I am considering buying a Soundcraft GB4 mixing console and had a few questions about the build quality.

Are the knobs really loose or are they a nice resistance when turning?

How are the faders?

I do not have a local store that has any of these to try out.

Thanks for your input!

I use a GB4 in my hybrid mixing setup and really enjoy it. It was designed as a budget live console of course, but with careful gain staging I find that it works well enough in a studio environment. Lots of routing options and auxes (pre and post). It makes mixing a lot more hands on and fun for me!

I don't use the pres for tracking usually because I have better options. The channel EQs can be hard-bypassed, which I do routinely because I have nice outboard alternatives.

But your question was about the pots and faders. I would say the pots do feel a little loose when turning, still OK though. The full size faders are great! Feel really nice and smooth.

Hope that helps. By the way: my user name is not related to the console... simply my initials :-)

I bought a new GB8-40 back in April. I don't notice any loose knobs. I'm really enjoying this mixer.

8-post fader aux sends is what I really wanted.

The EQ is nice, flexible, good for an onboard eq.

Overall the noise floor of the desk is low (lower than my previous Allen and Heath).

The price on this board really blew me away. I had to ask Sweetwater for a custom quote because they don't show it on their web site but they ordered it for me and gave me an incredible deal.

The console showed up with the right output meter being intermittent. Sweetwater really stepped up to the plate, they ordered me a second console, let me keep the first one until the second one showed up and they paid all the shipping to swap the mixers. Now that is super service. Thank you Sweetwater, that's why I keep buying stuff from you.

I'm in my 60's, I've been repairing stuff all my life. I wanted a mixer that was clean and worked well. I'm very happy with the GB8-40.

The difference in price between the GB4 and GB8 was not much at all, some places show the GB4 for more than I paid for the GB8.

The GB8-40 was $15,000 list price in 2005, it's much lower now and the price I got it for was really low. I suspect that Harman has a warehouse full of these somewhere and they are blowing them out now because digital mixers are what people are buying.

Good luck and good music to you!

Thank you all for the responses!

I have been using the gb2 in my home studio for 5 years and it has been absolutely rock solid! No scratchy pots, no ground issues, it just works...if only it had afl and q adjustment on the eq. Build quality is impressive for the price.

I'm thinking of getting one for my home studio recording too and doing live performance type sets / demos. Doesn't really seem like much alternative unless you go used or with a Mackie VLZ4 or A&H Zed. As long as it sounds good and isn't going to mess up my recordings I'll be happy with it. Doesn't have to impart any special 'analog magic' as long as it's clean and transparent, doesn't rob recordings of anything and the EQ is usable. I don't even really need the preamps - just the line ins.

Not sure between the GB8, 4 and 2. I guess 8 buss could be handy for live performance things. I do plan to record all 32 channels straight into my DAW anyway though.

Any more thoughts from users or any better options out there for a home studio?

What did you end up getting? Any comments? Thank you!

Bump, Thread revival!

I’ve just bought a GB8 40 for a new studio rig. It’s en route from Belgium. I was originally looking for a Mackie, or something ’clean’, zero latency ?, for routing, grouping, sub mixing, multiple pre/post aux’s, pre/post direct out’s etc. I have external pre’s for tubes, transformers, colour, punch.
I couldn’t believe all the features this board has for the price. Anyone anything further to add on their experience with this board? How do you use/connect your balanced outboard gear with the GB8’s TRS channel inserts?

Thanks!

Re-Bump!

I don’t have one, but typically you would use insert “Y” cables with the TRS inserts along with a patchbay.

Thanks Gravyface, but that’s part of my question… I’ll be connecting balanced line inputs and outputs of e.g. Distressors to the unbalanced TRS inserts of the GB8.

TRS splits out into 2 TS jacks for a Send & Return, into DI boxes or balancing transformers, into balanced input and output of outboard ?

You're galaxy-braining the unbalanced part. It'll be fine unless you plan on running your distressor in a different postal code.

OK, so overkill on the TRS thinking ?. Thanks. No advantage at all?

I’m saying that unbalanced inserts are not a big deal; just get some regular Y cables and you’re all set.

Ok Family,
I have a Soundcraft GB8 console mixer. I also bought a UAX220v2 to connect the board to my Mac.

Everything is working except my mic.
I tried connecting it to the board itself....nothing
I tried connecting it to the UAX220v2...nothing.
- yes, the mic works, I tried it on other tech.

Ideas?

I'm assuming you got your GB8 working by now? I use a GB4 in a hybrid setup and love it. Only wish the extra groups the GB8 offers.
Something no one mentions is the limiter on these desks that sends to record out. It works a treat!