All user reviews for the EAA Quest 802

I have the 16 tracks in the 802: it's Quest 2 802 put together. The console is not rack it is even more enormous, like 25-30 kilos ...

It is a very simple table, but very versatile. There is space to lay his hands, feeling the faders and EQ. a pleasure to work.

* 16 mono channels so (8 channels for version 802)
* 2 Stereo output (label 1-3 and 2-4) 1-3 bus leaves in XLR, 2-4 in the TS,
* 1-3 bus allows the insert, eg a compressor, via Y-jacks
* 3 mono aux in jack
* Returns two mono (or stereo) each return a pan. returns are on the bus 1-3 and 2-4, at the same level. ca is NOT detachable.
* One headphone output (assignable to SOLO, at 1-3, at 2-4)

Each has 16 slices:
* A microphone preamp (XLR balanced input) to very good. He rounded the corners well and is very warm.
* A line input (unbalanced input jack in 6.35)
* Insert (used with a Y-cable)
* A direct out (post preamp of course, post fader, post EQ)
* A 20 dB pad
* Setting an input gain vast
* A low-cut shelving very effective in that it does not phase and that it does not remove the oumpf feet and lower cuts well but problems below 60 Hz
* EQ a beautiful bass (shelf) - medium (fully parametric) - Acute (shelf). we play in the yard of Studer & other Amek.
* A large fader 100m super nice Penny & Giles type (but I know if it is).

UTILIZATION

General configuration simple. an immediate feeling vintage!
no manual, but if you shop on the side of AETA is the company that took over the affairs of EAA.

SOUNDS

This is the highlight. Input line, a very transparent. In microwave, a color very "rounded" treble but a magnitude less chiseled sharp in the midrange and depth in the bass.

Apparently, this console was used for Radio France, but also in many studio recordings of classical and jazz in the late 70's and during the 80s. I'm not surprised, considering the price of the bazaar at the time (like 50 000 to 100 000 francs).

Today, we are accustomed to the digital world, my own breath a little, but it's not why we want him. If you want the smoky dub well, that's what matters precisely

The EQ is wonderful: from the special effects (sounds like a resonant filter when Q is very close) to the shimmering colorization, it is pure class. I would not be surprised to see the table become a collector a few years. Confidential and classy are two words that characterize the best!

OVERALL OPINION

I was looking for a small console, old type 'sidecar' studio / broadcast, like Studer 169 or Amek BC2 and BC3 to get into my DAW. This kind of table, we find between 2000 and 5000 euros ... But I think half of this value is due to some hype around these brands. Hype willingly maintained by specialist shops ... Since they are not many you will see who I mean, even though I will not name ...

From what I hear and Amek Studer, the EAA Quest 802 console has nothing to envy the models listed above, and I did not hesitate long. They are found far cheaper than 2000 euros, as EAA not (yet) been subjected to "hype" excessive ... and frankly we play in the same court.

What I like least in this table is that if it makes the soul one day I might be hard to get it fixed ...

It's a legendary console
In excellent condition, just to be revised.
This model has 8 input channels (mic + line) with direct outs, 4 generals including two switchable output sub-group, 3 aux sends (2 Cue Echo 1) and 2 effects returns.

Features
From the brochure of the time:

Remarkable for their small size and low weight, consoles Quest series are primarily intended for external operations requiring a high level of quality.

Directly derived from Quest "1202", which they incorporate the essential subsets, they have the same technical characteristics.

The basic model has 8 input channels, followed by four generals, two switchable output sub-group, 3 aux sends and 2 effects returns the complete package that also includes a monitor section.

Standard equipment includes preamp, and a true parametric equalizer for each channel.

Like all elements of the evolutionary Quest, console type "804" are scalable both input and output modules of 8 channels.

Features:

* Bandwidth: 7Hz-35kHz micro-3dB 3Hz-130kHz line-3dB

* Noise referred to input:-127dB

* Distortion:-127dB

* Overload: 22 dB mic, line 35 dB +30 dB output

* Fixed: + /-15dB at 80Hz, + /-15dB at 10kHz, + /-15dB from 180Hz to 7.5 kHz

* Phantom Power: 48 V

* Output Level: +4 dBm for 0VA / m

* External power supply: + /-18V

* Weight: 18kg

* Dimensions: 500 (440 +60) x 680 x 175

Options: plastic faders tracks, multi-pair, extension modules input and output, remote control, oscillator, ...
Unquote

Controls and connectors for each (top to bottom):

* Select microphone (XLR preamp input) / line (TS 6.35)

* 20dB Pad

* Low-cut filter at 80Hz low frequency shelf, excellent for correcting any problems below 60Hz without distorting the sound

Input Sensitivity (knob)

* Parametric EQ (details above) of very high quality, accurate, with midrange fully parametric (Q, f, gain) and switch to cut the EQ

* Aux 1, 2 and 3

* Break track (mute)

* Setting pan

* Routing bus station 1 / 3 and / or 2 / 4 and / or solo play

* Fader track of excellent quality, there are three quality levels: "Standard" carbon track with 100mm; "Alps" with pro carbon track 100mm; "plastic" plastic track with high reliability 104mm Penny and Giles or MCB "

* Insert (TRS move.)

* Direct out post-fader (TS 6.35)

Controls and connections master section:

* Level Effect return with a solo switch

* Back Level 2 with effect switch solo

* Departure Level 1 with auxiliary switch solo

* Departure level auxiliary switch 2 with solo

* Departure Level 3 with auxiliary switch solo

* Master Level 2 with switching master / sub-master, panoramic

* Level 4 with Master Switch master / sub-master, panoramic

* Headphone jack (6.35) with level adjustment, panning and viewing selector 1 +3, 2 +4 or solo

* Master Level 1 and 3 (faders)

* Primary Output 1 & 3 (2x XLR)

* Primary Output 2 & 4 (2x TS 6.35)

* Insert output 1 & 3 (2x stereo TS blow.)

* Auxiliary Outputs 1,2,3 (3x jack unbalanced mono 6.35)

* Returns for effects 1 and 2 (2x TS mono 6.35)

* Secondary output magneto (TRS 6.35)

* Back magneto Stero (TRS 6.35)

Others:

* Vu-meters (2)

* Cushion wrist rest below the faders

Sides * Solid wood (3cm thick per side)

Price HT Series Quest 804 in 1986 (VAT 28%):

* 8 tracks: Standard 19797FF; 21601FF Alps; Plastic 26674FF

* 16 tracks: Standard 34970FF; 38217FF Alps; Plastic 47349FF

* Extension 804: Standard 15157FF; 16601FF Alps; Plastic 20646FF

* Power: 2960FF

* Documentation: 280FF

To get an idea of ​​what it represents today in euros add VAT at 28% (x1, 28), add an inflation report about 50% between 1986 and 2004 (x1, 5) , and divide by 6.55957 to get it in Euros.
Use
A vintage dynausore course, but what comfort, what sound, what class!

The live-out by installment are a luxury to record each track directly to an input sound card or digital recorder or by connecting a speaker output for live experiments.

The manual was optional to 280FF HT in 1986, not always discoverable. Note that the manual is rather a service manual containing diagrams with list of components, etc..
Sounds

UTILIZATION

No particular concern.

SOUNDS

Input line, its very transparent. In microwave, a color very "rounded" treble magnitude less chiseled but very clean in the midrange and depth in the bass.

The EQ is a power, precision, clarity ... "The EQ is wonderful: from the special effects (sounds like a resonant filter when Q is close) to the shimmering colorization is pure class. I would not be surprised to see become a collector's table in the next few years. Classy confidential and are the two words that best describe!

OVERALL OPINION

It is not a Neve, but for the price, it's great.

in response to aliceinwonderland
This console is very well built and does not pose a problem for the will repair
I have one myself and I change all the opamp TL071 and TL072 opamps ^ by recent
lt1357 kind ad797 OPA134 etc. and sounds even better
I think part of his good lies in the 2 output transformer, small but effective
I use it live too, we regale
at the transformer preamp, I think you can still hear them on some small Radio France / culture, very laid back in the low frequency

UTILIZATION

yes of course

SOUNDS

entrance transparent line Ideal to mix summing

OVERALL OPINION

This console would be very good in 16 of the track to live if not huge n'tait