Nice console! Sounds good. I love having a discrete console you can’t beat rows and rows of transformers. Mine has over 100 transformers in it and weighs 500 pounds made in 1976. Lots of classic hits done on mine.
I always liked the way Chilton look. Never tried one but always been on my radar. We are building a custom Neumann console at our studio in Vienna, so yes, Viva Consoles !
@@jamiedurrantmusician indeed! Here:The custom Neumann Console at TIC studio - Vienna There will be a final video with sounds when it’s done! th-cam.com/video/d68A6BFuvYA/w-d-xo.html
Love that you’re using a 421 for your voice recording. Great and under-appreciated mic. Designed for voice. Used for Tom toms. Wasted that way. Sounds like a U87 with a good clean preamp. Ive owned both and experimented extensively. Great looking console.
Wow just love old consoles and old gear. we have a lot of great old gear in our storage space. the only thing is to really get that classic Vibe you have to use this console with a tape machine. digital audio is inferior and will not give you the actual vibe of years ago. using this console with tape would be like a time machine. wow
I've got the 24 channel version.....it's pretty funky! Love running my old synths and drums through it for some of that sweet seventies coloration. Low output on group 1 fader is my only issue.....should be a simple recap. Other than that, this thing's built like a tank. There's a reason the BBC favoured the Chilton consoles for OB work. Sure, they'll never rival a classic Neve for overall build quality, headroom and features.......but they're a solid and reliable class A console nonetheless!
Can't say I'm impressed with headroom if comparing to Neve, but I am comparing to Neve 1972 (year) 1066 preamps with round can transformers - I used to own such a console but downsized... That Neve is now at Woodstock Studios Melbourne
@@jamiedurrantmusician Yeah, bit of an unfair comparison really......I saw your old 8014, it's a thing of beauty! Those early Neves are as good as it gets. Robbie Robertson sold one recently for around $300,000........bit out of my price range.
Great video! I own a slightly earlier model 12 channel (see flat whites at gearspace.com/board/high-end/72893-chilton-console-appreciation-audio-clip.html) and am still getting to grips with it. Unfortunately mine wasn’t made with independent VU meters per channel - it has 4 group meters which can be switched between compressor or monitor/line. May have individuals added too as it would be very useful for tracking. It would appear all these consoles were made-to-order so I’m still trying to figure out how best to use it for tracking/mixing but will definitely need to have a tech modify with transformer balanced direct outs. Out of interest - are your mic/line inputs transformer balanced? Mine has all the mic inputs but only 4 line ins have transformers for some reason. I’m guessing if you’re mixing through yours so have you got transformers on the line ins? Again- I’m finding it quite hard figuring out how the original owner would have used mine so interesting to compare with others! Cheers :)
In my experience - consoles like this had unbalance line ins and outs - not transformer balanced. I used to own a Neve console with 1066 mic preamps - all of its main internal cable runs were unbalanced and line in and direct outs were unbalanced. Unless you’re running massively long cable runs or have noise issues I see no need for balance line ins and direct outs. My QM3 has only transformer balanced mic ins, on all channels. I mostly use my ears and a red peak level for confirmation of channel gain, and 4 sub group meters, as I mostly record in groups of 2 channels. Jamie
I had one of these for a good few years, mine was the Old grey whistle test monitor board with 4 of fostex compressors and the reverse faders. Made lots of great moody records on this board with a tape machine and pro tools , great board
@@jamiedurrantmusician I’m no sure of model number it was a QM3 24 fader with 8 groups with 16 group faders , the master section was a little wider than yours as it could fit 3 of the fostex compressors along side each other and had 8 bus VUs, I’ll see if I can find any pictures of it it was early 00s we had that console in a studio called the ranch , we did lots of Liverpool bands like Zutons, the dead 60s, miles Kane , and many other bands like Alabama 3 , the kooks etc, I’ll have a root and find a picture
Pretty sure your QM1 has the same schematics of the QM3, as Chilton Broadcast list this booklet with diagrams, as "QM series" info: www.chilton-broadcast.com/Images/QM3%20series%20information.pdf
Chilton mixers / consoles are still under the radar for some of us. Not many people know how good they actually sound! I have the Chilton CM2 with the legendary belclere transformers and it sounds so good and different from my other consoles. The Chilton got more of that punk, raw, fat British rock sound that I like.. It's a whole different beast then the other consoles I have. The EQs is very musical too.. Grab them while you can. Because this gems will just get more expensive over time :)
@@jamiedurrantmusician indeed. I don’t know so much. But from what I’ve heard the belcleres used in the CM2 are the same used in the Neves from the same era. Belclere changed the manufacturing ID/type of it, but the windings and material is the same. I could be wrong. But it’s what I’ve been told. The CM2/4 also came with and option where they added transformers on the master buss, all line ins, all aux etc. Not many of them was made! But the transformers was all top high end studio/broadcast grade! 👌😊
After it arrived to me, I had a full check service. Each channel performed really well. Only requirement was pot and connector cleaning - it is 90% set and forget, some of the little EQ switches can be noisy so cleaning them with a spray of deoxit from the top surface helps. Otherwise I’ve had no issues - it just works and sounds great. Specs wise it’s impeccable and doesn’t need recapping.
@@jamiedurrantmusician Thank you, Jaime. Your recordings on it sound phenomenal. Brilliant balance and rich source material! I'll have to keep my eyes open for one of these stunning desks.
Darker, as in thicker sounding, rounder but not as clear and open once you use the EQ. Classic Neve preamp and EQ like the 1066 or 1073 have far greater dynamic range and more punchy attitude with a round but still focused sounding bottom end. Boost low end with the Chilton and things start to sound slightly more compressed, thicker and therefore ‘darker’ than Neve. Just my viewpoint?!
My pleasure ... I'm sure I can offer better audio examples in the near future, via recording and mixing a song through the console, comparing with say Neve preamps.
My advice, look everywhere - Europe, Canada, UK and be prepared to organise shipping. Good image search can hemp spot where they’re located. Offer to buy them from studios - never know they might want a change!
@@jamiedurrantmusician Thanks Jamie. Great tips! I've given up on getting something in one piece for now and I'm building a custom console made of many different channels from different consoles and sticking with a summing unit. I'm still always on the hunt though ;-) From my research not a lot of Chiltons were made I don't believe?
@@jamiedurrantmusician there’s one just popped up on Reverb at the moment, also in Canada! An M1. Bad timing though since I’m putting together a different solution for my studio.. timing is always everything!
Nice console I have a little baby Neve from the late 70s I’ve added 4 segment leds VU (post fader) meters per every channel at the top, like yours there. Sounds fat I see what you mean! It’s a bit like a Neve Kleso All that “weight” 😋
@@jamiedurrantmusician Hey, I get the Neve about 10 years ago it was originally from the BBC and was recapped and restored via a English audio engineering company that works on Neve’s The model is Neve 5422 it’s a 8 channel Portable - it can run in batteries or main power. Though Covid lockdown I’ve been massively updating it... It now has, Class A pre-amps + Line, on every channel All 8 channels have direct outs modded with Neve L01166 output transformers (this is the transformer from the 1073) I’ve added balanced ins, switchable pre or post EQ. I’ve added cut (mute) buttons on every channel also As it originally came with older 70’s batteries it could run on in portable mode, I’ve re-engineered that battery module with Tesla cells. This can now power everything in portable mode including +48 and all the direct outs. The Tesla cells can be easily taken out one by one from the battery module also which is cool. I’ve also added Instrument inputs - switchable onto channels 1 & 2. I used the Rupert Neve Designs, 2 channel DI unit for this... the card is class A with transformers also. Channels 1 & 2 are on combo Xlr’s inputs now, so that works easy, plug and play! I’ve also bought all new switch caps (original type) and had them custom laser printed. I also getting the body re-pained from a professional, and the top of the console clear coated to bring it up to new, or better than new all fresh again. With the added VU 4 segment led meters on the top of every channel, (post fader) its much nicer easier to track with in just seconds ))
Sounds amazing Cam, I'd love to see a few pics! I know that console model, I had considered buying one prior to the Chilton, but I think it was ICs, not class A transformers, is that correct? You've added all the goods, right?
@@jamiedurrantmusician Hey )) Yes you’re correct it has ICs in the place of where the classic transistors would be... The circuit layout topology is discrete but the ICs make it class A/B The thing I’ve done is is added a different type of chip set, that is a true discrete op amp with class A output current! This acts exactly the same as the Neve class A transistor does in terms of the Class A no cross over distortion Yes all the i/o is transformer balanced included the mix bus 👌
Nice console! Sounds good. I love having a discrete console you can’t beat rows and rows of transformers. Mine has over 100 transformers in it and weighs 500 pounds made in 1976. Lots of classic hits done on mine.
Let’s see a pick of your console! Where are you based, congrats on the hits, wow tell me more, pls share!
i had one of these babies, love it. did many releases on this mixer
Tell me your thoughts on the sound
I.want.a.chilton.
Keep an eye out - they come up for sale now and then! Set a Google Alert
It looks a lot like the original soundcraft series 2 from 1976.
Can you show me a pic?
Love that Sennheiser mic!
I always liked the way Chilton look. Never tried one but always been on my radar. We are building a custom Neumann console at our studio in Vienna, so yes, Viva Consoles !
Well the custom Neumann would have to be sexy!
@@jamiedurrantmusician indeed! Here:The custom Neumann Console at TIC studio - Vienna
There will be a final video with sounds when it’s done!
th-cam.com/video/d68A6BFuvYA/w-d-xo.html
Love that you’re using a 421 for your voice recording. Great and under-appreciated mic. Designed for voice. Used for Tom toms. Wasted that way. Sounds like a U87 with a good clean preamp. Ive owned both and experimented extensively. Great looking console.
I've also had great success recording singing vocals with this 421 - like in this song th-cam.com/video/ZuGG-Fwf9ik/w-d-xo.html
Wow just love old consoles and old gear. we have a lot of great old gear in our storage space. the only thing is to really get that classic Vibe you have to use this console with a tape machine. digital audio is inferior and will not give you the actual vibe of years ago. using this console with tape would be like a time machine. wow
Well I am sending my digital multitrack through the Chilton and Mastering on a 1/4 inch tape, it does sound amazing!
I've got the 24 channel version.....it's pretty funky! Love running my old synths and drums through it for some of that sweet seventies coloration. Low output on group 1 fader is my only issue.....should be a simple recap. Other than that, this thing's built like a tank.
There's a reason the BBC favoured the Chilton consoles for OB work. Sure, they'll never rival a classic Neve for overall build quality, headroom and features.......but they're a solid and reliable class A console nonetheless!
Can't say I'm impressed with headroom if comparing to Neve, but I am comparing to Neve 1972 (year) 1066 preamps with round can transformers - I used to own such a console but downsized... That Neve is now at Woodstock Studios Melbourne
@@jamiedurrantmusician Yeah, bit of an unfair comparison really......I saw your old 8014, it's a thing of beauty! Those early Neves are as good as it gets. Robbie Robertson sold one recently for around $300,000........bit out of my price range.
@@Dandroid5000 that’s crazy prices... insane stuff
Great video!
I own a slightly earlier model 12 channel (see flat whites at gearspace.com/board/high-end/72893-chilton-console-appreciation-audio-clip.html) and am still getting to grips with it.
Unfortunately mine wasn’t made with independent VU meters per channel - it has 4 group meters which can be switched between compressor or monitor/line. May have individuals added too as it would be very useful for tracking.
It would appear all these consoles were made-to-order so I’m still trying to figure out how best to use it for tracking/mixing but will definitely need to have a tech modify with transformer balanced direct outs.
Out of interest - are your mic/line inputs transformer balanced? Mine has all the mic inputs but only 4 line ins have transformers for some reason. I’m guessing if you’re mixing through yours so have you got transformers on the line ins?
Again- I’m finding it quite hard figuring out how the original owner would have used mine so interesting to compare with others!
Cheers :)
In my experience - consoles like this had unbalance line ins and outs - not transformer balanced. I used to own a Neve console with 1066 mic preamps - all of its main internal cable runs were unbalanced and line in and direct outs were unbalanced. Unless you’re running massively long cable runs or have noise issues I see no need for balance line ins and direct outs. My QM3 has only transformer balanced mic ins, on all channels. I mostly use my ears and a red peak level for confirmation of channel gain, and 4 sub group meters, as I mostly record in groups of 2 channels. Jamie
🙂👍
I had one of these for a good few years, mine was the Old grey whistle test monitor board with 4 of fostex compressors and the reverse faders.
Made lots of great moody records on this board with a tape machine and pro tools , great board
Sounds great - I'd love to see a picture of this desk. What was the model number?
@@jamiedurrantmusician I’m no sure of model number it was a QM3 24 fader with 8 groups with 16 group faders , the master section was a little wider than yours as it could fit 3 of the fostex compressors along side each other and had 8 bus VUs, I’ll see if I can find any pictures of it it was early 00s we had that console in a studio called the ranch , we did lots of Liverpool bands like Zutons, the dead 60s, miles Kane , and many other bands like Alabama 3 , the kooks etc, I’ll have a root and find a picture
@@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung I’d love to have an 24 - 8 bus version!!
Hey Jamie, thanks for this great video ! I have a chilton QM1 who needs maintenance, I m looking for schematics ! can you help me to find it ?
QM1 - I'll take a look later today cool
Pretty sure your QM1 has the same schematics of the QM3, as Chilton Broadcast list this booklet with diagrams, as "QM series" info: www.chilton-broadcast.com/Images/QM3%20series%20information.pdf
Chilton mixers / consoles are still under the radar for some of us. Not many people know how good they actually sound! I have the Chilton CM2 with the legendary belclere transformers and it sounds so good and different from my other consoles. The Chilton got more of that punk, raw, fat British rock sound that I like.. It's a whole different beast then the other consoles I have. The EQs is very musical too.. Grab them while you can. Because this gems will just get more expensive over time :)
Too true… tell me more on what you know of the transformers!!
@@jamiedurrantmusician indeed. I don’t know so much. But from what I’ve heard the belcleres used in the CM2 are the same used in the Neves from the same era. Belclere changed the manufacturing ID/type of it, but the windings and material is the same. I could be wrong. But it’s what I’ve been told. The CM2/4 also came with and option where they added transformers on the master buss, all line ins, all aux etc. Not many of them was made! But the transformers was all top high end studio/broadcast grade! 👌😊
Nice console
A little gem
Jaime - did you have to do any work on your Chilton? Is it easy to service?
After it arrived to me, I had a full check service. Each channel performed really well. Only requirement was pot and connector cleaning - it is 90% set and forget, some of the little EQ switches can be noisy so cleaning them with a spray of deoxit from the top surface helps. Otherwise I’ve had no issues - it just works and sounds great. Specs wise it’s impeccable and doesn’t need recapping.
@@jamiedurrantmusician Thank you, Jaime. Your recordings on it sound phenomenal. Brilliant balance and rich source material! I'll have to keep my eyes open for one of these stunning desks.
@@tommyharron thanks for the kind words!
hey there, fantastic demo. just wanted to know what's the energy consumption of this beauty.. what about the bills? Thanks
Not too much, it has 24 volt rails and a very small PSU
@@jamiedurrantmusician thanks for the info!
What a beauty
She's a stunner!
So beautiful! and what an EQ...so sweet! Congrats
Cheers
Darker than a Neve?
Darker, as in thicker sounding, rounder but not as clear and open once you use the EQ. Classic Neve preamp and EQ like the 1066 or 1073 have far greater dynamic range and more punchy attitude with a round but still focused sounding bottom end. Boost low end with the Chilton and things start to sound slightly more compressed, thicker and therefore ‘darker’ than Neve. Just my viewpoint?!
Thank you for showing your gem!
My pleasure ... I'm sure I can offer better audio examples in the near future, via recording and mixing a song through the console, comparing with say Neve preamps.
@@jamiedurrantmusician I'm excited!
@@mateocalle__ You'll have to hand in there for me, as I'm currently finishing up on the OPR mics sessions!
Been hunting around for one of these but no luck!! Great vid!
My advice, look everywhere - Europe, Canada, UK and be prepared to organise shipping. Good image search can hemp spot where they’re located. Offer to buy them from studios - never know they might want a change!
@@jamiedurrantmusician Thanks Jamie. Great tips! I've given up on getting something in one piece for now and I'm building a custom console made of many different channels from different consoles and sticking with a summing unit. I'm still always on the hunt though ;-)
From my research not a lot of Chiltons were made I don't believe?
@@andrewwhitehouse1878 I’m sure the numbers were low, however they do come up from time to time.
@@jamiedurrantmusician there’s one just popped up on Reverb at the moment, also in Canada! An M1. Bad timing though since I’m putting together a different solution for my studio.. timing is always everything!
@@andrewwhitehouse1878 wow will take a look
what microphone do use in this video ?
A vintage Sennheiser MD421 N - great mic!
@@jamiedurrantmusician Thank you so much Sir !
@@Mixingmachine774 pleasure
@@jamiedurrantmusician ım your new subscriber now 👍
Nice console I have a little baby Neve from the late 70s I’ve added 4 segment leds VU (post fader) meters per every channel at the top, like yours there.
Sounds fat I see what you mean! It’s a bit like a Neve Kleso
All that “weight” 😋
Nice, where did you find the Neve? What model Is it?
@@jamiedurrantmusician
Hey, I get the Neve about 10 years ago it was originally from the BBC and was recapped and restored via a English audio engineering company that works on Neve’s
The model is Neve 5422 it’s a 8 channel
Portable - it can run in batteries or main power.
Though Covid lockdown I’ve been massively updating it...
It now has, Class A pre-amps + Line, on every channel
All 8 channels have direct outs modded with Neve L01166 output transformers (this is the transformer from the 1073)
I’ve added balanced ins, switchable pre or post EQ.
I’ve added cut (mute) buttons on every channel also
As it originally came with older 70’s batteries it could run on in portable mode, I’ve re-engineered that battery module with Tesla cells. This can now power everything in portable mode including +48 and all the direct outs.
The Tesla cells can be easily taken out one by one from the battery module also which is cool.
I’ve also added Instrument inputs - switchable onto channels 1 & 2. I used the Rupert Neve Designs, 2 channel DI unit for this... the card is class A with transformers also. Channels 1 & 2 are on combo Xlr’s inputs now, so that works easy, plug and play!
I’ve also bought all new switch caps (original type) and had them custom laser printed.
I also getting the body re-pained from a professional, and the top of the console clear coated to bring it up to new, or better than new all fresh again.
With the added VU 4 segment led meters on the top of every channel, (post fader) its much nicer easier to track with in just seconds ))
Sounds amazing Cam, I'd love to see a few pics! I know that console model, I had considered buying one prior to the Chilton, but I think it was ICs, not class A transformers, is that correct? You've added all the goods, right?
@@jamiedurrantmusician
Hey ))
Yes you’re correct it has ICs in the place of where the classic transistors would be...
The circuit layout topology is discrete but the ICs make it class A/B
The thing I’ve done is is added a different type of chip set, that is a true discrete op amp with class A output current! This acts exactly the same as the Neve class A transistor does in terms of the Class A no cross over distortion
Yes all the i/o is transformer balanced included the mix bus 👌
@@caminglis53 do you know the IC brand/model number by chance?