly.

Funny considering they spent lots of money on pots and relays and stuck with
the same design of switch intentionally for decades.


Often wore out after about 2 years broadcast use - not what you'd expect
from top dollar
prices.

That's an atypical experience.

What console model(s) ?

Graham

In article , Eeyore
wrote:


"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

Eeyore wrote:

I was appalled at the level of disinterest in audio within the
'board' at Neve. That's one reason I quit after about 3 years as a
project leader. I could see they were heading for failure, and
indeed it was so.

Neve produced generally good sounding designs, but the quality of some
components was dreadful. Switches, pots and relays mainly.

Funny considering they spent lots of money on pots and relays and stuck
with the same design of switch intentionally for decades.

Other makers seemed to have found more reliable switches.


Often wore out after about 2 years broadcast use - not what you'd
expect from top dollar prices.

That's an atypical experience.

What console model(s) ?

I'm not good at remembering model nubers. The range BBC TV first used
(narrow module) at TV centre. The first one in TC3 was deemed unsuitable
for live use after only a few years due to unreliability. While much older
and equally as heavily used desks by both the BBC and commercial suppliers
soldiered on. I'd say that's why the BEEB changed to Calrec.

Teddington Studios had an early 'inline monitoring' unit in the recording
studio. The relays were changed several times and cleaned more often. And
there were a lot of relays.

--
*A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

Eeyore wrote:
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
Eeyore wrote:

I was appalled at the level of disinterest in audio within the
'board' at Neve. That's one reason I quit after about 3 years as a
project leader. I could see they were heading for failure, and
indeed it was so.

Neve produced generally good sounding designs, but the quality of some
components was dreadful. Switches, pots and relays mainly.

Funny considering they spent lots of money on pots and relays and stuck
with the same design of switch intentionally for decades.

Other makers seemed to have found more reliable switches.

You're the first person I know to mention these kinds of problems. I know a
guy who does a lot of Neve service so I'll mention your comments to him.


Often wore out after about 2 years broadcast use - not what you'd
expect from top dollar prices.

That's an atypical experience.

What console model(s) ?

I'm not good at remembering model nubers. The range BBC TV first used
(narrow module) at TV centre. The first one in TC3 was deemed unsuitable
for live use after only a few years due to unreliability. While much older
and equally as heavily used desks by both the BBC and commercial suppliers
soldiered on. I'd say that's why the BEEB changed to Calrec.

Teddington Studios had an early 'inline monitoring' unit in the recording
studio. The relays were changed several times and cleaned more often. And
there were a lot of relays.

Care to put a rough date on this ?

Graham

In article ,
Eeyore wrote:
Other makers seemed to have found more reliable switches.

You're the first person I know to mention these kinds of problems. I
know a guy who does a lot of Neve service so I'll mention your comments
to him.

I'd say he's more than happy with the situation. ;-)

Often wore out after about 2 years broadcast use - not what you'd
expect from top dollar prices.

That's an atypical experience.

What console model(s) ?

I'm not good at remembering model nubers. The range BBC TV first used
(narrow module) at TV centre. The first one in TC3 was deemed
unsuitable for live use after only a few years due to unreliability.
While much older and equally as heavily used desks by both the BBC and
commercial suppliers soldiered on. I'd say that's why the BEEB changed
to Calrec.

Teddington Studios had an early 'inline monitoring' unit in the
recording studio. The relays were changed several times and cleaned
more often. And there were a lot of relays.

Care to put a rough date on this ?

The BEEB desks went in early '70s. The Teddington Studios one I referred
to bought for the New London Theatre installation in the late '70s - then
moved to the recording studio. Where it was lovingly cared for and had
only moderate use. Was sold for a small fortune after Thames sold the
studios.

--
*Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.