narrowing mixer search

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digiboy

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Thanks everyone, for the tips on mixer brands. In thinking thru my options, I'd like to find something with about 12-14 channels but I'd like at least 1 (stereo) input with a phono preamp. All I can find with phono inputs are DJ mixers.

The Spirit Folio would be perfect if it was available with more inputs. I checked the Soundcraft website and it appears he rest of the line doesn't have that. Anyone aware of something like the Mackie 12's but with one set of ins that are set up ( or swithchable) for phono??

Thanks!
 
Just buy yourself a small phono preamp. The only mixers I know with built-in phono pres are DJ mixers (as you already found out.)

Bruce
 
Have you looked at the Mackie Compact Series - e.g., 1604VLZ Pro.

16 Channel Mixer with 8 Direct Outs. The preamps on the VLZ line are noted to be quite good. This spec sheet shows RCA Tape Inputs and Outputs which I would think can be used for phono.

http://www.mackie.com/Products/VLZ_PRO_Series/1604VLZPRO.asp

I have the 1642 VLZ - which is a step below this one - and I am quite pleased with it.
 
You need an RIAA preamp for turntable connections... turntable output is not simply a line out, it needs to be RIAA-EQ compensated.

Bruce
 
Are you using a dj mixer? If so Does the turntable mixer have a line out?
 
It's not clear from the Mackie specs whether the RCA inputs have a preamp. They're labeled "tape in", and I think you have the same preamp issue from a tape player as from a turntable.

However, if not you could simply use a home stereo receiver. Run the turntable into the receiver, and the line outs from the receiver into the RCA's on the mixer.
 
"Tape-in" is NOT the same as "Phono-in"... Tape-ins would definitely NOT have an RIAA EQ-compensation circuit in-line.

Bruce
 
Yep, it has to say soemthing like "phono" or "RIAA" or "Turntable" on the inputs or it's not going to handle signal from a turntable correctly. I'm going to see what a phono preamp costs these days, maybe I'll check Rat Shack. If it's anything more than $50 or so for something decent, I may as well pick up that little Folio Notepad. It's not going to cover my mixer needs but it looks like a very handy piece to have around.
 
Mixers

I have a Peavey 500 mixer that has tape in, maybe to small for what you need. It has 6 xlr, 4 stereo in's, 6 hi impidence in's and one tape in. Cost $300.00 new. I like it alot, very clean sound. Later, Donny!!!
 
Digiboy, I got the Folio F1, only paid $179 new!! Check it out, I got mine at guitar center. 14 ins,(well sorta) 6 are XLR
 
Good

That's a realy good price. I got mine two years ago and everything works. When my band plays out I use it to mix my drumer then run the mix through a compresser. Keeps the drums under good control. My drumber loves it. Later, Donny!!!
 
Does the Folio F1 have turntable inputs? Looking at the specs I don't see anything to indicate it has phono jacks with the RIAA EQ for turntable use.
 
digiboy, nope, no RIAA inputs, but I assume not many mixers have that, unless they are made for the DJ crowd, but for the price you could probably get an F1 and a turntable pre-amp and still be a happy camper.
 
Well the Spirit Notepad has the right jacks for a turntable and it will be a lot more useful to me than a DJ mixer. It looks like one of those little boxes that ends up being a real workhorse with dozens of uses... it's cheap too...I'll grab that and a nice Mackie and I think that'll work out fine.
 
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