Mixer in the $750 - $1000 Price Range?

[Almost Human]

Ok, so I've been researching some mixing consoles in the $750 - $1000 price range. I was wondering what everyone here would recommend as being a best value for the money? I've looked at a few, like the Mackie 24/8 and the Tascam DM-24.

What you guys feel would be the best value for the money, and also provide the best on-board mic pre's?

Also, what do you guys think about the Mackie VLZ series and it's mic pre's?

[aussie_techie]

Originally Posted by Almost Human

what do you guys think about the Mackie VLZ series and it's mic pre's?

they sound like ass, if you realy want bad you could combine it with the JTS sound of wet cardboard

Originally Posted by Almost Human

What you guys feel would be the best value for the money, and also provide the best on-board mic pre's?

a new small format desk, Allen & Heath Mix wizzrd series 3, end of story
second hand mid sized, opens up a few options prehaps an old soundcraft like a series 500 or such, depends on space and of course availability but proberly out of ur budget anyway

[everybody's x]

soundtracs topaz smokes just about everything in that price range


wish i still had mine

[Sounds Great]

Tascam M2600. Sounds like it should cost much more. And the EQ is very useable.

thumbsup

[Snatchman]

Originally Posted by Sounds Great

Tascam M2600. Sounds like it should cost much more. And the EQ is very useable.

thumbsup

Yep..! thumbsup

[bunnerabb]

Got an A&H MixWiz 16:2.

It's dandy.

[greggp]

Recently played an outdoor concert where the soundman used a Yamaha 01v as his main board. He had been using a Hill or A&H. Except for adding some extra mic pres, that's all he was using. He got us a perfect sound mix in a couple of minutes, using a preset he had programmed for a similar band.

I think you can pick up an older used model for about $600. The newer 01v96 might be just a little over your price range.

I really like the MixWiz, but the Yamaha is cool.

[Empire 21 Music]

Hey - you also have another thread about converters - so if you are looking for a mixer as well - you could look at the Onyx 1640 (Mackie) - we use one live for monitoring/mixing our ears PLUS installed the firewire card - so we now have 16 INs of pretty good audio conversion for live/studio applications. Just a thought -

[love_tempo]

I got a 24 channel soundcraft delta for $800 in very good condition. I'm really very happy with it. It's built like a tank and has nice EQ and pres. Only problem is it is only 4 buss and is on the large/heavy side. But you can upgrade the delta (jim williams @ audio upgrades) and they are modular.

You should also consider the soundtracs solo. It is roughly as good as the delta.

Sounds way better than the Mackie 8 buss but is also better than the soundcraft ghost, topaz, m2600 or A&H gs3. The last 3 are decent too though especially if size is and issue.

[Almost Human]

Originally Posted by Empire 21 Music

Hey - you also have another thread about converters - so if you are looking for a mixer as well - you could look at the Onyx 1640 (Mackie) - we use one live for monitoring/mixing our ears PLUS installed the firewire card - so we now have 16 INs of pretty good audio conversion for live/studio applications. Just a thought -

Do you think the converters in that Mackie Firewire card stack up well against some other alternatives out there? I think those cards are about $400 new, but for not much more money you could pickup an E-Mu 1820M or an Echo Audiofire 8 or 12 unit. Do you think it could hold it's own with it?

Also, what do you think of the new Onyx mic preamps in those mixers, and how would you rate them quality-wise to comparable products?

[adrianex]

Another vote for the 2600 thumbsup

[edyer]

For under $1k there isn't a lot of really cool stuff. I tried a lot of the cheaper mixers and really I liked the mackie.I used a 32/8 for a few years before switching to a ghost. I'm sure people will call me names and tell you that mackie sucks but I'll also bet they never owned one. If you play with it you can get some great stuff out of it.
Lots of studios have them and lots of people get good results with them. Truthfully you will learn to work with whatever you get so just go get something and have fun.

[Snatchman]

Originally Posted by adrianex

Another vote for the 2600 thumbsup

Also, I wish Tascam would've put a little more "effort" into this console.( better components, op-amps, mix-buss amps, etc.) I know it would have drove the price up somewhat, but I think with the features, layout, etc. of the 2600, it would've been a "sleeper" of a board for Tascam! They where trying to target the Mackie market a the time, and didn't want to overshoot that price point I imagine. Such a shame!... ....