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30 Mar 09 - 12:28 PM (#2600490) Subject: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST,JoJo I'm currently playing 3 instruments amplified on stage using a stage box with a single lead. I'm fed up plugging in again each time I change instrument. Can anyone recommend a good little mixer that will take all three (input) and go into one channel (output)on my amp? |
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30 Mar 09 - 12:33 PM (#2600493) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: DonMeixner If money isn't an issue buy a six channel Mackie board, amp and speakers. But I suspect money is a concern. Peavy makes 6 and 8 channell un-powered mixers that worker well enough. And they are mostly American made if thats a big concern. Unless if you are British and then - They are imported! Don |
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30 Mar 09 - 12:48 PM (#2600508) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: Mark Ross The Behringer Eurorack 802(I think)sells for around 70 bucks. It's about the size of a large paperback. Mark Ross |
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30 Mar 09 - 12:50 PM (#2600511) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST,highlandman at work Second on the small Peavey mixers. They are quite reasonably priced sound very clean and they have done a good job making smooth quiet faders. Stay away from the Behringer, they are inexpensive but from what I have seen it is a roll of the dice whether you get a decent one or a noisy piece of junk. -Glenn |
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30 Mar 09 - 12:55 PM (#2600517) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: Dan Schatz I have an old Tascam Portastudio 564(I think it's a 564). It's actually a minidisc recorder that can double as a nice digital mixer. The later and refurbished models can take a regular 74 minute disc and record and entire show (or in my case, a set - I can sing for a LONG time). The resulting quality is not CD worthy, but it is mp3 quality. Nice to have. I have not had the same luck working with a hard drive Portastudio in live situations. You can get them on Ebay for around $150-$175. Dan |
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30 Mar 09 - 01:00 PM (#2600529) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: Amos World class: The VitaMix blender. Lasts forever.A |
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30 Mar 09 - 01:04 PM (#2600534) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST,highlandman at work Oh, another thing: make sure you are getting at least 3 inputs that are actually usable for instrument inputs. Most small mixers have a few low-impedance mic jacks and some line inputs. If you don't get one with high-impedance instrument inputs you'll have to get direct-input boxes for your guitars, or banjos, or whatever it is you're playing. Which will cost at least again as much as the mixer. Off the top of my head I don't remember what the specs are on the PV6... try looking at online discount shops and compare specs. -Glenn |
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30 Mar 09 - 01:56 PM (#2600576) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: Maryrrf I have one of those small Peavy (six channel) mixers for backup and it works very well. I'd recommend it and if I remember it only cost $80.00 or so, plus it's very portable. |
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30 Mar 09 - 02:25 PM (#2600601) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity I use a Carvin 16 channel recording board, and run a power amp after the mixer. I use 5 channels for one guitar, alone, and 7 for keyboards. Regardless, Carvin makes a reasonable inexpensive P.A. brain. You can plug each instrument into each channel, then kick on the one you want to use, and/or cut back the others.(as not to pick up other spurious sounds). Also, if you use a recording board, they are quieter, but require an external amp, after them. The good thing about that set up, is recording is by FAR cleaner, than using the 'record outs' on a P.A. brain! Also, there is a 'Recording Room' output jack, which enables you to use headphones, while playing live(a small ear piece works fine), and it is powered for their use...but not enough to run room speakers. Great luck!. If I can help, in any way, just post a question, I'll answer it to the best I can. Warmest Regards! GfS |
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30 Mar 09 - 02:35 PM (#2600613) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: Leadfingers If you are USA , I will go along with Maryrrf about the Peavey - _ have used her gear and its great If you are in UK Maplins do a similar mini mixer , though its as much in pounds as they are in dollars in USA ! Both have XLR abd 1/4 jack inputss , as well as Phono for Record out or Stereo (Interval music) n ! |
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30 Mar 09 - 02:38 PM (#2600617) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: s&r Not quite an answer, but have you thought of snapjacks? Here Stu |
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30 Mar 09 - 02:42 PM (#2600622) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: mandotim I have two Peavey boards, a Mackie and two Behringers, among others, including both the boards recommended above. There is an American-generated mythology about Behringer gear, largely because it competes so well on price with overpriced American equivalents. (Indeed there are a number of lawsuits by American manufacturers, trying to prevent Behringer from selling in the US. They claim that Behringer have 'reverse engineered' their products; if they have, this is not illegal, as long as you don't infringe patents and don't try to pass them off as the original.) My experience (as opposed to hearsay) is that any mixer can break, but Behringer perform just as well as Peavey, at about half the price. The preamps and controls are clean and quiet, and my boards have taken years of live use (and occasional abuse) without complaint. Bear in mind also that the small Peavey mixers are all made in China, just like the Behringers. The only desk I've had problems with is the Mackie, which is noisy,unreliable and very expensive to fix. If you want something bespoke that will do the job really well, go where lots of the pros do; talk to Orchid Electronics, here and see what they can do for you. No financial interest, they're just good. Hope this helps. Tim |
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30 Mar 09 - 02:42 PM (#2600623) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker I rarely gig with more than 2 instruments so can get away with just using A/B switches.. but if I was in your situation I'd definitely suggest this as an ideal versatile gig-proof build quality stage mini-mixer.. http://www.award-session.com/mixmatch.html Its specifically designed for inputing electro acoustic & magnetic pickup string instruments. .. designed & manufactured by a well respected British Amp Engineer; and costs about £70 brand new. I'd buy one myself, but just can't find a reason to justify just aquiring one for the sake of it... I'm very keen on Award-Session's practical and reliable utility pre-amps, got 3 or 4 of 'em at good bargain 2nd hand prices, so my enthusiasm is based on genuine experience... |
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30 Mar 09 - 04:36 PM (#2600718) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST,highlandman at work Actually my comment about Behringer was not mythology, it was based on experience with friends' gear. Some of the stuff was great for the price ... even compared to higher priced gear ... but some of it never worked right. If you want to be the quality control department for your electronics manufacturer, then go ahead and save a bill or two. I should also clarify that I am talking about their low-end gear. From what I have seen, Behringer's full-scale desks are quite solid. Probably they are not feeling so much price pressure in that market. I am using Behringer microphones, by the way; much cheaper than Shure and not so different when used for low-pressure acoustic work. (To mic a rock-and-roll amp, or a screaming metal singer, the Shure is beyond comparison though.) When I bought them I mentally made allowance for having to buy another one if needed, but all 3 have worked fine for over a year (knock knock). If you are amenable to going a little more money, I really like my Soundcraft powered mixer. Most of the channels take hi/lo-Z inputs, and the preamps have a nice presence. Comparitively, the Behringer preamps sound (to me) a little harsh, like they may be distorting just a bit in the high frequencies. Not likely an issue with loud venues or gravelly voices but definitely noticeable with a clear female voice, like my wife's. The electronic "effects" are cheesy (most are) but I never use them anyhow. -Glenn |
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30 Mar 09 - 04:51 PM (#2600729) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: Big Mick While this is a bit out of the low end range, does anyone have any experience with the latest version of the Bose system? With the tone match engine? I played through one at a vendor, and it sure seemed like a great system. Mick |
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30 Mar 09 - 04:58 PM (#2600734) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST,JoJo Thanks to all for the good advice. JoJo |
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30 Mar 09 - 05:22 PM (#2600751) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: mandotim Apologies highlandman; I think I was on my high horse a bit there! Hi Mick; I use two of the Bose L1 towers for our bluegrass/old timey/acoustic blues band. The Slippery Hill Boys We tried the tone match engine, but I wasn't impressed with the effects quality. We're using a basic mixer and some quality outboard effects instead. Compression is especiallty useful with this setup. The Bose amps, radiator speakers and the little bass bins that go with them are absolutely great though. Takes a bit of setting up, especially if you are setting them up behind you with no monitors as intended (feedback if you're not careful with mic placement). Loads of volume and clarity all through the room, without having to turn everything up to ear-bleeding level. Tim |
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30 Mar 09 - 05:25 PM (#2600753) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: mandotim Especiallty??? Tim ;) |
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30 Mar 09 - 05:39 PM (#2600765) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: Big Mick Thanks, Tim. I would be interested in seeing a schematic, or a description of how that hook up looks. Mick |
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31 Mar 09 - 02:59 AM (#2601020) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity Mandotim, I also have two Behringer, V 12's with two 12" speakers in each one. I use them, as a matching pair, for my keyboards, running in true stereo chorus. I run them 'clean', and they are ok, for in the studio(practice amps), other than they have a bit more 'buzz' than I like, and are slightly underpowered..BUT..for the money, they do ok. Surprisingly, a Marshall head, running through a Fender cabinet, which I replaced the Fender speakers, with two Carvin High energy 12's, (they have huge magnets, and are virtually 'bullet proof')is unbelievable for both electric, and GREAT, with acoustic guitars! Clean, fat, and powerful. Right now, I'd recommend that set up. With electric guitars it has great bite, yet pulsing mids, and bass. Until recently, I also ran a bass cabinet, with 2 15's in it, WITH the Carvin 12's..for an incredible FAT sound..but I sold off, the 2,15 cabinet. .....P.S...So, what does that have to do with mixers? |
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31 Mar 09 - 03:19 AM (#2601026) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: treewind I was about to suggest a cheap utility mixer but I spotted a problem. Highlandman has described the problem (low-z inputs for high-z instrument pickups) ...and Punkfolkrocker has nailed a solution. www.award-session.com/mixmatch.html IMHO, take note - good advice. Anahata |
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31 Mar 09 - 03:25 AM (#2601027) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: Jim Lad Behringer gets a bad rap, rather unfairly. I have the Behringer Xenyth 1204FX and it is excellent for live work. A bit too noisy for the studio but that's not really what they're for. One of the cheaper models would probably suit you fine. |
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31 Mar 09 - 05:24 AM (#2601074) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: nickp Punkfolkrocker - That MixMatch is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Many thanks for the heads up. |
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31 Mar 09 - 07:39 AM (#2601136) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw There is, and always has been, a lot of snobbishness about PA gear. Badges are all important. I know a lot of Pro sound people who wouldn't be seen dead using Behringer. However, here is a story which you might find interesting.......... Whilst at my repair man's workshop, we got to talking about Behringer. "Are they any good", I says. "Yes" he says, "the components are good quality, but they are built to a price, but represent good value for money. Quality control is a bit lacking, but it's all chips so they either work or they don't." Then he said, "Come and look at this". On the workbench were 2 mixers, both stripped down in the process of being repaired. They looked identical inside - same board layout, same components etc. One was a Mackie, the other a Behringer. BUT, outside they were quite different cosmetically. And that seemed to be the ONLY difference. My repairman said, "To all intents and purposes, they are identical electronically. It's just that one costs more than twice as much as the other. You are paying for the badge and the different external design." |
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31 Mar 09 - 07:51 AM (#2601155) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: mandotim Mick, I've Pm'd you about L1 setup. Tim |
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31 Mar 09 - 02:48 PM (#2601491) Subject: RE: Advice on a mixer From: GUEST "Apologies highlandman; I think I was on my high horse a bit there!:" Not at all, mandotim (at least not by Mudcat standards). I've learned of some gear in this thread I never heard of; will have to do some more checking. The problem is Mrs. Highlandman won't let me buy everything I see. Cheers -Glenn |