Allen & Heath System 8 - 16-16-2
Category: Products / mixing desks / analog mixers
Added: 10-Jan-03 | Author: admin
New price: discontinued | S/H price: 200-300 quid
Company Link: Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath System 8 - 16-16-2
Allen & Heath System 8 mixers can be found reasonably easily in the free-ad's and I think they are one of the finest choices for a cheap affordable s/h mixer despite their age. Back in the day, just before the super-budget breakthru of the narrow format tape machines arrived from Fostex etc, 3 mixers ruled the earth for budget price studio's. The Studiomasters, the Soundcrafts and the Allen & Heaths. These 3 companies must have accounted for a good 80% of all budget studio mixers which were in use at that time, and today these mixers still rock for a super-sweet sound!.Of all the system 8's released, the ones I used were almost all MKI models with the browny-green colour (although I did work for a while with a later grey Mk3.
[later grey style mkII/mkII style]
The System 8 mixers were a very popular desk as they were quite price-breaking at the time of release (82/83 for the first series), and quickly found a home in many studio's and pa systems offering quality facilities in a non-modular format, built in meter-bridge and more.
Don't think cos they are old they are not as 'good' as a modern mixer, the eq on these mixers is SO sweet, really really warm and fat, and tracks mixed on this desk seem to have really good definition...
System 8's are not small! - so you need a bit of space... but then that to me is half their charm, you get a big working area, with plenty of space between channels and nice chunky pots... all is laid out clearly and working with one is a breeze, they are VERY easy to understand for the newbies too because you don't have any cryptic routing & switching modes like found on so many compact modern mini-mixers!
Ok, so that's my experience of this mixer series, and i would not hesitate to use one again as a front-end for a PC digital system nowadays if I had the space. They might be a tad noisier (on paper) that a modern 'mini/compact' mixer, but the sound!!... the sound is so so sweet! - These would be perfect also for anyone seeking to setup a budget/midrange classic analog style studio to accompany a 16 track. (or it'd be cracking to use with a couple of sync'd ADAT's too!
Another cool thing is the extention module which like the earlier Studiomaster mixers from this period allowed you to bolt-on an additional 8 channels. The add-on module is rare tho, but you might be lucky to find one included with the original desk! - Also these mixers could be cascaded together to link two! - quite an inovative mixer at the time and when it came out as i say it was a real blockbuster seller offering superb sound and pro facilities at a cost-concious price. You might have seen these in budget 16 track studio's with mebbe an old Soundcraft Saturn or Brennel mini-8 or Tascam 8 track tape deck or whatever.
 | On the left you can see a System 8 channel strip. System 8's have Balanced XLR's with phantom & inserts on all channels, and input pad (20db) for mic signals - 3 Aux sends, one pre-fade, one post-fade & one switchable pre/post. Pfl & Mute switch, peak led indicator and a long-throw 100mmm fader with a +10dB overtravel for getting extra input gain. Output Routing is simple with the L/R & sub-group buttons down the bottom by the pan/fader. The mute switch makes it ideal for dub's and live dance mixing and there's no nasty popping or clicks when you use it. The top Eq has selectable shelving 8/12k switch and the bass Eq had an 60/120hz shelving switch, top that with a nice sweep mid from 400hz-6khz and british design & quality components and the sound of these mixers really hums!... I used one in a reggea studio for a year or two I worked in and the tracks which resulted from various sessions in that time were really nice and warm and fat. The switchable top & bottom Eq shalving allows you to really tweak up the sound... Switch to 60hz for real ball-busting warm defined bass tweaking, or 120hz to work a bit higher up the range for gorgeous low-mid sweetness.. same with the tops, this eq is just so sweet and imo pisses on some of the supposedly 'British eq' clone mixers on the market today. |  | The Buss section has inserts on all outs & group/tape switching and you've got 2 aux sends on each buss. The buss channels can also function of course as basic returns for extra Aux return use or adding extra inputs (with no eq) which gives you a potential extra 8 channels on mix. Master section has all the gumph, aux's & aux returns, pfl, monitoring, 1k slate tone, talkback, streo foldback etc etc, plus there's a headphone socket and a mic socket onboard to add a foldback mic. System 8 is a proper desk offering full functionality for all studio & live pa tasks with dedicated controls for everything. |  | Master section has all the gumph, aux's & aux returns, pfl, monitoring, 1k slate tone, talkback, stereo foldback etc etc, plus there's a headphone socket and a mic socket onboard to add a foldback mic. System 8 is a proper desk offering full functionality for all studio & live pa tasks with dedicated controls for everything. |
Here is a System 8 (mk1 16-8-16) with the add-on 8 channel extention - sweet eh!
Here's some info from Allen & Heath's website.
The System 8 range was designed for multitrack recording or sound reinforcement. There were three different series of System 8 mixers: Marks I, II and III, each with its different models of input and output formats and each with different circuitry. The Mark I and II desks were a brown colour overall, and the Mark III was grey. The Mark I and Mark II models can be differentiated by the fact that the Mark II had faders with 100mm of travel plus an EQ Cut switch on each channel. The Mark I had faders with 90mm travel and no EQ Cut switches.
Production dates
MKI: Dec 1982 to Mar 1983
(serial numbers 0801 to 1657)
MKII: Mar 1983 to May 1986
(serial numbers 2001 to 3040)
MKIII: May 1986 to Aug 1993
(serial numbers 4001 to 4543)
Retail Prices
(Prices from August 1988 price list.
Prices exclude tax and are given for reference only. We are not able to advise on prices for used consoles).
System 8 1616 - £1900
System 8 2416 - £2395
System 8 MKI spec sheet
A big image of the 12-8-2
D/load zipped original brochure images
So there ya go - a classic 80's mixer worth seeking out in the free ad's - Thought I'd add it in to the old DT listings... Anyone use this still or has some fond memories?... Fel free to leave some user comments below!...
Product Manuals or Files
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Category: Products / mixing desks / analog mixers
User Comments
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: RAYMOND ASHLEY
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: Hobby-ist
Date: 28-Feb-07
WANTED ALLEN&HEATH-SYSTEM 8-16-16-2 REASONABLE PRICE IN GOOD
CONDITION/OR FOR SPARES. ALSO 3 TRACKS FOR MY BRENELL MINI 8.
i HAVE HAD THESE FROM NEW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED A COWBOY
SO CALLED ELECTRONICS EXPERT. OTHER THAN THAT I THINK THAT THEY ARE GREAT.
Product rating out of 5:  |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: shelltat
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: Hobby-ist
Date: 01-Mar-07
urgently needed allen&heath-system 8-16-16-2 goodcondition. Comment
I couldn't do without it, simply the best.
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: RAYMOND ASHLEY
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: Hobby-ist
Date: 22-Mar-07
Ms Williams
Thank you for your E'mail but sadley you did not leave your for contact.
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: Sean Hur
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: part-timer
Date: 04-Apr-07
i am desparately searching for an original 16-8-2 system-8 power supply... anyone have a spare lying around or perhaps a way to get phantom power on this board? I have a custom double RCA transformer power supply which was rigged up for the previous owner by an RCA engineer, but it was never wired to supply the phantom power. please contact me at yellodoggmusic@yahoo.com for any help you can offer. thanks!
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: Sean Hur
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: part-timer
Date: 04-Apr-07
correction, the model i own is a system 8 16-16-2... anything you can point me towards i would appreciate!
cheers
sean
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: Pete
Email: Email supplied but hidden
http://austin.craigslist.org/msg/414760311.html
Activity: part-timer
Date: 05-Sep-07
System 8 16/16 now listed. check link. Local pick up only.
Product rating out of 5:  |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: Viny Vamos
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: part-timer
Date: 15-Nov-07
Hi,
I currently have my eye on a MKI 24-8-2 here in Ireland. I can't find it in the MKI brochures so it could be pretty rare. I've ruled out the chance that it's just a 16-8 with an EX8 extension module bolted on.
I was told it was given to a previous owner by Mr. Allen/Heath himself so it could be a prototype. It has direct outs on ALL 24 channels which is not in the MKI spec too! All faders have been replaced so it could be a steal for 450 euro.
I have a 16-8 I was given years ago but it's now on it's last legs.:-( Any light that anyone can shed on this old beast of a desk would be great before it gets sold to someone else. Thanks!
Vinny
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: gillan
Email: Email supplied but hidden
www.myspace.com/therealsoupcon
Activity: Professional
Date: 08-Mar-08
i have a 1616 with power supply for sale.
please email if interested.
gillanthedrummer@gmail.com
thanks,,,
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: paul lewis
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: part-timer
Date: 18-Aug-08
My system 8 is 24/16/8/2 with mod by allen & heath of 2 more stereo echo returns 3 more auxes plus monitor section has also been moded
All work done by allen & heath ,also all faders are penny and ghiles self clean .
But space forces sale also b16 plus all looms and remote. if your looking for that warm but clean eq this is the desk for you!
paul
Devon...
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: John Shaw
Email: Email supplied but hidden
www.shawsounds.com
Activity: Professional
Date: 20-Mar-10
Hello,
I am looking for an external power supply for a Brenell mini 8 tape deck. The recorder is in good condition but unfortunately missing the P/supply.
Any leads would be most useful (excuse the pun")
Kind regards,
John Shaw
01708 342553
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: Jon Holmberg
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: Professional
Date: 14-May-10
Hi, I am in the US and I am Looking for a Mk1 System 8 168 or an 8 channel expander module or any mk1 board that might be available to ship to the USA , Nothing beats that British Sound !
Thanks
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: Jon Holmberg
Email: Email supplied but hidden
www.myspace.com/cutoutsjho
Activity: Professional
Date: 14-May-10
Sorry, Here is my correct email address: jonaudio1@aol.com
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: MANUEL MARTINEZ
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: Professional
Date: 26-May-11
I need the service manual or user manual for the allen heat 1616-2...please....thanks!!
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: Dan Allmann
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: Hobby-ist
Date: 26-Jul-11
Have a System 8 MKIII for sale in the US.
Call Dan (619) 322-1012
| Product rating out of 5: |
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: Clark
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: Professional
Date: 05-Mar-12
I just got my hands on one of these...its an Mkll, demo model we believe...it
has the add on 8 extension also. Also scored a Teac 85-16b. Im hoping all is in
descent condition. Does anyone use this boards channels just for preamps
and eqs alone to route to a DAW?
| Product rating out of 5: |
Last added comment
Product: Allen & Heath - System 8 - 16-16-2
Name: Spacebwoy
Email: Email supplied but hidden
Activity: part-timer
Date: 31-Jan-13
I got one of these off a friend when he moved to a digital desk. It has some of
the finest sounding preamp/eq's I've ever heard. It may be from the ark, but it's
a damn sight cheaper than a Manley!
| Product rating out of 5: |
'Allen & Heath System 8 - 16-16-2'
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