Biskit Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi Guys, Simple one really... I'm looking into buying a mixer for mobile PA work, ideally rack mounting, around 16 channel but compact in size. Lots of groups and auxes not a major requirement. I've come across the Studiomaster 162BPX... 16 mic channels (four of which can also be stereo inputs instead), with basic on-board effects, 19" rack (6u), at around £320. On the face of it - ideal - BUT... the only Studiomaster I've ever used was an old Diamond. Admittedly the one I used had seen better days, but it was pretty grim to mix on. Build quality seemed okay from what I remember though. Where do Studiomaster sit these days in quality terms? Would it be Behringer or A&H to provide the best comparison? I've struggled to find reviews online. I like the 16 channels, numbered as 16 channels rather than some which would have counted every stereo channel as two just to 'big up' the spec sheet! I also like the compact size. I don't like the idea of a power button on the front panel! I have no idea what the quality of the pots and faders will be. Any comments? I'm not at the stage of going trying things out yet... still at the homework stage. All views welcome! Ben. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smalljoshua Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 An Allen & Heath MixWiz 16:2 would be the best bet. Josh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revbobuk Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 I've specced several Yamaha MG206 just lately, and it's a very nice desk - clean layout, reasonable price (also around the £350 mark) and plenty of channels in a rackmount unit. Worth a look. Can come with USB connection (stereo in/out). The MG166 can have FX, but that's not an option on the 206. 4 groups, 4 aux, same complement of inputs as you mention, etc. Not as compact as the Studiomaster you mention though - around 12U. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound Juice Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Seconded the mixwizzard 16:2 or even the 14:4:2 both very good desks with decent pots and a long working life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hounsome Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 yes the Yammaha or Allen & Heath are good the mix wiz has slightly better pre amps. colin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Lewis Posted February 1, 2009 Share Posted February 1, 2009 Well, the Studiomaster is made by the same firm that now owns Cadac... ;-) Studiomaster did make some pretty good products in their day, but I stopped selling their desks and amps a) when the features on offer were overtaken by other manufacturers like Soundcraft and Allen & Heath, and b) customers brought them back because they broke down. The firm changed hands several times, seemingly dropping the more expensive equipment each time. I think it's fair to say that it's the the name that carries on, not the innovative design. A quick look at their website seems to show that they are targeting the more cost conscious and MI based end of the market. Strangely, they still sell the ACO2 crossover - but have removed some of the features - e.g. variable phase control - which was quite unusual in the mid-late 1980s. Would I buy one now? Probably not. If your budget runs to it, the I'd fully support the suggestion of the A&H MixWiz family. There's also the Soundcraft GB2R, or even the APB if the tooth fairy has left a couple of grand under your pillow. Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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