Your opinion on Control Surface/Mixer/Next Purchase

[kwiz]

I have a DM-4800 with a similar issue; my screen is readable but barely.
With that said, I will not hesitate to replace the screen once its completely shot, and recently got a new screen from Tascam. The converters, flexibility, and sound of those consoles are incredible! (I used to own a DM-24 and upgraded to the 4800) If you like the workflow and sound of that board, then do yourself a favor and just replace the screen.

[Gravity Jim]

I have to go with kwiz: my DM3200 radically improved both my work and my workflow. It sounds amazing, the converters are good, the interface is insanely solid (hasn't dropped so much as a sample since I installed it), the automation is both accessible and deep... It would be a great tool at three times the price.

I even decided that it would still be a bargain if I had to replace the LCD screen every year. So, yeah, if you like what you're running, fix it and keep rolling.

[mikehalloran]

I found the Begringer Mon800 surprisingly good. Handles 3 pairs of monitors plus a sub from 4 input sources, can also feed headphone amps. At $69, cheaper than building your own. I bought mine used for $30 on eBay and it was going to be temporary till I bought the Presonus, KRK, ProCo, Radial or any of the others I was looking at. I liked it so much I stopped looking at others.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/MON800.aspx

They also have an 8 channel headphone amp with 2 switchable master inputs. Each channel can have its own input for individual control. Again much better than the $150 price would suggest.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/HA8000.aspx

This is more flexible but allows only 4 mixes. It can drive 3 pairs of phones per mix. $130 street.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/HA4700.aspx

I am not exactly a Behringer fan but I own both a MON800 and an HA4700 and am pleased with their performance.

[wonder]

I have the Behringer 8 channel headphone preamp in case I have more than 4 ppl tracking at a time (HearBack only has 4 boxes). I like it ... it's solid.

I think my best bang for the buck is to keep the DM24 and fix the screen. I forgot to mention I have an Argosy console for the DM24 and getting anything else would require serious time and effort getting the console to fit a new mixer.

I'm gonna place the order for the screen...

[Gravity Jim]

They shouldn't give you any guff at Tascam, but if they do call my pal Barb Stenson at Full Compass. She'll get you one.

[wonder]

UPDATE:

I ordered and received and replaced my DM24 screen. It works great. Although my faders are slowly getting slower and will eventually die out, I'm glad I replaced the screen and didn't ditch the board. Thanks for all the replies.