What should I buy?

[James HE]

OK so I have a budget of about $550 to spend on a mixer and some goodies... I'm kind stuck cuz I have a lot of options- so what do you guys think would be best to track primarily a big huge 10 piece drum kit to HD with a gadget labs wave 496?

these are the mics a already have access to:
Rode NT1, (4) Sm 57's, ATM41HE, Shure Beta 52, (2) CAD 22's

I also have a ART MP and dbx compressor and a TASCAM 424 and a TOA PA head if I need some extra mic pre's (although they kinda suck though, but I like the TOA pre's on the timbales and Rototom's with a hint of it's cheesy spring reverb) The TASCAM will mostly be used to get the headphone mix for the band)

Option 1: Mackie 1402 VLZ- and just use the mics I got and The TOA for two extra mic inputs $549

Option 2: Mackie 1202 VLZ $379 and a presonus Blue tube mic preamp $169 total $548 and still use the TOA for two mic pre amps with the mics I have

Option 3: Behringer MX2004A $279 an NT3 $159 and another ART MP $99 -total $537

Option 4: Behringer MX1604A $189 presonus Blue tube $169 + NT3 $159 total $517 (still stuck using the TOA though for two mic inputs)

(or any combination thereof for <$550)
I can't decide, I'd like to have a Mackie board over Behringer, but it lessens my options a bit. I'd use the NT3 (if I get it)with my NT1 as overheads and mic the toms, etc, with the other mics.

I was originally going to go with an Alesis 12R, but I need something with 4 busses or an Alt 3/4 buss and would like to have some line inputs for more flexability.

Ok I'm done yapping now.

-jhe

 

[kristian]

best idea usually... what do you want. then save up enough money for it... learn from my mistakes, dont buy the lesser just becuase you want it. save up twice that, how long o do that? 2 months? get a 1604 used and another NT1. later.kz

 

[James HE]

The thing is that I am looking to get this quickly, the drummer is leaving for Japan in a few months, and we HAVE to get a good demo together before he leaves cuz who knows if we'll ever get to play together agian!

I've considered buying used, If i find a good deal I'm definitly going for it.

It would be nice to have another NT-1 but, I want something that I like on acoustic guitar, which I haven't found with the NT-1 and the MP. (who knows with a different pre?)

-jhe

 

[tdukex]

James, I think the Behringers are a great value. Also, and I'm sure RE would agree, if you want another mic you should give serious consideration to the Oktava MC012 (from the Sound Room) for $280. With three heads, it's very versatile.