chunger
Well-known member
Just checking to see if there are any compact mixers with reasonable sonics. . . I know not to expect much, but I just blew up my horrific sounding mackie 1202 that I've been trying to kill for 19 years.
For me, many of my paying gigs are very simple in regards to audio. . . a podium mic, a few wireless kits, and output to record feed (video camera usually). A flexible EQ (that actually does something when you twist the knobs) is helpful in troublesome rooms, but I don't really expect much from a compact.
Looking at Allen and Heath ZED and Soundcraft EPM series stuff. Recommendations welcome. Small form factor is key because it's an item I throw into the kit just in case, and many, many times, it has been deployed and saved my skin on video gigs where I end up having to do P/A as well. Channel count is not that critical because most setups are so simple.
For me, many of my paying gigs are very simple in regards to audio. . . a podium mic, a few wireless kits, and output to record feed (video camera usually). A flexible EQ (that actually does something when you twist the knobs) is helpful in troublesome rooms, but I don't really expect much from a compact.
Looking at Allen and Heath ZED and Soundcraft EPM series stuff. Recommendations welcome. Small form factor is key because it's an item I throw into the kit just in case, and many, many times, it has been deployed and saved my skin on video gigs where I end up having to do P/A as well. Channel count is not that critical because most setups are so simple.
in the value mixer category back in the day. From my POV Mackie's main contribution to the MI industry was carpet bombing advertising. That said the audio path performance for all but the very cheapest should be decent thanks to improved performance from modern low cost opamps. When you get down to the cheapest of the cheap, sometimes they have cut corners inside that can deliver variable performance, depending on the application. For example a cheapo mixer may have a channel insert feature, but could save a few pennies with how the electronics around that insert are handled (to save an opamp here or there.). The simpler EQ in the entry level products may not cover you needs as well as more expensive, better featured mixers would. I have seen differences on the bench with inserts related to loading, but I don't want to make too big of deal about things I observed 15+ years ago. As long as you are interfacing with other well designed modern gear these loading issues should not show up. 
