Mixing desk

Marly88 · 22nd March 2007, 08:00 AM

Hello,

I am in search of a good mixing desk.

What do you think are the best mixing desks of 3000 dollars and less?

I was thinking of the Behringer mx9000, because it really looked good and it seemed to be good aswell. But I heard so many bad reactions about it that I think it's not worth the name of "high end".

What do you think is really a good mixing desk in that price range? I'd like a link to where to buy it aswell.

Please include a description of why it is so good aswell.

Thanks for your time!

Marlon.

Mr. Man · 22nd March 2007, 10:06 AM

What will you be using this for?? What are your primary needs? Do you need a ton of auxes, ton of channels, precise EQs, or just something to fit the budget?

Matt Syson · 22nd March 2007, 10:08 AM

Hi
For this amount of money you need to be looking at a wide variety of desks but you have not said what you want to do with it, how many channels you NEED and whether you have local technical experience available.
From your question I would suggest a new desk with a warranty so the offerings from Mackie , Behringer and others should be on the list. An 'old' desk (more than say 5 years) will have service issues and if you do not have a tech available it could be quite problematic. A (big name but old) desk may be impressive on paper but if it is continually faulty and you can't afford the maintenance will get a worse reputation than an 'apparently' inferior desk that actually just works day in day out.
You have not set the scene enough to give any real suggestions other than LOTS more research.
Good hunting
Matt S

Marly88 · 22nd March 2007, 10:18 AM

I'll try to explain, but I don't exactly know.

We have a home studio, we're doing it for fun. We're wanting to make a studio of it in which other people can record aswell, for a little price.

The main thing is. That it makes a good sound, the other things don't really matter to me. I just think I'd buy a better one because it probably makes a lot better sound, that's why.

I hope you guys understand me and maybe can give me some tips on what's good to have for rapping, singing, etc.

I'm not a professional, I do it for fun.

Thanks.

Marlon.

PS: I'm making the 5000 3000.

Matt Syson · 22nd March 2007, 10:24 AM

Hi
I would tend to the Mackie and definately a new desk. You will have a warranty and it will hang in there for several years at least.
Matt S

Marly88 · 22nd March 2007, 10:57 AM

I looked around for Mackie's, and the best one for within my price range (well a little more, but it doesn't really matter) was the Mackie 32-8. Is that a good one? Will it be a good choice to buy that one? Or should I buy another mixing desk of Mackie?

Any other suggestions, or do you guys all think that Mackie's the best for that price range?

Thanks for your time.

RobJB06 · 22nd March 2007, 02:34 PM

Ive heard Mackies are not so great- but ive never owned one myself.
Having said that the Prodigy recorded all there stuff through Mackie desks and they didnt do so bad. In fact lots of good recordings were done on Mackie desks. But i cant say i dream of ownig a Mackie desk...

Personally, i thought the Soundcraft Spirit Studio and Ghost desks were quite nice desks. The EQ was nice and sharp, good for dance music. Good overdrive on the channels too!

Ive also had a Soudtracs Topaz 24/8 too, i found this to be warmer sounding in comparison to the Soundcraft. The EQ is not as sharp as the Soundcraft, smoother. These are nice desks apart from the limited aux sends.

Personally i use 2x Speck Xtramix's cascaded. These are low noise, transparent rack mixers. 8 aux sends. If you are limited on space and would like a rack mixer id highly recommend the Speck.
I find it to be a perfect way to track instruments (i have lots of analogue synths) into the computer.

Vince the guy that designs the Speck stuff is a very cool guy. Highly recommend Speck.

So, if you want a desk maybe try a Soundcraft for dance stuff or for band stuff try the Soundtracs desks, the preamps on the Soundtracs are quite nice sounding too. If you dont have room for a desk and want a rack mixer id suggested a Speck Xtramix.

Marly88 · 22nd March 2007, 06:45 PM

For me it's not really about the room, and not about the instruments aswell. It's just so it has a warm sound and makes your voice sound nice and clear. What one should I choose for that? And simply makes a good sound quality.

Thanks.

Marlon.

dlmorley · 22nd March 2007, 07:20 PM

You could check this out maybe

http://www.oram.co.uk/SER%208T.htm

FossilTooth · 22nd March 2007, 07:30 PM

Wow. I feel like a couple of the repliers are giving you some BAD ADVICE!

Forget about Mackie and their warranities, I say!

For $3K-$5K these days you can look at a used DDA, MCI, Neotek or Soundcraft.

Sure you might have to recapp a very old board, but didn't you always want to become a "real" engineer anyway?

If you really want to go new, Allen&Heath blows Mackie out of the water for the same bread.

dlmorley · 22nd March 2007, 07:40 PM

I'd agree with the above but BE CAREFUL. Some desks can cost a fortune to service. Others not.
A&H have good and bad models. If you can find an Allan Heath Saber, that's a good one.
Just read up here. Basically lots of makes keep turning up.
DDA, D&R, certain Soundcraft, Neotek etc... Also, maybe 16 channels is enough and then you can get higher quality..
read up and good luck

Marly88 · 22nd March 2007, 07:41 PM

Could you try and help me find one of those? I'd really like that. If you want add me on msn or email me at marlonlorijnen@hotmail.com so we can talk about it there if you like, otherwise we'll do it here at the forum. If you like of course.

Thanks for the advice!

Marly88 · 22nd March 2007, 10:01 PM

I searched through the web and didn't find anything yet. U think Neotek are the best? The ones I've seen are a bit to much for my like. The price I'm aiming for is around 1500 dollars, because I want to spend a bit on the rest of my studio aswell..

I'm trying to get a Neotek, but ohh well..

Any other suggestions?

I'll check out the other suggestions I got so far aswell..

Do you think the Allen and Heath Saber 32x16 is a good choice? It looks good! Is that good for vocal?

Thanks!

PhilE · 22nd March 2007, 10:30 PM

$5000
$3000
$1500

Any advance? If $1500 is your figure I think you should consider mixing ITB for a bit longer and saving up- there is very little available that is really going to rock your world the way a few bits of decent outboard will.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marly88

I searched through the web and didn't find anything yet. U think Neotek are the best? The ones I've seen are a bit to much for my like. The price I'm aiming for is around 1500 dollars, because I want to spend a bit on the rest of my studio aswell..

I'm trying to get a Neotek, but ohh well..

Any other suggestions?

I'll check out the other suggestions I got so far aswell..

Do you think the Allen and Heath Saber 32x16 is a good choice? It looks good! Is that good for vocal?

Thanks!

dlmorley · 23rd March 2007, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marly88

I searched through the web and didn't find anything yet. U think Neotek are the best? The ones I've seen are a bit to much for my like. The price I'm aiming for is around 1500 dollars, because I want to spend a bit on the rest of my studio aswell..

I'm trying to get a Neotek, but ohh well..

Any other suggestions?

I'll check out the other suggestions I got so far aswell..

Do you think the Allen and Heath Saber 32x16 is a good choice? It looks good! Is that good for vocal?

Thanks!

Depends on the price, but they are excellent desks for the money usually. I used one for a few years.

Marly88 · 23rd March 2007, 08:18 AM

Thanks for all the replies!

My question now is: What's better? The Allen & Heath Saber Pro, a SOUNDCRAFT GB-2 16 or some kind of Neotek. (probably series 1).

I got another question. Could you help me on my search to get the by you answerred mixing console for 2000 or less? If so I'd be very grateful.

Thank you very much!

Marlon.

thethrillfactor · 23rd March 2007, 08:22 AM

I am suprised no one has suggested the new Toft ATB board.

Has the GS Kool Aid worn off?

dlmorley · 23rd March 2007, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

I am suprised no one has suggested the new Toft ATB board.

Has the GS Kool Aid worn off?

out of budget

thethrillfactor · 23rd March 2007, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlmorley

out of budget

It is?

By how much?(I have no idea).

thethrillfactor · 23rd March 2007, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

It is?

By how much?(I have no idea).

To answer my own question a Toft ATB 16 is $3500.

A $500 difference?

Not bad for what you get.

dlmorley · 23rd March 2007, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

To answer my own question a Toft ATB 16 is $3500.

A $500 difference?

Not bad for what you get.

I agree, but I think the original poster has said he wants to spend $1500 really. A change of heart... the $3000 was for a desk and some gear (you have to read post #13)
plus, the ATB isn't easily available yet, is it?

Marly88 · 23rd March 2007, 08:56 AM

Guess that's not out of budget, because I can still buy it secondhand..

Oh yea, don't forget my question in the previous post..

EDIT: You're right, I searched for it but didn't find it anywhere..

thethrillfactor · 23rd March 2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlmorley

I agree, but I think the original poster has said he wants to spend $1500 really...
plus, the ATB isn't easily available yet, is it?

Gotcha.

You guys know better than me on the ATB stuff.

I just go by what i read here.

By the way why is this in the Hi End forum?

Is $1500 the new $10k like gray is the new Black?

thethrillfactor · 23rd March 2007, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marly88

Guess that's not out of budget, because I can still buy it secondhand..

Oh yea, don't forget my question in the previous post..

EDIT: You're right, I searched for it but didn't find it anywhere..

For $1500 the best you will do is Soundtracs Topaz, Tascam M3700 or a Peavey AMR console.

I see them all the time on Craigslist.

dlmorley · 23rd March 2007, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

For $1500 the best you will do is Soundtracs Topaz, Tascam M3700 or a Peavey AMR console.

I see them all the time on Craigslist.

Topaz sounded ok, but had really crappy pots I seem to recall..
I used to have an M3500 (M3700 is automated) and they are nice desks for not much money. Get one of them with the full meterbridge.
Checked the finished ebay items. $750 for a 24 track with full meter. BARGAIN.

Marly88 · 23rd March 2007, 09:10 AM

Do you think the saber is better then the 3500 or not ? is it a good deal for the money you've giving, will you be getting a good sound quality?

I hope so.

ty

dlmorley · 23rd March 2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marly88

Do you think the saber is better then the 3500 or not ? is it a good deal for the money you've giving, will you be getting a good sound quality?

I hope so.

ty

I preferred the Saber myself (great EQ and solid build) but did 2 full albums on a Tascam M3500 and no one complained

If you can find a good condition Saber for a decent price, I would go for that.

Marly88 · 23rd March 2007, 09:32 AM

Thanks for all your help, I'll be looking for it, and post here if I want to talk about it. Could you help me search a bit? I'd like that!

Thanks.

EDIT: I already found one for 2500 euro (about 3250 dollar). It is a Allen & Heath Saber Plus, so not the usual version, it's like MKII. Is that a good price?

dlmorley · 23rd March 2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marly88

Thanks for all your help, I'll be looking for it, and post here if I want to talk about it. Could you help me search a bit? I'd like that!

Thanks.

EDIT: I already found one for 2500 euro (about 3250 dollar). It is a Allen & Heath Saber Plus, so not the usual version, it's like MKII. Is that a good price?

It's a buyers market these days. Most people will be pretty flexible on price. I'd say if it's in great condition and you can push them to €2000, that's great.
Good luck

Marly88 · 23rd March 2007, 09:47 AM

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7...berplusmg4.png
Is this the Saber Plus or the usual Saber ?

Yea, I guess so. I said I buy it for 1500 euro, if he doesn't accept I say my maximum offer is 2000, if he accepts I'll be very happy..

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22nd March 2007, 10:06 AM	#2
Mr. Man Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 234	What will you be using this for?? What are your primary needs? Do you need a ton of auxes, ton of channels, precise EQs, or just something to fit the budget? __________________ Mr. Man

22nd March 2007, 10:08 AM	#3
Matt Syson Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 1,491	Hi For this amount of money you need to be looking at a wide variety of desks but you have not said what you want to do with it, how many channels you NEED and whether you have local technical experience available. From your question I would suggest a new desk with a warranty so the offerings from Mackie , Behringer and others should be on the list. An 'old' desk (more than say 5 years) will have service issues and if you do not have a tech available it could be quite problematic. A (big name but old) desk may be impressive on paper but if it is continually faulty and you can't afford the maintenance will get a worse reputation than an 'apparently' inferior desk that actually just works day in day out. You have not set the scene enough to give any real suggestions other than LOTS more research. Good hunting Matt S __________________ Matt S www.mseaudio.co.uk

22nd March 2007, 10:24 AM	#5
Matt Syson Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 1,491	Hi I would tend to the Mackie and definately a new desk. You will have a warranty and it will hang in there for several years at least. Matt S __________________ Matt S www.mseaudio.co.uk

22nd March 2007, 07:20 PM	#9
dlmorley Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Belgium Posts: 3,092	You could check this out maybe http://www.oram.co.uk/SER%208T.htm __________________ New-ish CD "Ghosts" Ursa Major Studios

22nd March 2007, 08:00 AM	#1
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	Mixing desk Hello, I am in search of a good mixing desk. What do you think are the best mixing desks of 3000 dollars and less? I was thinking of the Behringer mx9000, because it really looked good and it seemed to be good aswell. But I heard so many bad reactions about it that I think it's not worth the name of "high end". What do you think is really a good mixing desk in that price range? I'd like a link to where to buy it aswell. Please include a description of why it is so good aswell. Thanks for your time! Marlon.

22nd March 2007, 10:18 AM	#4
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	I'll try to explain, but I don't exactly know. We have a home studio, we're doing it for fun. We're wanting to make a studio of it in which other people can record aswell, for a little price. The main thing is. That it makes a good sound, the other things don't really matter to me. I just think I'd buy a better one because it probably makes a lot better sound, that's why. I hope you guys understand me and maybe can give me some tips on what's good to have for rapping, singing, etc. I'm not a professional, I do it for fun. Thanks. Marlon. PS: I'm making the 5000 3000.

22nd March 2007, 10:57 AM	#6
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	I looked around for Mackie's, and the best one for within my price range (well a little more, but it doesn't really matter) was the Mackie 32-8. Is that a good one? Will it be a good choice to buy that one? Or should I buy another mixing desk of Mackie? Any other suggestions, or do you guys all think that Mackie's the best for that price range? Thanks for your time.

22nd March 2007, 02:34 PM	#7
RobJB06 Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 295	Ive heard Mackies are not so great- but ive never owned one myself. Having said that the Prodigy recorded all there stuff through Mackie desks and they didnt do so bad. In fact lots of good recordings were done on Mackie desks. But i cant say i dream of ownig a Mackie desk... Personally, i thought the Soundcraft Spirit Studio and Ghost desks were quite nice desks. The EQ was nice and sharp, good for dance music. Good overdrive on the channels too! Ive also had a Soudtracs Topaz 24/8 too, i found this to be warmer sounding in comparison to the Soundcraft. The EQ is not as sharp as the Soundcraft, smoother. These are nice desks apart from the limited aux sends. Personally i use 2x Speck Xtramix's cascaded. These are low noise, transparent rack mixers. 8 aux sends. If you are limited on space and would like a rack mixer id highly recommend the Speck. I find it to be a perfect way to track instruments (i have lots of analogue synths) into the computer. Vince the guy that designs the Speck stuff is a very cool guy. Highly recommend Speck. So, if you want a desk maybe try a Soundcraft for dance stuff or for band stuff try the Soundtracs desks, the preamps on the Soundtracs are quite nice sounding too. If you dont have room for a desk and want a rack mixer id suggested a Speck Xtramix.

22nd March 2007, 06:45 PM	#8
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	For me it's not really about the room, and not about the instruments aswell. It's just so it has a warm sound and makes your voice sound nice and clear. What one should I choose for that? And simply makes a good sound quality. Thanks. Marlon.

22nd March 2007, 07:30 PM	#10
FossilTooth Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 882	Wow. I feel like a couple of the repliers are giving you some BAD ADVICE! Forget about Mackie and their warranities, I say! For $3K-$5K these days you can look at a used DDA, MCI, Neotek or Soundcraft. Sure you might have to recapp a very old board, but didn't you always want to become a "real" engineer anyway? If you really want to go new, Allen&Heath blows Mackie out of the water for the same bread. __________________ Justin Colletti Audio Engineer

22nd March 2007, 07:40 PM	#11
dlmorley Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Belgium Posts: 3,092	I'd agree with the above but BE CAREFUL. Some desks can cost a fortune to service. Others not. A&H have good and bad models. If you can find an Allan Heath Saber, that's a good one. Just read up here. Basically lots of makes keep turning up. DDA, D&R, certain Soundcraft, Neotek etc... Also, maybe 16 channels is enough and then you can get higher quality.. read up and good luck __________________ New-ish CD "Ghosts" Ursa Major Studios

22nd March 2007, 07:41 PM	#12
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	Could you try and help me find one of those? I'd really like that. If you want add me on msn or email me at marlonlorijnen@hotmail.com so we can talk about it there if you like, otherwise we'll do it here at the forum. If you like of course. Thanks for the advice!

22nd March 2007, 10:01 PM	#13
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	I searched through the web and didn't find anything yet. U think Neotek are the best? The ones I've seen are a bit to much for my like. The price I'm aiming for is around 1500 dollars, because I want to spend a bit on the rest of my studio aswell.. I'm trying to get a Neotek, but ohh well.. Any other suggestions? I'll check out the other suggestions I got so far aswell.. Do you think the Allen and Heath Saber 32x16 is a good choice? It looks good! Is that good for vocal? Thanks!

23rd March 2007, 08:18 AM	#16
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	Thanks for all the replies! My question now is: What's better? The Allen & Heath Saber Pro, a SOUNDCRAFT GB-2 16 or some kind of Neotek. (probably series 1). I got another question. Could you help me on my search to get the by you answerred mixing console for 2000 or less? If so I'd be very grateful. Thank you very much! Marlon.

23rd March 2007, 08:22 AM	#17
thethrillfactor Gear Guru Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 11,233	I am suprised no one has suggested the new Toft ATB board. Has the GS Kool Aid worn off?

23rd March 2007, 08:56 AM	#22
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	Guess that's not out of budget, because I can still buy it secondhand.. Oh yea, don't forget my question in the previous post.. EDIT: You're right, I searched for it but didn't find it anywhere..

23rd March 2007, 09:10 AM	#26
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	Do you think the saber is better then the 3500 or not ? is it a good deal for the money you've giving, will you be getting a good sound quality? I hope so. ty

23rd March 2007, 09:32 AM	#28
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	Thanks for all your help, I'll be looking for it, and post here if I want to talk about it. Could you help me search a bit? I'd like that! Thanks. EDIT: I already found one for 2500 euro (about 3250 dollar). It is a Allen & Heath Saber Plus, so not the usual version, it's like MKII. Is that a good price?

23rd March 2007, 09:47 AM	#30
Marly88 Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dordrecht, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands Posts: 192	http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7...berplusmg4.png Is this the Saber Plus or the usual Saber ? Yea, I guess so. I said I buy it for 1500 euro, if he doesn't accept I say my maximum offer is 2000, if he accepts I'll be very happy..