Akai Professional MG1214

I used it for ten years, I bought it used (11,000 francs). This is a very good analog mixer with 12 channel equalizer 3-band parametric + (very effective). The integrated magneto recorded 12 tracks on tape 1 / 2 inch (K7 type Betamax BUT Akai format unique !!!). The value for money of the gear is good for ten years, however, the price of cassettes is far from being (30 to 40 euros for 20 minutes!, Prices rise along with the available is reduced). The sound is incredible, this machine can record a real album with punch and presence, he does wonders with the guitars, the battery is the ideal tool to catch live group. It can grow as you want in the red is warm and musical. The routing is very professional and efficient! (No phantom power supply for cons, but in general if you bump it was seriously good preamp tube)

The big problem is the maintenance is a pro machine that is paying the studios to record concerts and groups in the country, saying pro structure, says review every one or two years (400 / Sovenam at 500 euros. The price limits the use of cassettes for simple demos. Last black dot: the number of mechanical parts was sensitive to the fatal mine, the magneto is dead, I have scores of cassettes with ten years of work in a closet ...