Advice for new mixing board

  • Thread starter Thread starter qbueno
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qbueno

New member
Hi all,

I'm a newbie here but not in audio things :)
After years... I'm thinking of moving from mixing boards like Mackie 1604 and similars, to something more "interesting".

I would need at least:

- 4 groups/buses, if possible XLR outs
- 14 to 24 channels
- In my case, mic preamps are not critical since I mainly use synths, amplified instruments, etc...
- Analog, but if some kind of digital connection like firewire, even USB would help.

My budget is around 2k.

I saw some choices:

A&H ZED 420
A&H Wizard3 14:4:2
Midas Venice F16
more...?

Thanks in advance!!
 
Of your shortlist the A&H Mixwizard is my favourite.

However, if it was me, I'd go a different route and look at a Yamaha O1V96. Lots of interface options with plug in MY cards, flying faders for automation with the right software, tons of built in EQ, dynamics and effects--and it's pretty much a "standard" in pro and semi pro project studios.

(To show I've put my money where my mouth is, I use the O1V's big brother, the DM1000 in my studio.)

Bob
 
@Bob:
Thanks so much for your info, some considerations to share,
I would like to keep on analogue, also would prefer not to spend money in mixer effects or compressors but in more quality component for avoid noises, etc...
I took also a look to GL2400...
Any consideration?
Thanks!
 
qbueno said:
I would like to keep on analogue, also would prefer not to spend money in mixer effects or compressors but in more quality component for avoid noises, etc...
Click to expand...

The effects in the 01V96 are pretty good from what I hear, and you aren't going to get less noise with outboard gear, you'll get more.
 
bouldersoundguy said:
The effects in the 01V96 are pretty good from what I hear, and you aren't going to get less noise with outboard gear, you'll get more.
Click to expand...
Thanks,
The thing is that the mixer would be used for stage (not PA control) as well as studio, for live performances I use analog equipment and would want to avoid digital boards.
 
qbueno said:
Thanks,
The thing is that the mixer would be used for stage (not PA control) as well as studio, for live performances I use analog equipment and would want to avoid digital boards.
Click to expand...

A digital board can save snapshots. You could have a snapshot with all the settings exactly how you like them for each song that can be brought up in seconds, levels, effects and everything.

On balance my old Mackie never has needed a firmware update and has never rebooted during a show.
 
Well, without trying to be pushy, I'd suggest you re-evaluate your view of digital boards for live work. I do a fair bit of live mixing (mainly theatre musicals and similar) and, although I was highly reluctant at first, since 2004 I can count on one hand the number of shows I've done on analogue--everything else has been digital, ranging from small stuff on an 01V up to major shows on things like a Midas Pro 6 or Digico D1/D5. Indeed, I'm to the point where, when confronted with an older analogue without the scene presets and onboard dynamics/effects of digital, I find it a big retrograde step.

Anyway, if your heart is set on analogue, both the MixWizard and the GL2400 are very nice boards--but quite different. In a live environment, I quite like the GL2400--providing I don't have to carry it! It's not a small, light mixer but it is lovely to work on. At the other end, the MixWizard is a lovely sounding desk with all the facilities you need but in a very small footprint that's much easier to carry. However, this does mean everything is a bit cramped, at least until you get used to it.

Of the others on your list, the A&H Zed series are good mixers...for the money. However, they are built to a budget and not in the same league as the MixWiz. On the Midas Venice, some will disagree with me but I find it over priced and awkward to use--it's trying to capitalise on the Midas name without the Midas quality (it's origins are more from DDA mixers that Midas bought a while back).

So....for me your description of your needs sounds like a perfect spec for a move to the wonderful world of digital. However, if you're dead set against it, then the choice between the MixWiz and the GL2400 is down to whether you prefer features or portability.

Bob
 
Bobbsy said:
Well, without trying to be pushy, I'd suggest you re-evaluate your view of digital boards for live work. I do a fair bit of live mixing (mainly theatre musicals and similar) and, although I was highly reluctant at first, since 2004 I can count on one hand the number of shows I've done on analogue--everything else has been digital, ranging from small stuff on an 01V up to major shows on things like a Midas Pro 6 or Digico D1/D5. Indeed, I'm to the point where, when confronted with an older analogue without the scene presets and onboard dynamics/effects of digital, I find it a big retrograde step.

Anyway, if your heart is set on analogue, both the MixWizard and the GL2400 are very nice boards--but quite different. In a live environment, I quite like the GL2400--providing I don't have to carry it! It's not a small, light mixer but it is lovely to work on. At the other end, the MixWizard is a lovely sounding desk with all the facilities you need but in a very small footprint that's much easier to carry. However, this does mean everything is a bit cramped, at least until you get used to it.

Of the others on your list, the A&H Zed series are good mixers...for the money. However, they are built to a budget and not in the same league as the MixWiz. On the Midas Venice, some will disagree with me but I find it over priced and awkward to use--it's trying to capitalise on the Midas name without the Midas quality (it's origins are more from DDA mixers that Midas bought a while back).

So....for me your description of your needs sounds like a perfect spec for a move to the wonderful world of digital. However, if you're dead set against it, then the choice between the MixWiz and the GL2400 is down to whether you prefer features or portability.

Bob
Click to expand...


Great Bob, really helpful ;)
 
qbueno said:
Hi all,

I'm a newbie here but not in audio things :)
After years... I'm thinking of moving from mixing boards like Mackie 1604 and similars, to something more "interesting".

I would need at least:

- 4 groups/buses, if possible XLR outs
- 14 to 24 channels
- In my case, mic preamps are not critical since I mainly use synths, amplified instruments, etc...
- Analog, but if some kind of digital connection like firewire, even USB would help.

My budget is around 2k.

I saw some choices:

A&H ZED 420
A&H Wizard3 14:4:2
Midas Venice F16
more...?

Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...

I have the Presonus StudioLive 16.4.2, and I am very pleased with it.
I switched from using a Mackie for live stuff and an old Tascam M-2516 for recording, to using this board for everything.

Having the Snapshots is huge for me. The pre-amps are very clean and have tons of headroom, and for recording it's a real snap. Not to mention the Control Software, and iPad remote capabilities.

I would recommend though, if you do go digital, get a dedicated UPS for the power, you can't afford not to.

Oh, and they just came out with a smaller third version of the StudioLive that has less mic pre-amps and more line inputs, I think it's street price is around $1300.

LINK:
StudioLive 16.0.2
 
why not just use a patchbay?
Seems like a waste to pay for mixer channels just to have ALL the keys hooked up all the time.
 
Lt. Bob said:
why not just use a patchbay?
Seems like a waste to pay for mixer channels just to have ALL the keys hooked up all the time.
Click to expand...

I believe he's using it for live performance.
 
maestro_dmc said:
Having the Snapshots is huge for me. The pre-amps are very clean and have tons of headroom, and for recording it's a real snap. Not to mention the Control Software, and iPad remote capabilities.
Click to expand...

How do you find using snapshots without motorised faders though? I had a look at the Studiolive and ruled it out for live work at least because not having faders reflect the setting of each channel was a deal-buster for me. Maybe I'm too set in my ways though.

Bob
 
Bobbsy said:
How do you find using snapshots without motorised faders though? I had a look at the Studiolive and ruled it out for live work at least because not having faders reflect the setting of each channel was a deal-buster for me. Maybe I'm too set in my ways though.

Bob
Click to expand...

I know what you mean, I'm used to motorized faders too.

For me, on this mixer it's no problem not having them. First of all the price point would have been in a different league.

Also this mixer is a single layer, so that helps.
 
Interesting options, I know no buses neither eq, but somebody has used a SSL X-Desk?

Thanks!!
 
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