I know what you mean about the pre-fader sends. The current mixer I'm using has 1 pre-fader send and 1 post-fader. Believe it or not, the post-fader send works OK for a cue mix, because of the headphone distribution amp I have. The band member who has that AUX can turn their amp up as loud as they need to hear. It's less than ideal as compared to a pre-fader send, but it works. The only engineer is myself so while we're playing, no one is touching the board, so that shouldn't be a problem. What are some more of your experiences (bad or good) with using post-fader AUX's as cue mixes? I'm sure it's not totally uncommon for artists to use these like this is it?
Because I do have this other mixer that has one pre-fader send, I could do as you recommend and use the insert points off the main mixer. That would give me three pre-fader sends. The only thing is that I was hoping through this little adventure to lose all my other equipment and just have the one mixer fit my needs. I think I'm realizing that in order to do that I'll probably have to buy something more expensive like the A&H or Studiomaster that you mentioned.
Only thing about
the Behringer MX2642A ($250 mixer) is that there is no insert points on the subgroups, so I would not have the flexibility of putting reverb on all the vocal tracks (we do have some BGV), which would be nice. I have to look at the Mackie 1604 to see if it has that flexibility (that board is a little steep in price though). Another thing bad about this board is that it does not have master AUX send volume control. This could pose a problem if I want to use post fader sends as cue mixes, right?
Another question for you, the reverb unit that I wish to use with this setup is a powered mixer with a reverb effects processor built-in. That unit does have effects in/out (and footswitch out - what is that for?) jacks that I was thinking I could use with the main mixer (insert). How would I hook that up, or could I even?
The answer to that last question pretty much decides whether or not I'll be looking to buy a mixer with built-in effects, or if I buy a mixer without those, but have to purchase a separate effects processor. If I can leverage what I already have in that powered mixer, I'll be able to save some money.
Thanks so much littledog for your assistance here. It has really helped me out.
Nate