Small Format mixing desk Options

[originalshez]

Hey

I've recently been asked to spec up some kit for a pub thats looking to hold some gigs there, and are wanting to purchase their own kit. Currently, they borrow off various other venues, but are looking at making it a more regular thing so are getting their own stuff. At present they've got some sort of Behringer 4 channel thing which is knackered, and the main thing they need is a replacement. In terms of small desks, I've not used much other than Mixwizards, and was wondering what you guys would recommend? Ideally 8 or 12 channels, with 4 aux outs. Budget isn't huge, so looking in the 300-400 region.

Thanks in advance

[savage1]

Allen and Heaths Zed 14 isn't a bad desk and it can be had for under £300 leaving you money for other bits and bobs.

[tolley1466]

I don't think they're in production any more but a Soundcraft Sprit Folio SX will work for many years

Usually a few dotted around on ebay and second hand sales etc for about £200

[pete10uk]

I can vouch for the Soundcraft Sprit Folio SX, I've had one for years!
The only issue you will have, it only has 3 aux outs, but in all honesty (and I'm sure I'll stand corrected) you may be out of look with 4 aux outs on a budget desk.
I know if I came across a budget desk with 4 aux outs all switchable between post and pre fader, I'd have bought it for when I'm stuck in a hole. The SX is a great desk but I think aux 1 is pre fader, aux 2 is switchable and aux 3 is post fader, it's caused me issues more than a few times :-(

[soundiesam]

Im not sure what the prices are but Id check out the Mackie VLZ3 range. We have them at work they seem to do what need them to do very well.

[KidRay]

We're very happy with our recent purchase of an Allen & Heath ZED12-FX; under £400, decent built in effects, 4 aux sends, 100mm faders. A very nice sounding, easy to use compact desk.

[mi-ul]

Spirit M8 (or M12) has the 4 aux and 8 (or 12) channels plus 4 stereo channels.

My main criticism of the m12 is it's the channels are a bit squashed up
Mi-ul

[mm289]

We use a Soundcraft EPM 8, good, reliable and easy to use - also do a 12 channel version and well within your budget - only 2 aux's though.




Paul.

[benweblight]

Second recommendations for A&H ZED range in this budget. Also might be worth looking at the Yamaha MG range.

Though I would consider looking at second-hand to get best 'bang for buck'...ought to be able to pick up a reasonable soundcraft desk for that money.

[cameroncoats]

Mackie ProFX 12

12 channel mixer
Mon and fx sends, Onboard 32 bit fx, usb, GEQ, AND 12 ACTUAL FADER CHANNELS (No behringer, a stereo return should not be counted as a channel!)
Does everything I need it to...

This post has been edited by cameroncoats: 27 Jul 2010, 10:18 PM

[skdean]

I would also recommend the Allen & Heath ZED range. for the price they have great sound and a quality feel to them. I think we are going to see these still being used in 15 years. I have used them and I am placed with the result that I get.

[Bobbsy]

Mackie ProFX 12

12 channel mixer
Mon and fx sends, Onboard 32 bit fx, usb, GEQ, AND 12 ACTUAL FADER CHANNELS (No behringer, a stereo return should not be counted as a channel!)
Does everything I need it to...

But the Mackie only has 2 Auxes--and, frankly, a 7 band GEQ probably isn't much of a selling point either.

The A&H Zed series is certainly worth a look, though the Z14 only has six mic channels and four stereo channels--depends on the makeup of what the OP wants.

The Soundcraft options mentioned would be a close second choice for me. Both A&H and Soundcraft sound better (and have a nicer to use EQ section) than the Mackie which has rather "brittle" sounding mic pre amps.

Bob

[jamesperrett]

I think we are going to see these still being used in 15 years.

As I understand it, they're the ones that are going to be easily fixable if things go wrong as they use individual circuit boards for each channel. All the others use a single horizontal circuit board and are almost impossible to repair.

James.

[Pete Alcock]

At the risk of sounding like a cracked record, might I suggest the Allen and Heath PA12 as being perfect for this application too.

The relevant features/benefits for the pub environment:

Very sturdy - will stand up to hard use
Simple and well spaced out, clear layout - any visiting soundie or band (well, OK most), will have no trouble using it
4 Auxes as you specify, two for foldback, on faders, and two for FX, one built in.
Easily mendable, because it's eay to take apart and all the channels have separate PCBs
All the features you need and no crap you don't (graphic eq, 120 effects etc.)

Isn't this gorgeous?



Forgot to add: Yes, it's in budget too.

This post has been edited by Pete Alcock: 28 Jul 2010, 12:47 PM

[soundiesam]

Gorgeous isn't the word I would use for it.....