Any opinions about this console?
Thanks,
Jarrod
Tac Scorpion
2I've worked on two of them, in different states, about 10 years apart from each other. Neither one particularly blew me away sonically, but were laid out fairly simply. One of them, a 16-input 8-buss, was very poorly maintained and had numerous problems over the two years I spent with it off and on. The 32-input, 24-bus version that I used about 12 years ago seemed to be fairly stable, but I don't know if it's still in use at the same studio. I found the sound to be a little harsh (not nearly as harsh as, say, a Mackie) and somewhat similar to Soundcraft consoles such as the TS-12. The smaller console, which I used more recently, was primarily used for doing keyboard submixes, the larger was used for tracking full band. Hope this helps.
Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC
Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC
Tac Scorpion
3I have had some experience with this console - around ten years ago at a recording school which shall remain nameless 
. This particular Scorpion was a pretty heavily used desk. The card contacts on the modules were so dirty and worn that channels were constantly dropping out and producing noise. Our solution (much to the dismay of the admin) was to wedge nickels and quarters between the modules in hope that this would help force the cards to make a secure contact with the connectors in the frame. 
The problem was so bad that on the few sessions I tracked in this room I brought in a friends Mackie 8-bus
for the mic pre's and tracked direct to tape, I only used the Scorpion for monitoring!
Besides this problem, I was not terribly impressed in the least with the functionality or sound of this console. It had little headroom and was rather noisy (even on the modules that weren't a problem). The EQ sections reminded me more of a Peavey guitar amp than a pro recording console.
. This particular Scorpion was a pretty heavily used desk. The card contacts on the modules were so dirty and worn that channels were constantly dropping out and producing noise. Our solution (much to the dismay of the admin) was to wedge nickels and quarters between the modules in hope that this would help force the cards to make a secure contact with the connectors in the frame.
The problem was so bad that on the few sessions I tracked in this room I brought in a friends Mackie 8-bus
for the mic pre's and tracked direct to tape, I only used the Scorpion for monitoring!
Besides this problem, I was not terribly impressed in the least with the functionality or sound of this console. It had little headroom and was rather noisy (even on the modules that weren't a problem). The EQ sections reminded me more of a Peavey guitar amp than a pro recording console.
Tac Scorpion
4I totally agree with post above,
It is dodgy all the way.I used it for live sound, where it sounded quite O.K., but with that kind of EQ you don't get that much of control...
Design was nice for that time, to day it looks silly.
TS 12 is not similar to this console in any way.
Preamps are totally different, EQ as well, and about headroom on that desk (TS 12) I could write a novel.
I used both desks heavily so, I can say I know them.
It is dodgy all the way.I used it for live sound, where it sounded quite O.K., but with that kind of EQ you don't get that much of control...
Design was nice for that time, to day it looks silly.
TS 12 is not similar to this console in any way.
Preamps are totally different, EQ as well, and about headroom on that desk (TS 12) I could write a novel.
I used both desks heavily so, I can say I know them.
Tac Scorpion
5To anyone starting out the Tac is a great board to learn on."PHASE REV"
this is one of the few English boards you can buy for $800-1500 and has Phase Rev switch.Mackie's don't.If you want to be a gear Fag go buy something else if you can afford it or can find anything in that price range ? until you learn about phase you are fucked if you want low end.
I own a Neotek IIIc now but my first board was a Tac.There is no way you could tell some of the records I recorded were done on a Tac or any board!With a hand full of cool mics you are on your way.Eq's were a little dirty in sound but I don't mind color on Mic pre's,when I did not want any color I used my Syteks straight to tape.All the chanels can be replaced and sent out to a number of companys to get modified to improve headroom and eq's sounds.Audio upgrades does one of the best mods for about $150each chanel.I had two chanels upgraded and they rocked.Last Albini is the dude who told me to get one if I could find a Tac!
If you want to hear a Tac in action check out Vaz(ex Hammerhead guys)on GSL,Choke Bore new record(also Ex AmRep)
These records were all recorded on a Tac Scorpion.
Last they look cool with that Scorpion logo in the VU meter ,Bands play better when they see that .
Adios
Frances Miranda-Los Angeles
this is one of the few English boards you can buy for $800-1500 and has Phase Rev switch.Mackie's don't.If you want to be a gear Fag go buy something else if you can afford it or can find anything in that price range ? until you learn about phase you are fucked if you want low end.
I own a Neotek IIIc now but my first board was a Tac.There is no way you could tell some of the records I recorded were done on a Tac or any board!With a hand full of cool mics you are on your way.Eq's were a little dirty in sound but I don't mind color on Mic pre's,when I did not want any color I used my Syteks straight to tape.All the chanels can be replaced and sent out to a number of companys to get modified to improve headroom and eq's sounds.Audio upgrades does one of the best mods for about $150each chanel.I had two chanels upgraded and they rocked.Last Albini is the dude who told me to get one if I could find a Tac!
If you want to hear a Tac in action check out Vaz(ex Hammerhead guys)on GSL,Choke Bore new record(also Ex AmRep)
These records were all recorded on a Tac Scorpion.
Last they look cool with that Scorpion logo in the VU meter ,Bands play better when they see that .
Adios
Frances Miranda-Los Angeles
Tac Scorpion
6If you want to be a gear Fag go buy something else if you can afford it or can find anything in that price range ?
Francis -
Your advice on the console is helpful. But please
PLEASE
could this board be the one music related place on the internet that doesn't use the terms fag or gay or homo as derogatory terms?
I ask this out of courtesy with the hope that we can also skip a "PC" vs. "civil rights" debate. Thanks.
= Justin
Tac Scorpion
9Hi!
I got a Tac Scorpion II 20X 8, I paid 1.200 euros, Is the best deal that I have made in my life, The Tac replace a Behringer (Uff) Maybe the Tac is not the best sounding console, and maybe make a little more noise than the Makie’s, but god bless this noise! Have you listen Elephants the new album from the White Stripes?
For this price I’m sure that this is the best console that I can buy.
I got the manual and the tech guide of this console if anybody need something just send me and e-mail.
Adios a todos!
Regards
I got a Tac Scorpion II 20X 8, I paid 1.200 euros, Is the best deal that I have made in my life, The Tac replace a Behringer (Uff) Maybe the Tac is not the best sounding console, and maybe make a little more noise than the Makie’s, but god bless this noise! Have you listen Elephants the new album from the White Stripes?
For this price I’m sure that this is the best console that I can buy.
I got the manual and the tech guide of this console if anybody need something just send me and e-mail.
Adios a todos!
Regards