Opinions: 8 Ch. Mixer w/Direct Outs < $1k

[Piku]

Hello all, this is my first post.

I need a mixer about $1,000 or below.

I plan to use it for recording as well as live use which is why I would like the mixer format instead of just an 8 mic pre rack unit.

It has to have 8 mic preamps, each with balanced direct outs. I'm connecting it to a Delta 1010 for recording so I don't need any digital features.

I've been looking at the Mackie Onyx 1620, does anyone have any opinions on it? I'm open to suggestions of other mixers that will work for me as well. What I am most concerned about, above other features, is the quality of the Mic Preamps and the EQs. I play and record heavy rock.

Also, are there any mixers where the direct outs are post EQ section?

Cheers!

[rackdude]

I don't know any where the direct outs are post eq...

But why do you want to be using the direct outs? If it's to send to the Delta... this thing could eat the Delta for breakfast.

I would say the N12 is awesome and it has inserts on every channel. Plus a compressor, eq, and reverb on every channel! Amazing in the studio too.

[GZsound]

You are aware that inserts work as direct outs..right? Pretty much any modern mixer has inserts.

Also.. check out Allen & Heath ZED 22

$800 and direct outs on all mono channels.

[Piku]

Thanks very much for those replies. The Allen & Heath ZED 24 is one I have looked at as well.

I was looking at the lower end Yamaha MG series but was not aware of the N12...that looks tasty.

Also it did go through my head that the insert sends might act as direct outs but I wasn't sure. I'm sure they won't be balanced connections, but those direct cable lengths will be so short it shouldn't matter. I'll be giving up the inserts when I connect this way, but I don't *plan* on using outboard studio effects.

As for the direct outs, I want the option of being able to record 8 mics at once each on completely separate tracks and then mix and edit later in the DAW. As well as use the mixer's stereo outs when I want.

[Piku]

As now there are many more options available to me using the inserts as direct outs if I decide to. It raises a question.

As far as just the mic preamps and the eq is there a large difference between the models around $1k and the next step down which seems to be around $500?

I have to say that Yamaha N12 got my attention. Having Reverb and Compressor on each channel will be nice if I plan on using up the insert sends.

[Piku]

Sorry to flood my own thread. I just realized plugging into the insert and only using the send is going to break the signal path to the mixer's main stereo outs won't it?

I didn't think of this right away because the guitar amps I use actually don't break the signal to their power section when you plug into the effects loop send. Old Matamps...

[tnjazz]

You should sell the Delta 1010 and get the firewire card for the 1620. That will be a much cleaner and better sounding setup.

[Obitheincredible]

Soundcraft M8 or M12, Both under a G.

[Piku]

Originally Posted by Obitheincredible

Soundcraft M8 or M12, Both under a G.

Thanks Obi. The Soundcraft M8 is perfect! Having the direct outs right there is great (as opposed to that special snake the Mackie will need) and plus they can be configured either pre or post fader!

This board is actually for a friend who is need of a small board. I use a big old Soundcraft 600 which I really like. So the name recognition is there with this one as well with me.

So far its between the Mackie 1620 and the Soundcraft M8...it'll be his decision of course. But also the Soundcraft has SPDIF out...and the Delta has SPDIF in so that could leave some extra analogue inputs open on the Delta I'd suppose or we could record the whole mix at the same time as the individual tracks...I'm sold.

Thanks again dude.

[Obitheincredible]

Originally Posted by Piku

Thanks Obi. The Soundcraft M8 is perfect! Having the direct outs right there is great (as opposed to that special snake the Mackie will need) and plus they can be configured either pre or post fader!

This board is actually for a friend who is need of a small board. I use a big old Soundcraft 600 which I really like. So the name recognition is there with this one as well with me.

So far its between the Mackie 1620 and the Soundcraft M8...it'll be his decision of course. But also the Soundcraft has SPDIF out...and the Delta has SPDIF in so that could leave some extra analogue inputs open on the Delta I'd suppose or we could record the whole mix at the same time as the individual tracks...I'm sold.

Thanks again dude.

Ya man no problem. I love my M4!

[joelpatterson]

I keep being amazed at how great stuff sounds through my Allen & Heath Mixwizard-- 16 channels for under $1,000.

This only ever happens when people are too rushed to put the tracks into Digital Performer, and I'll just burn them a CD, using the onboard reverbs and a DBX DDP as a 2 bus limiter.

You decide:

http://www.4shared.com/file/88462634...The_Blues.html

[lauschepper]

using the inserts would be amazing for live mixing and multi channel daw recording, was to blind to see it earlier!

are there any analog small (8-12 mono channel) mixers, where you can route the inserts after the faders? would be better to balance the mix analog on the fly, than doing that in the box imo.