Turtlerock Forum

I have decided to sell my Optro sidecar console as I have more than enough pre amps. Has mic and line inputs and direct outs for each channel. $4000 .....or best offer.

A pic of the modules:

I have had a few questions from people unfamiliar with Optro gear so here is a bit of info about it.
The desk in it's original form was made for Melbourne University by Graham Thirkle around 1972. His Optro audio equipment was the Australian equivalent in build quality and sound to overseas manufacturers of time, eg Neve and Helios in the UK, Langevin, Universal and API in the USA. It was not a copy of any of these and had Grahams circuit designs. This desk has a transformer balanced discreet class A mic/ line input with op amps for the eq stage. The eq is 3 way: high shelf, sweepable mid, low shelf. Each module can be selected to any of the 4 outputs. I purchased the modules as the desk was parted out so I made a small tracking console for live and studio recording and it is also excellent as a summing mixer for a studio built mainly around a DAW.

Not a lot of interest. Price too high?

(..............Looks like I won't be buying the boat that's just gone up for sale.)

Looks fantastic. Price seems fair.
I'm just spent out right now. Trying to sell things myself.

A voice of encouragement from out of the silence................thanks Whitten.

"fair prices" seem outta reach lately. Just looking back through australian ebay auctions and such, it is almost scary.

Cranesong ibis for $2000. Pendulum quartet for $1700. Dual 1176 for $1400. Apogee Rosetta 200 for $900.

Eeeeep!

I'd hate to admit it, but I think its a buyers market at the moment... partly aided by the fact that nobody appears to be buying!!

Except 95% of BJB's assets.....sold

The Tasmanian wrote:Except 95% of BJB's assets.....sold

You had some ripper prices though!

Amazing forum here - I had no idea so much would move
Only a few things have gone to ebay.

But I will vouch for these Optro's - 10 Killer mic pre's for $4k is not overpriced
These particular 7500 Optros were used by Channel 9 /ABC etc - and what other desks did these guys have at the time - vintage Neves - that gives you an idea of the sort of sonic territory they are in.
1st few ACDC albums - done on Optro tape machines.
Graham Thirkle was a sonic genius IMO

Thanks fellow travelers of the audio path. These are great pre amps and it is a buyers market so, seems like a quick sale is out for now. I will just wait it out and pass on the boat......... auction ends this arvo.
I still need the cash eventually as boat option B is in storage, and I will still have 20 optro pre amp channels after these sell so they will continue to satisfy my sonic taste buds.

Oh I don't doubt it is a quality desk! I'm just musing over consumer behaviour more than anything.

No one has to buy this......do they?

I think it has something to do with music income.
If I was earning like I was ten years ago, this desk would be a no brainer.
I've looked around my studio and noted the channel strips I don't really need. Been trying to sell a few in this forum myself.
There are only two options, try to lower the price until buyers really can't say no, or hang on and hope economics improve.
The boat looks fantastic, and the price is right for the features and quality they bring to the party.
Financially I couldn't justify buying anything in the BJB sale. I was surprised it went as well as it did. No doubt testament to the basic quality of the items, the integrity of Chris and the reputation of BJB.

I know what you mean........ I will hang onto the desk and not lower the price, as gear like it is hard to replace and not being made like it was, especially for the price factor for 10 channels. Not to worry the money for the boat will come...just at a slower rate.

Bump.................Ha,Ha!

Not to de rail your sale..but I saw photos of an Optro modular synth made by Thirkle !( talented guy)
( I learn something new everyday

Cheers

Yeah, it looks pretty interesting - a one off, I believe?