Mixer choice

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Sky Blue Lou

Sky Blue Lou

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I am replacing my aged Carvin console (anybody want a deal?) and would appreciate some input.This is primarily for live sound though we do run from the subs to DAW for "live" recording. I want/need 16 inputs.

The contenders:

Mackie 1604 VLZ pro. - Well it's the standard-bearer isn't it? No extras just 16 straight channels into 4 and 2. Enough aux sends for outboard effects. $850.

B***ringer (shudder) Eurodesk SL2442-FX - Much cheaper with more inputs and two effects engines. With the money I saved on this I could pick up a few more mics.

The concern is obviously whether the savings is ultimately worth it considering the risk of the Euro crapping out well before the Mackie. As well this thing will be getting a lot of road miles (hopefully).

Thoughts?

Thanx,


lou
 
Lou - have you considered the Yamaha MG series? They're there with the Mackies for sound and far more reliable than the Behringers, but considerably cheaper than the the Mackies. Here's the one you'd need:

http://www.dv247.com/invt/19848

I don't know where to check for US prices though, you'll have to get someone else to do that for you! :)

Hope that helps,

Nik

EDIT - This one has almost as many channels and is like half the price ... less subs and stuff though: http://www.dv247.com/invt/18167

DOUBLE EDIT - When I say 'almost as many', I mean, quite a few less. :D:D
 
Thanx Noisy - I did look at the first Yamaha. It's about $900 US. Price-competitive with the Mackie for sure with FX and 16 mono 4 stereo ins. I don't need the stereo ins but I might take them considering the FX.

I probably should have put that up as one of the contenders. I had sort of eliminated it because it was more than I needed and considerably larger and heavier than the Mackie. If they only made a straight 16 I would have already bought it.


lou
 
Yo' Sky-Bluie-Louie, have you considered a Topaz 24/8?


Run, DON'T WALK, from any and ALL Behringer mixers!!!
 
Can't find Topaz Q-man. They're listed on the Wharfedale site but the linkee no workee.

Yeah Behringer. Good stuff huh?


lou
 
Hmmm ... it looks like you're at a bit of a funny size. Here's the two I'd look at then:

- Soundcraft M12 - 12 mic channels and four stereo lines. So not a true 16 channels. However, it's excellent, feels sturdy and fits into a rack if that helps you get an idea of how compact it is. Takes up less than half of my not particularly wide work desk! No subs either.

- Mackie CFX-16 - Usable FX, pres and EQ. Not as good as the Soundcraft (or even as the Mackie VLZ) but very usable nonetheless, and good value. Used one of these quite a bit and it's everything I needed it to be. 8 subs. Very compact because it's not so sloped (if I remember rightly).

Does that help?
 
The Topaz will presumably be a lot more expensive, btw. If you want to spend more, the Allen and Heath Mixwizard desks are great - the new mark three 16:2 is very good and will last you a long time.
 
I have a Yamaha 16/4 and from what I have found the pre's are cleaner and quieter than my 90's Mackie...


Not the Onyx for I have never heard an Onyx.
 
I would recommend the Yamaha Mg 24/14 FX. Thats what i have and it works great. We use it for live/practice/recording stuff. The Fx's do come in handy in live shows...I was also debating on the Mackie 1604vlz when i bought the yamaha...a hundred dollars cheaper was enough for me. The pre's are really transparent and there is more than enough inputs for our use.

I have had it for about a year now with no problems.
 
Thanks to seryozha (check yer PM) the Yamaha is back on the list. Yeah it's more than I need but I had it narrowed down to the Mackie and the extra fifty bucks buys a lot.

Noisy & Therage - I looked at the Allen & Heath Mixwizard but I really wanted the 4 buss feature and the 16:2 doesn't have it. The one that does (14:4 or something) doesn't have enough channels.

I also looked at the Soundcraft Spirits but again the combination of channels/busses and whatnot was not ideal for what I want. The Mackie CFX series scares me a bit - more features for less money doesn't add up to the same quality I wouldn't think.

Thanks to all for your input. I just sold my old truck for $1000 cash and I'm gonna pull the trigger on the Mackie 1604VLZ or the Yamaha MG24/14FX within the next day or so.

Thanx again,


lou
 
Haha, if you think CFX is scary then wait till you use the DFXs and 'Tapcos'!

Good luck with it, hope you get many years of good service.
 
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