Non-shoddy replacement for crappy Behringer UB2442FX-Pro

[steve.h]

As you may have guessed, I own a Behringer UB2442FX-Pro mixer. Yes, it was a stupid mistake but we all learn in our own fun ways right? Anyway, several of the pre's are flaky (which isn't so fun for live recording obviously), so I need some sort of replacement. I own the following non-shitty equipment:

Decent home-built computer running Sonar 4
M-Audio Delta 1010
(soon) a bunch of nice mics

So basically I'm looking for either an 8channel pre or a nice mixer w/ 8 nice pre's (I record live drums, so I need all 8 channels). My budget is absolutely under $500, and I'd much rather lean towards around $300 as every dollar spent on the mixer is a dollar less in mics right now. I don't want to get a piece of sh*t again though, as I plan on using this mixer until I possibly eventually upgrade to a nice *real* console in the far future.

Unless someone has a ridiculously stellar reason not to, I'll be mixing ITB so it's really 99% the preamps that I'm concerned with. The only thing I really like about the Behringer is it does have some nice routing options and both inserts and direct outs on all 8 channels. Were it not for the crappy pre's, it really would be a nice mixer

[steve.h]

After a small amount of research, the Yamaha MG16/4 seems like a decent option, along with the Soundcraft EPM 8...

[RAK]

I was going to suggest looking at some Yamaha boards. They have some nice inexpensive options. Also take a look at Mackie.

[steve.h]

Originally Posted by RAK

I was going to suggest looking at some Yamaha boards. They have some nice inexpensive options. Also take a look at Mackie.

Looks like Mackie's got some nice boards in that range, but to get 8+ pre's I haven't seen much under $450-500, which I'd really really rather not spend. How are Yamaha's pres?

On a side-note, manufacturer for Shure eh? Sounds like fun!

[RAK]

Originally Posted by steve.h

Looks like Mackie's got some nice boards in that range, but to get 8+ pre's I haven't seen much under $450-500, which I'd really really rather not spend. How are Yamaha's pres?

On a side-note, manufacturer for Shure eh? Sounds like fun!

I think the Yamaha board's are good, especially for the price. I'd be surprised if you didn't notice a difference over the behringer.

Yup, I work in Product Development, it's a lot of fun.

[steve.h]

Originally Posted by RAK

I think the Yamaha board's are good, especially for the price. I'd be surprised if you didn't notice a difference over the behringer.

Sweet man, I'll definitely put it at the top of my list.

Originally Posted by RAK

Yup, I work in Product Development, it's a lot of fun.

So what kind of stuff do you do? I mean, obviously you work on making mics sound better but is it mostly new materials, or just working with computer models to figure out better shapes, or is it mostly electronics at this point?

Any fun new mic ideas? I know you probably can't share a lot of what you do, but I'm always interested in learning about music-related professions!

[steve.h]

I could be wrong, but is this as good of a deal as it sounds?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/msg/271765462.html

[SonicAlbert]

Yamaha made an eight channel pre that was pretty good, called the MLA-7. The current version of it is known as the MLA-8. Just eight preamps, no mixer attached.

[travelin travis]

I've owned a yamaha mg and a behringer mx. The behringer pres can get pretty noisy when have them cranked up and they definately aren't transparent (i don't think they're that bad though). The yamaha mg is quieter and built MUCH sturdier.

[RAK]

Originally Posted by TravisinFlorida

I've owned a yamaha mg and a behringer mx. The behringer pres can get pretty noisy when have them cranked up and they definately aren't transparent (i don't think they're that bad though). The yamaha mg is quieter and built MUCH sturdier.

Definetly. I own a few pieces of Behringer gear, and while they serve their purpose, sturdy and Behringer are definetly not two words that belong together.