Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question at DVinfo.net

Andy Balla · April 2nd, 2011, 09:48 AM

Hi all. I was looking into a good step-up mixer from my lame Azden FMX-32 mixer. I saw this Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer, used in great condition, with a bag. I've never heard of this brand before. Any audio gurus familiar with this company, and this mixer in particular. Its got all of the functions I want that my Azden doesn't have, like a reference tone, return from camera, and better options for phantom and T power and monitoring. Just looking to see what kind of reputation this company and product have, before I decide to pull the trigger. Thanks!

Andy Balla · April 2nd, 2011, 11:17 AM

I can't find any decent info about this mixer or company, other than that its a Hungarian company, and I'm Hungarian!

Greg Miller · April 2nd, 2011, 02:05 PM

Google found the company's website, a data sheet, and a user manual (including block diagram) within 60 seconds. Other than that... I haven't heard of it or them before.

Andy Balla · April 2nd, 2011, 02:36 PM

Yeah, I looked at all of that already. I was interested in hearing from people who have real world experience with it. User reviews and that kind of thing.

Andy Balla · April 3rd, 2011, 12:49 AM

My other option is a used Shure FP32A , in excellent condition, frrom Trew Audio. So should I go for the lightly used FP32A, in great condition with a bag, or the un-known commodity, the Twelco TW-LP4 32 also with a bag. Would need a breakaway cable for either one. I have concerns about Twelco's service, since I would have to send the unit to Hungary for service. The more I think, the more local service makes this a no brainer.

Brian P. Reynolds · April 3rd, 2011, 05:06 AM

The Shure FP33 is way better than the FP32 & FP32A which both suffered from background noise problems.
I would strongly suggest NOT to purchase a FP32 as the unit will only deliver 12-18v phantom power unless you use an external power supply. This problem was fixed in the FP32A which will give 48v phantom.
I have 2x Shure FP33 mixers and love them, simple and flexible for most jobs, hire people like them as they are not that daunting for the inexperienced.

Andy Balla · April 3rd, 2011, 10:15 AM

The one I'm considering is the FP32A, and then also this Twelco.

Kevin Walsh · April 3rd, 2011, 06:32 PM

I remember seeing a Twelco mixer being compared to the Wendt X4 a few years ago and it was a pretty close race. I can't find the site.

It's probably better than an FP32A and the Azden FMX-32 but I am just guessing. Their website shows a picture of the mixer paired up with Zaxcom Deva IV.

Andy Balla · April 3rd, 2011, 07:17 PM

Thanks Kevin! From what I've seen the Twelco looks on par with a Shure FP33. A big step up from my Azden mixer. The unit I'm looking at is a demo, and has been tested at the factory, comes with a field bag and can do mid-side recording. It looks to be very flexible, and a great price. I think I'm going to take the plunge and go for it! Its funny, because another mixer I was looking at was the Wendt X4, but I couldn't find a used one that didn't look like it had been used and abused.

Andy Balla · April 4th, 2011, 05:35 PM

After much internal back and forth, I've decided to hold off and deal with my lame mixer until I can afford a truly professional piece, namely the Sound Designs 302. I'm done shopping and looking for bargoons!

John Hartney · April 4th, 2011, 06:48 PM

I've had two twelco mixers, the first was three channels into one for Nagra and film. It was very well made with quiet amps.

More recently, I have a twelco lp44s which is a four in four out setup with excellent routing. I'd say they don't have the best preamps for music, but for voice work, they'll be fine. Definitely a step up from azden. The model I have, Coffee sound used to sell for $2400 and it held its own with sd kits. They are heavier than sd or wendt, but they are solid. I'm don't like shure mixers, so I'm no help on that front. Good Luck

Andy Balla · April 4th, 2011, 07:08 PM

See, this is actual hands on experience! Now I'm re-thinking again...If I can pick up a three channel Twelco for under $600, would that be a better deal than kicking out at least $1200 for an SD 302? This is the info I need to make an informed decision. I'm glad to hear that the pre-amps are nice and quiet. This was one of my main concerns. SD is such the "go to" brand lately, and I understand why, but I don't want to rule out something else just because its NOT an SD. Oh, I'm so conflicted right now! Fortunately I have 5 days left to decide!

Andy Balla · April 11th, 2011, 04:38 PM

Won the auction for the Twelco. Its on the way from the factory in Hungary. I scored it for $450...seems like a pretty damn good deal. Can't wait to put it through its paces!

Andy Balla · April 11th, 2011, 04:39 PM

Boy, I went back and forth on this thread, huh?

Evan Meades · June 21st, 2011, 01:50 AM

Well how is it now you have it?

Where exactly did you find it if you don't mind saying?

Evo

April 2nd, 2011, 09:48 AM	#1
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question Hi all. I was looking into a good step-up mixer from my lame Azden FMX-32 mixer. I saw this Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer, used in great condition, with a bag. I've never heard of this brand before. Any audio gurus familiar with this company, and this mixer in particular. Its got all of the functions I want that my Azden doesn't have, like a reference tone, return from camera, and better options for phantom and T power and monitoring. Just looking to see what kind of reputation this company and product have, before I decide to pull the trigger. Thanks!

April 2nd, 2011, 11:17 AM	#2
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question I can't find any decent info about this mixer or company, other than that its a Hungarian company, and I'm Hungarian!

April 2nd, 2011, 02:05 PM	#3
Greg Miller Trustee Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,791	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question Google found the company's website, a data sheet, and a user manual (including block diagram) within 60 seconds. Other than that... I haven't heard of it or them before.

April 2nd, 2011, 02:36 PM	#4
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question Yeah, I looked at all of that already. I was interested in hearing from people who have real world experience with it. User reviews and that kind of thing.

April 3rd, 2011, 12:49 AM	#5
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question My other option is a used Shure FP32A , in excellent condition, frrom Trew Audio. So should I go for the lightly used FP32A, in great condition with a bag, or the un-known commodity, the Twelco TW-LP4 32 also with a bag. Would need a breakaway cable for either one. I have concerns about Twelco's service, since I would have to send the unit to Hungary for service. The more I think, the more local service makes this a no brainer.

April 3rd, 2011, 05:06 AM	#6
Brian P. Reynolds Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 466	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question The Shure FP33 is way better than the FP32 & FP32A which both suffered from background noise problems. I would strongly suggest NOT to purchase a FP32 as the unit will only deliver 12-18v phantom power unless you use an external power supply. This problem was fixed in the FP32A which will give 48v phantom. I have 2x Shure FP33 mixers and love them, simple and flexible for most jobs, hire people like them as they are not that daunting for the inexperienced.

April 3rd, 2011, 10:15 AM	#7
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question The one I'm considering is the FP32A, and then also this Twelco.

April 3rd, 2011, 06:32 PM	#8
Kevin Walsh Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Phoenixville, PA Posts: 225	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question I remember seeing a Twelco mixer being compared to the Wendt X4 a few years ago and it was a pretty close race. I can't find the site. It's probably better than an FP32A and the Azden FMX-32 but I am just guessing. Their website shows a picture of the mixer paired up with Zaxcom Deva IV.

April 3rd, 2011, 07:17 PM	#9
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question Thanks Kevin! From what I've seen the Twelco looks on par with a Shure FP33. A big step up from my Azden mixer. The unit I'm looking at is a demo, and has been tested at the factory, comes with a field bag and can do mid-side recording. It looks to be very flexible, and a great price. I think I'm going to take the plunge and go for it! Its funny, because another mixer I was looking at was the Wendt X4, but I couldn't find a used one that didn't look like it had been used and abused.

April 4th, 2011, 05:35 PM	#10
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question After much internal back and forth, I've decided to hold off and deal with my lame mixer until I can afford a truly professional piece, namely the Sound Designs 302. I'm done shopping and looking for bargoons!

April 4th, 2011, 06:48 PM	#11
John Hartney Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Elgin, Illinois Posts: 206	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question I've had two twelco mixers, the first was three channels into one for Nagra and film. It was very well made with quiet amps. More recently, I have a twelco lp44s which is a four in four out setup with excellent routing. I'd say they don't have the best preamps for music, but for voice work, they'll be fine. Definitely a step up from azden. The model I have, Coffee sound used to sell for $2400 and it held its own with sd kits. They are heavier than sd or wendt, but they are solid. I'm don't like shure mixers, so I'm no help on that front. Good Luck __________________ John Hartney Elgin, Illinois USA 847.742.9321

April 4th, 2011, 07:08 PM	#12
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question See, this is actual hands on experience! Now I'm re-thinking again...If I can pick up a three channel Twelco for under $600, would that be a better deal than kicking out at least $1200 for an SD 302? This is the info I need to make an informed decision. I'm glad to hear that the pre-amps are nice and quiet. This was one of my main concerns. SD is such the "go to" brand lately, and I understand why, but I don't want to rule out something else just because its NOT an SD. Oh, I'm so conflicted right now! Fortunately I have 5 days left to decide!

April 11th, 2011, 04:38 PM	#13
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question Won the auction for the Twelco. Its on the way from the factory in Hungary. I scored it for $450...seems like a pretty damn good deal. Can't wait to put it through its paces!

April 11th, 2011, 04:39 PM	#14
Andy Balla Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Asheville NC Posts: 182	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question Boy, I went back and forth on this thread, huh?

June 21st, 2011, 01:50 AM	#15
Evan Meades Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne Posts: 68	Re: Twelco TW-LP4 32 mixer question Well how is it now you have it? Where exactly did you find it if you don't mind saying? Evo