Mixer Question?

[Frusciante_Fan]

I really hate the pre amp world, I really do! I have been trying to make a choice between any stand alone mic pre system between ($200 - $500 dollars). But I also want a mixing console, cause I just dont feel right mixing with software, something about it just dont seem right. So I stumble across the Soundcraft M series mixers. They seem to have good pre's from what the reviews say. I was wondering if anyone has used this mixer, and maybe you could tell me how the pre's are on it?

And another question? It seems like the way people talk on the web, that mixers under $1000 dollars dont have good pre amps? Is this true?

Any suggestions on small consoles that dont suck?

 

[crosstudio]

i've been using the pre's on my mackie 1604 vlz pro for years. i just bought an FMR Audio RNP for christmas which thus far seems to have a brighter (or maybe just more detailed) high end and a better signal to noise ratio.

i can't vouch for the Spirit because I haven't spent any time behind it. i only played with the demo at Guitar Center.

if you will be recording more than 2 tracks at a time, then go with the mixer (with built in pre's) rather than a dedicated pre-amp.

 

[Frusciante_Fan]

kool

Hey thanks for the reply. I was glad to hear you say that, the mixer would be very usefull and make things alot cheaper and easier. I just needed someone who really mixes to tell me. Its also nice to hear some info about the RNP, I was wondering about that, but nobody knew?

Thanks

 

[deadleafecho]

Mackie is a great way to go, bottom end is 1202vlzpro, which basically nets you 4 mic pres for (the 4 direct out/inserts) the money(round $250 used to $400 new) So new thats 100bucks a pre. My only direct experiance with pres is with the Art tube pac, which is around 150ish used, and the mackie was a way better pre, much cleaner. And you get a mixer to go along with the 4 pres!