Some Good 12-16-input, Rack-Mount Mixers? What Do You Like, Have Experience With?

  • Thread starter Thread starter stevieb
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stevieb

Just another guy, really.
So, I'm shopping for a new mixer for my church (being a UU/humanist, I feel the need to mention that it's a UU congregation... just my issues, feel free to ignore that part.)

We currently have a Mackie- can't recall what model, but it's got a total of 12 input channels, but Mackie cheats on that like almost everybody does- some of those "12" are actually stereo-in channels with NO pre-amp or XLR input- I hate that, so I don't really think of it as a 12-channel board. As I recall, it might have 6 XLR ins, maybe only 4. Yuck.

Here's what we NEED:
Minimum 12 pre-amp/XLR input channels;
Rack-mount;
2 assignable groups; (not sure I am using the right terminology, but hopefully I am communicating)
1 post-fader output channel;
1 post-fader output channel;
2-track recording outs;
Phantom power.

And, here's what we WANT:
16 pre-amp/XLR input channels;
2 post-fader output channel;
2 post-fader output channel;
4 assignable groups;
8 record-outs, 16 preferred (to feed my Zoom R16 for now, maybe a 16-track recorder later. Analog is okay.)

I own a Mackie 1604VLZ-PRO, U S made- I can't imagine why it wouldn't fill the bill, but it's old, dirty and has lead a hard life, so it may not be reliable. I suppose I could clean it up, in and out, maybe have it serviced. Not above doing that, and actually the one the church as would be a decent substitute for the uses I put that board to.

Don't have a budget figure in mind- I am not willing to go Behringer unless forced to, as I have heard too many stories ob Behri (and China-made Mackie) boards shutting down when they get hot; on the other hand we do have a modest budget. I am not specifying a budget at the moment, but price is going to enter the picture, for sure.

I'm sure this basic question has been asked and answered before, but I really don't think the search function is going to work for me, this time- I don't want to be researching boards that are no longer made. Thanks in advance.
 
For what you describe, a 1604VLZ sounds like it would do the trick.
 
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