Topic: V3 discontinued

[burris]

From the Grace Design site: 

After almost 10 years in production, the Lunatec V3 has been discontinued. As of this time there are no plans to announce its successor. If you need one, they turn up from time to time on ebay. If you have one and still use it, do not worry because we will continue to support it for many years to come.

[OOK]

First the little box...now the V3....ah man the world is going to end...next thing you know sound device halt production 

[jbell]

   No plans for a V4 

[willndmb]

First the little box...now the V3....ah man the world is going to end...next thing you know sound device halt production 

my 2 fav pres, glad i have a lb though

the wording of it makes me think they are working on something new but only time will tell

[audBall]

I wonder how many total were produced?  V2's as well?

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Yep...I'm wagering there is just too much in it for them for their other equipment.

I'm sure the V3 is a drop in the bucket for them as far as sales are concerned.

[page]

I agree with Mike and Jon.

We shouldn't be worried, it's the support issue that is really the critical aspect for us and they have affirmed that much. Acquiring a unit isn't a problem.

[kirk97132]

I would also think that the glut of cheap new V3's being sold probably helped make up their mind for them.  If you're buying new at about a 50% discount over new then it HAS to drive the market down.  Including the used market.  And I' think Jon nailed it.  The two channel recorder market is now flooded with choices. Even I have moved away for two track completely in a matter of a few years.

[ero3030]

I would also think that the glut of cheap new V3's being sold probably helped make up their mind for them.  If you're buying new at about a 50% discount over new then it HAS to drive the market down.  Including the used market.  And I' think Jon nailed it.  The two channel recorder market is now flooded with choices. Even I have moved away for two track completely in a matter of a few years.

i dont think the new v3's on ebay had anything to do with axing the v3.  Grace already made there money off the original sale of those units.  they could of made an offer to buy them back to keep there own market strong if need be.  i think it comes down to that a out board 24 bit converter is no longer that much in demand.  remember when u needed a AD2K and a laptop to go 24 bit?  that didnt last too long.  now u can go buy a 100$ hand held and go 24 bit out of the box.  IMO anyway.  ed   

[justink]

Four channel flash recorder with V3 pres and A/D stage?   

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Most recorders come and go. Great mics are timeless, and probably pre-amps too.

The v3 is such a solid, refined, and reliable product, with so many features - and great support.  It is a consolation that there seem to be a lot around.  I still think it's the best transparent pre with portability.  I bought mine new and paid a Lot.  The $800-$900 used prices represent a really great value.  Though when I bought mine, there weren't many used v3's in the Yard, and prices were higher.  Maybe we'll see the market tighten up again in a few years.

Other thoughts on the market:

Lack of recorders with digi-in, and those that do have it are more $$ and have great a/d's
So many recorders with unbal in only
v3 a/d section showing some age in regard to performance

I imagine sales were down and inventory may have been low. I assume they need to order a volume of units to get favorable pricing and the numbers just didn't jive.  And prices are probably up due to inflation and exchange rates.

For some products, I'd say "RIP" but I don't see that at all with the v3.

[One Cylinder]

While I like the convenience (sp?) of having a great preamp and a/d in a single package, I prefer the sound of an Apogee a/d to the Lunatec. For field work I don't think you can do much better than the V2 (or the V3 w/o running the a/d)  -->  Apogee A/D.  Unfortunately using an outboard a/d means you've got to schlep another battery to the show. While DVD batteries are much less of a hassle to carry than those big-ass car batteries    required to power an AD1000 or AD500, it still doesn't take too many shows b4 it gets to be a PITA.

[tedyun]

I think the explanation is much simpler:

1. Gakidis discontinues the V3 stilts
2. Then shortly after, Grace discontinues the V3

Coincidence?

I think not....

[Fried Chicken Boy]

I think the explanation is much simpler:

1. Gakidis discontinues the V3 stilts
2. Then shortly after, Grace discontinues the V3

Coincidence?

I think not....

 

The V3 was, and is, a great pre and A/D.  Even though no longer in production, we'll be hearing great recordings done with it for years to come.

[tgakidis]

I think the explanation is much simpler:

1. Gakidis discontinues the V3 stilts
2. Then shortly after, Grace discontinues the V3

Coincidence?

I think not....

Not to fear, I also will continue to support the V3 GAKstilts.  Loose a bolt, I am the man to call!