Digital versus Analog.. please Help ;-)

[drumandfly]

Hey...

I need some advise, badly :-)

I am launching myself into uncharted water. I have very little knowledge of the subject, but enough to be very dangerous!

I am looking for a minimum 16 input mixer mainly for creating my own mix for live use that that would intergrate with the FOH as well if need be. Also, the perfect unit would also be compatable (somehow anyway) with the digital home recorders that are out as well. I would like the capablitly to gate, compress, etc., etc. either internally or externally.

A couple question to consider if you could:
1. Pro's and con's of digital versus analog boards.
2. Requirement for preamps.
3. Ability to do monitor and/or FOH.
4. Behringer DDx32-16 any good?
5. Yamaha o1v96 any good? (seems to be a tade pricey)
6. Ability to use with a Home PC might be a cool option.


Really any discussion would be great and thanks in advance.

Drumandfly

[ssscientist]

Originally Posted by drumandfly

4. Behringer DDx32-16 any good?
5. Yamaha o1v96 any good? (seems to be a tade pricey)

Yep, The Behringer digital is very good, especially for the $. The Yamaha 01V is not for you - it specializes in a different direction. Both can pull double duty as a computer mixer, either send or return or both...

[SonicAlbert]

I'd stay away from a digital mixer for live work. You really want dedicated controls for volume, eq, panning, etc. Routing can be complex on a digital mixer, and cursoring through menus in a live setting is not fun.

I personally wouldn't trust a DDX3216 at all for a live gig. I've checked them out and am not a fan of that mixer. I'd like to be because the price is great, but unfortunately there's too much I don't like about it. And I've also read horror stories about reliability issues. *Not* what you want on a live gig. You should really do your research on that mixer before buying it.

The Mackie Onyx mixers have a firewire option that allows you to record up to 16 tracks directly to disk, while doing a live mix. That might be worth looking into.

[HangDawg]

I recently bought a Allen&Heath GL2200-16. It's a damn nice mixer and would do everything you need and more.

[SonicAlbert]

Oh, and also take a look at the small Midas Venice desk, the 16 channel version. Great live desk and sounds good enough for recording too.

[ssscientist]

Originally Posted by SonicAlbert

I'd stay away from a digital mixer for live work.

Coming from a guy who's never been in that job, I'd stay away from taking his advice.

The Allen + Heath's do look good though...

[HangDawg]

Originally Posted by ssscientist

The Allen + Heath's do look good though...

$1500 at riksmusic Good price. Much cheaper than the Midas stuff

[drumandfly]

Thanks guys... I am trying to stay below 2 grand for the desk..

Today since I posted .... someone recommend the new Mackie Oynx 1640.

[xstatic]

After hating Mackie mixers for the last who knows how many years, I was pleasantly surprised when I first heard and used the new ONYX stuff. Everything on them sounds better than the old VLZ and VLZ pro. Even the faders seem to feel better.

Personally, I would not use a digital mixer for a live show unless I had to. If I did, I would certainly not use the Behringer. I have seen a lot of bands show up with them on stage for submixes etc... and almost every one has been a major reliability headache for them. In fact, every single person I know has regretted their purchase. I have heard no real problems though with people that don't really move them around much. I have a feeling it's just cheap parts and construction (that should come as no surprise coming from Behringer).

Now if you can somehow afford a Midas, you will not regret it. Sound quality wise I can not think of a new console for less then $15000 that can even come close to the sound quality of the Midas preamp, and especially the EQ. In fact, the $15000 dollar board that I could see competing is the Midas Verona I have had more than one touring act ask to use the Venice instead of my 16 aux, 8 vca 48 channel Allen Heath ML5000 which on its own is not a bad desk at all. It sounds WAY better than all the Allen Heath Mix Wiz and GL's. Thats just how good the Midas sounds. If it weren't for the 96 channel D&R console that I just bought I would probably have a small Midas in my studio being used as an outboard pre/EQ rack. In fact, I am still considering adding a pair of Midas XL42's. It's about the only preamp I like close to the API sound on kick and snare.

If you decide not to go woth the Midas, I would reccomend the Allen Heath Mix Wiz (or a little GL) or even a Mackie Onyx. If you must go digital (there sure are a lot of attractive features), then Yamaha is the way to go. They are the best sounding and most reliable digital consoles for a decent price.

[SonicAlbert]

Not sure what the Midas Venice 160 costs, but if $2k is your limit, you might be able to afford it. Definitely take a look, the Venice boards sound great.

Originally Posted by ssscientist

Coming from a guy who's never been in that job, I'd stay away from taking his advice.

Dude, maybe you're the one who should not talk about stuff you don't know. I don't know you and you don't know me, so why don't you keep the personal attacks out of this. Cool it please.

Anyway, if we are talking about major tours or installations where they need the same mix every night, everything is automated, then yeah you are going to see some slammin' digital boards. But they aren't going to be $600 crap Behringer boards. And this thread isn't about a mixer for a major production.

So sure, A&H is great. Midas Venice is great. Even Mackie SR's or especially the new Onyx series would work fine.

Or just feel free to ignore my advice. And welcome to my "ignore" list ssscientist.

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by ssscientist

Coming from a guy who's never been in that job, I'd stay away from taking his advice.

What the heck was THAT for??? Moron.

[xstatic]

Having worked live with over 1000 bands now, I can firmly tell you that the Midas XL4 and Heritage 3000 is still the most requested console for large tours and shows. The yamaha, DigiCO and Innovason have made a nice presence, but I am seeing those consoles show up more in Monitor land now than at FOH. They are very cool, very reliable, and sound very good.... but still no Midas