Two issues make the classic 16.4.2s less reliable than they could/should be:
The pinned GR meter issue. It is easy to get the boot up of the mixer wrong especially when linking to a computer, e.g. by booting the computer before the mixer completed boot-up. When that happens the top right-hand GR meter gets pinned, either immediately or within a hour or so, and all audio is killed. Toggling the mixer's link ID restores operation but it shouldn't happen in the first place.
The load freeze issue. When 'Load' is active, to load FAT settings, the mixer becomes susceptible to 'outside influences' (esd? ground noise? ...?) making the mixer's surface completely lock up with a very typical pattern of lit and unlit buttons when 'Load' is deselected. It is easily demonstrated by selecting 'Load' on a 16.4.2 linked to a computer, then power down the computer (wait until the mixer resumes operation) and then deselect 'Load'. But it can happen randomly during normal operation whenever the mixer is linked to a computer, and was also reported stand-alone in combination with the use of the mixer's tape inputs. The only way to unlock the mixer is by power-cycling which means a complete system reboot. Disastrous in a live situation.
Even though the classic 16.4.2 is a discontinued product there are still lots of them out there and in operation. Also, the two issues are not due to old age but were already there before the mixers were discontinued. Please vote if you want these issues fixed.
System info:
- classic 16.4.2 on latest firmware and latest version of UC (MBP and Windows laptop)
- the issues occur both with Mac and PC independent of OS (though Mac seems less susceptible to GR pinning).
