TAC Scorpion

[mylesgm]

So in my quest to clear my space and to prepare for my upcoming wedding I have my TAC Scorpion for sale. Its a 16 mic/line + 4 aux into 8 busses into 2 Masters. Its in decent condition though a little dusty and its definitely seen plenty of professional work. Its a well set up desk with long throw faders, good mic pre's excellent EQ, LED Bargraph meters on masters and subgroups and a stand alone rackmount powersupply. It even has a padded arm rest and wooden side cheeks. Certainly a step up in both sound and build quality from most medium footprint desks being made today. AML (audio Maintenance limited) still supply parts and service these desks which I discovered when I needed to replace a coupe of pots. Had the parts to me in a few days and they were cheap too not too many companies like that any more either!

Just looking for interest but I would love to sell this in the next few weeks. Freight can be arranged but it is currently residing in melbourne.

The modules are:
16x s1000 Input Modules with 4 band EQ (swept mids), 4 aux sends, 16 main bus + ST,
2x s2000 Output Module Dual Aux Master bus out (pass filters) + FX Return
8x S3000 Aux Master Module Single subgroup + 3 band EQ
1x S4000 Stereo Master bus out + monitoring + Talkback + Slate Oscillator

---------
Myles Mumford

[walding]

What price you looking for Myles

Cheers

[mylesgm]

I was looking for 1000+. given the quality and the price I paid for it...
thanks

[toddd]

hey miles,

just wondering if you could post the size of the console?

[vanderlae]

I can vouch for the TAC Scorpion. A friend's studio in Melbourne replaced one of these a while ago with an SSL console which of course is a good move for anyone however I distinctly recall how nice the TAC console sounded. It was a great workhorse. Very easy desk, looks great and sounds very solid. Specifically, the channel gain when dialled up on vocals (both male and female) sounded very nice; not overly gritty, a smooth musical distortion if used tastefully. At this price, what a good buy. There is one on Mixmasters currently at $11k....granted it's 36 channels and partially automated, but still....

[vintagesoundguy]

I have the same console - my first after many years of recording ITB. I scored it for $200. It needed a good clean inside and out and has one dead channel. I used the trimpots off the dead channel to fix a few broken ones and I easily live without it. I don't think I would part with the TAC unless I was offered a lot more than $1K

Heres why it gets my vote:
Made in UK 1983
Great sounding pres and EQ
Very flexible ie multiple routing options
Easy to work on - module channels
Parts still readily available and can be modded
Looks 80s ubercool

If there is any gripe it would be its weight - but I shouldn't complain this equates to solid build right? :)

For 1K I would say go for it. More info including manual available at vintage console forum

Dale

[mylesgm]

Hi all, thanks for the positive comments about the desk! Yep its good but I've got other things on my mind at the moment and would love to see it go to a good home.
Size of the desk is a little under 90x90cm footprint.

Cheers
Myles

[vanderlae]

Welcome.

Post a photo Myles, that will seal the deal!

[mylesgm]

I'll try to get some photos tomorrow. The console is currently in storage so location wont be flattering but I'll do my best!
Myles

[mylesgm]

Here are some photos. As you will notice there are few superficial marks and a few of the fader knobs are missing. The marks will probably come out with elbow grease as they are not scatched into the paint work. The knobs you can order direct from Audio Maintenance Limited at a very reasonable price or simply do with out like I did.

The desk is currently packed for storage/shipping in high impact foam and will ship very well. The power supply and cable are included but not pictured.

Any more info pm me and I'll give you my telephone number.

Myles

[mylesgm]

well there's definitely been plenty of interest but no firm buyers as yet...

[no-fi]

wow - that's a beautiful looking desk.
would it be a step up from an A&H system8 mkII ?

I really like the idea of a desk I can pull channels out of to work on. Kinda interested in the idea of playing with opamp and capacitor subs on channels, but the system8 is hell to get inside, cause its so big, but not modular, so it has to go upside down on the floor first... blaah.

[mylesgm]

Hi No-fi,

Don't know the a&h system 8 so cant comment there. probably similar era other than that others should chime in.

As to the modularity this desk is great for that. Each channel is a single module and AML has spares or if you want to change the input/output options you can. ie 18 input 6 groups etc.
AML who by the way is owned/run by the guy who originally designed amek and tac desks also carry a range of mic pre/line pre upgrades and all the caps and spare parts you could ever want so if you want to hotrod
or modify the desk loads of options there too.

Yes its a good looking desk and I love the wooden cheeks.

If you want more info check the AML website http://www.audiomaintenance.com/home.htm

you could also pm me for my mobile number if you want to talk more

Myles

[mylesgm]

just letting you all know that this desk is still for sale. I've had a lot of interest but no firm sales so I'm opening up for offers before it goes to Ebay.

Myles

[13thbeach]

Wow! I can't believe this desk is still for sale. Looks to be in great shape and is well priced.

[Wiz]

Hey... It's only a couple of years on... Still got it?



A bloke can ask...

[Manning]

To the best of my knowledge, it didn't actually fit in Myles' carry-on luggage when he flew to Swaziland.

[Wiz]

To the best of my knowledge, it didn't actually fit in Myles' carry-on luggage when he flew to Swaziland.

Lol

[mylesgm]

Actually fit quite a lot in my luggage, so much so that I was going to have to pay for excess baggage but the fella behind the counter said "don't worry I'll put you in business so the luggage limit wont apply" pinot, cheese platters, tokay, scotch and sticky date puddings were my reward for lugging a pile of audio tools around. If only that happened more often!
The Scorpion still didn't fit though which was just as well because I'd already sold it to Wez. Managed to fit a UA apollo quad, Fostex Fr2-LE, 2x Se4400a, 2x Rode NT-6, Rode Blimp, cables and was recording stuff within a few days of arriving.