Used M7CL-48: $, how long to wait before buying?

[Tim Padrick]

I figured it would be quite some time before it would make sense to upgrade from the theater's LS9-32, but I found that a local church may make a change from their M7CL-48, and such a console (low use in a clean environment) is what I'd want.

I've not found any used M7s that have sold recently (only ES models), so I don't know what a fair price should be. And there are those who feel that M7 prices will drop once the CL series are out in force.

What do y'all think about what $ to offer and when?

 

[Brandon Blakeney]

Re: Used M7CL-48: $, how long to wait before buying?

I figured it would be quite some time before it would make sense to upgrade from the theater's LS9-32, but I found that a local church may make a change from their M7CL-48, and such a console (low use in a clean environment) is what I'd want.

I've not found any used M7s that have sold recently (only ES models), so I don't know what a fair price should be. And there are those who feel that M7 prices will drop once the CL series are out in force.

What do y'all think about what $ to offer and when?

A church already feels that their M7 is obsolete? Wow........I'm not talking about all of them, but many churches seem to get sold a "bill of goods" from snake oil salesmen when it comes to sound. My A&H ML came from a church in TX 5 years ago and its still going fine, they just "thought" it was time to upgrade. Sorry for the rant!

 

[Mike Caldwell]

Re: Used M7CL-48: $, how long to wait before buying?

A church already feels that their M7 is obsolete? Wow........I'm not talking about all of them, but many churches seem to get sold a "bill of goods" from snake oil salesmen when it comes to sound. My A&H ML came from a church in TX 5 years ago and its still going fine, they just "thought" it was time to upgrade. Sorry for the rant!

Let me make a very general comment not saying this pertains to everyone......the upgrade most likely should have been focused on who is operating said mixer.

 

[Tim McCulloch]

Re: Used M7CL-48: $, how long to wait before buying?

How is an M7 a "bill of goods"?

An M7 could be obsolete for any owner's needs if those needs change after purchase (or were poorly defined prior to purchase)... channel count, number of outputs, space required (foot print), remote control by multiple users (monitor self-mixing from tablets)... all could be reasons for a change.

That said, most firms that are design/build have every incentive to sell the most gear possible and not necessarily utilize it most effectively (or even correctly, sometimes). The issue at hand is many clients (and not limited to houses of worship) do not perceive the value of a proper system design and therefore are unwilling to pay for that service. They do, however, understand the necessity of speakers, mixers, and the stuff that makes those visually intrusive elements less objectionable. The last thing they will pay for is acoustic design or continuous training for their operational staff.

 

[Brandon Blakeney]

Re: Used M7CL-48: $, how long to wait before buying?

How is an M7 a "bill of goods"?

An M7 could be obsolete for any owner's needs if those needs change after purchase (or were poorly defined prior to purchase)... channel count, number of outputs, space required (foot print), remote control by multiple users (monitor self-mixing from tablets)... all could be reasons for a change.

That said, most firms that are design/build have every incentive to sell the most gear possible and not necessarily utilize it most effectively (or even correctly, sometimes). The issue at hand is many clients (and not limited to houses of worship) do not perceive the value of a proper system design and therefore are unwilling to pay for that service. They do, however, understand the necessity of speakers, mixers, and the stuff that makes those visually intrusive elements less objectionable. The last thing they will pay for is acoustic design or continuous training for their operational staff.

A "bill of goods" is change for change's sake. If you had a 1604 console and started doing larger shows and you bought an M7, for example, that would be a needed improvement. However, if you have a fully functioning analog or digital console that meets or exceeds your needs and you buy a new one just because some salesman talks you into it then you have been sold a "bill of goods." We operate in a free market and people are allowed to do as they please, I'm just saying that some churches don't make the best use of their congregation's money when it comes to A/V.