Soundcraft DC2020

I will present my console, 32-in-line surround + patch.

Console quality pro, nothing is overlooked in this range there. SSL is a baby, upscale soundcraft until 1998 (set at that time). Catalog value: 400 000 francs, or 60 000 euro.

Console reasonable size (2 m wide in this version), 80 cm deep and 100 kilometers (reasonable, my old analog Soundtracs spa4000 weighed 300 kg)

32 mic / line, plus 24 additional line input, 4 stereo return.
Configuration in-line tape 32 then send / return.
2 two-track return
A master L / R, 2 monitor output (useful for 2 sheets), 8 groups.
insert for voice, the master and groups. Works on the tape send or return (to choose from for each)
To 6, pre or post fader on the channel fader or monitor. the "on" and one of the three benefits of automation.
With the patch, the only connection is available for 32 XLR microphone input and output SMPTE time code and the south. the rest is taken EDAC (equal to the Harting in principle). So need a remote patch. Personally, I opted for plates XLR M and F for the entire connection, and 6.35 for Jack Send Tapes and return.

my only regret is that the low cut is fixed (100 Hz) and it does not return the tape, making it necessary to make choices in the decision. This concern is now offset by a cut in the bottom plug on each sequencer track.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is simple (based on the config SSL). It is clear, with a choice of simple routing (mix, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 6-8), ability to retrieve groups of slices, additional line inputs.

This is an in-line console, ie for each (for those who do not know): you plug the microphone, it is the gain (and Eq, insert if necessary), the small fader (10 cm) manages the tape send, ie the send level to the registration system (for my part, Motu 2). It is ready to record the registration system and is recovered on the large motorized fader return the tape, which allows us to check at check that all is well. We therefore per two fader. Little can be used to mix to increase opportunities for console input, retrieving entries suppléménentaires line, on which we can patch through to put what you want (in the end, 32 24 = 56 tracks in mix)

Automation:
This analog console has a complete automation of these great fader (monitor), the mute small fader (channel), the "on" to the 1 and 3, 6 departures on mute, the master fader, mute of the 4 fader groups (VCA). All faders monitor the master and control group are tactile.
Automation is managed from the touch screen console, the menu is heavy but logically organized.
internal memory is not sufficient to mix 15 tracks with a lot of mix points, but correct in 60% of cases. The use of an external PC in the console management as well is essential for 3 reasons:
- Make their automations unlimited memory
- Navigate easily on a 21-inch screen with the mouse on an 8 "Finger
- Save the touch screen is no longer manufactured, it is the only significant piece of the console. (Pre-amp and fader motor is always available for service in soundcraft SCV)
Transport machine:
Console manages several types of transport machinery the MMC which is very convenient to control the current system (protools, cubasse, logic ...), and avoids the keyboard on the console. An alternative is to have a numeric keypad USB depusi his computer to be the shortening of transport, and to enslave the ANSI console on the recordeur and not vice versa.

Surround:
This console an optional external interface 2U, TV 8, manufactured by Soundcraft Magtrax under license, which allows monitoring in a 7. The entire monitoring the console is then managed from the central part, which get in the place of EQ stereo returns a management panel. The level is clearly displayed, you can enjoy a pre and post listening Dolby matrix, which the music can be replaced by a compressor 5 or use a stereo and put his favorite compressor.

From a mix standpoint, I find it comfortable, ergonomic and fast enough. A series of short beep indicates that automation is recorded.

SOUNDS

So transparent? ben not of course, she's sound, but what sound. The pre amp has the air they breathe when you open ... !
The grave is pechus round the lower midrange pretty sweet but precise, not aggressive medium and deep (but not as much as SSL, on the other hand, it is not SSL), defined very acute.
I find that Eq are closer than Neve SSL by their musicality.
Two of the four bands are parametric, and the other two are shelving or peak with Q fixed. Moreover, and as to one-half of the resource can be shared between the channel and the monitor (two bands of EQ for one, the other two for the other or to any . regards to it's the same for the 1-3 and 4-6)
And according to eq that you used, some is pre-insert, and the other post. Very handy! According to the purification trvaux sound, I use upstream of plugq eQ for his own receives a coat with the EQ on the console, which are incomparable with the plugs.

After everything is a matter of taste. Personally, the Eq j'adooooooooooore and pre amp.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had 10 months. I use it regularly since June 2007 on various projects, both from the record that mix pure and réstauratoin sound or the soundtrack.
I love the sound, EQ, ergonomics, visualization of levels, the patch complete, very comprehensive in banttam. Jadore precision faders, their touch. This console is not tiring for the job, everything is accessible, well-placed. A highlight for an analog console, it's appallingly REMAP: you move your virtual fader, for example the chorus added last drummer on the track 32 can be found on the fader controlled 20 in the chorus section is cool it for the organization.
What I like least ... ben nothing ... go if just for 8 instead of 6, for comfort.

For me the report Qualter price is right.
I bought it for the price of a DM2000 (for which I had hesitated longment). Regarding automation, the surround mix and management of monitoring, it was clear that DM2000 netttement more powerful, with the advantage of a comp and a gate for each. For cons, the preamp and the EQ of the console are well below the DC2020. Listen to the EQ and you will. In any case, so I decided to buy it. For the multichannel mix, I used as my DAW automation, using the console as a final summation.
The digital equivalent in terms of sound quality is 3-5 times more expensive (Innovason, Didico, Digidesign ...) So, below 60 000 euros new, a digital worthless compared to analog. And I know what I mean

This choice I would do without hesitation, on the other hand I hope to have the GST money to spend then a step up (SSL, NEVE, AMEK)

For the record, I started 12 years ago now with a console 12 votes Seck, then I had one of the first DDX3216 Berhinger (worth 2000 euros argh). Then I moved a big step up with SPA 4000 soundcraft, again analog input 40, VAC and 300 pounds! . And finally the DC2020. The next logical: Innovason Sy48 (that is French and the digital sounds serious!), If SSL AWS 900 Analogue type or Neve Genesys.

For me a great console too little known in France (only ten copies) and my surround version is unique (source: SAV SCV)