Small Onstage Mixer for Steel Band

[Stokesperc123]

Hey you guys,

I'm looking for a small mixer to replace my yamaha mg8/2 efx.
This unit is for onstage mixing in my steel band for small shows.
This will include 5 pan mics and 2 vocals. Will run into a stage-pas 300.
The bass will run out of it own amp. I just got three atm350 mics for my cello pans so I won't have to beat the snot out of them to compete for volume but need more inputs. Small is important to me because our stage room is very tight. The unit will be next to my setup. Check out the video at SCsteelBand.com to see what I'm talking about. I'm the guy on the right with dreads playing the cello pans and the mixer is to my right on the floor.

Also, I plan to use this mixer onstage for a multi-hand drum setup with up to 8 mics. Probably sitting on top of a small effects rack to my side.

Things i'm looking for:

1. Small
2. 6-8 xlr with preamps(8 preferably)
3. Good pres(lots of acoustic micing)
4. Under $400
5. Efx optional but always an added bonus for limiting gear when cramped room.
6.Good routing options

So far on my list:

Allen & Heath ZED-14
PV 10 12*15" 9.3bls.
Samson MDR1064
Soundcraft efx8 Mixer 3.56" x 14.25" x 13.00"(efx)
Yamaha MG124CX 12-Channel Mixer With Effects

So far the Soundcraft efx8 Mixer is on the top of my list.
It seems to be the smallest(though I have not found diminsions on some of the other units) with the most inputs.
I've also heard good things about the pres on it.

Or if there an inexpensive rack unit I could use?

[Corran]

If you want small, the Alesis MultiMix 12R is 3 rack spaces and has 12 inputs, 8 XLRs. It's $300 new but on ebay regularly go for half that. The pres are way better than they have any right to be.

Routing is okay, depends on what you want to do specifically, and no EFX. But just thought I'd thrown that out there.

[rty5150]

my vote goes for the A&H and the soundcraft.

the others have pretty bland pres, especially peavey. peavey has exaggerated mids that can be harsh. yamaha pres in the low end are sterile and boring with a hint of noise and smeary low mids. A&H and soundcraft has a reputation of killer pres.

rich

[Stokesperc123]

The A&H zed 12 and 14 only has 6 xlrs which could be limiting in the future. I would trade a couple of those stereo chanels for some mono with pres? I also can't find the specs for the size. Anyone?

The Alesis MultiMix 12R seems like a good option, though limited in the EQ department. I like the price and the fact that it will fit in my Gator case.
How would the pres compare to the Sound Craft? Anyone using this for micing acoustic?

[Stokesperc123]

After reading some threads, it seems that the durability of the Alesis MultiMix 12R is questionable, especialy for live shows.

I will probably just get the Soundcraft, but wish I could find a better price.
I will need to decide tomorrow so I can get it before my show this friday.

[GZsound]

Originally Posted by rty5150

my vote goes for the A&H and the soundcraft.

the others have pretty bland pres, especially peavey. peavey has exaggerated mids that can be harsh. yamaha pres in the low end are sterile and boring with a hint of noise and smeary low mids. A&H and soundcraft has a reputation of killer pres.

rich

I don'tknow what Yamaha mixer you are familiar with, but I own two Soundcraft mixers and a newer Yamaha MG206C mixer and find the mic preamps in the Yamaha mixer to be very nice.. The preamps are clean and quiet with no noise at all and "smeary low mids"? No.

The new Yamaha MG series mixers offer a lot of quality for the money. I think the Soundcraft mixers have the best preamps, but the Yamaha's are certainly on a par with Allen & Heath.

[rty5150]

Originally Posted by GZsound

I don'tknow what Yamaha mixer you are familiar with, but I own two Soundcraft mixers and a newer Yamaha MG206C mixer and find the mic preamps in the Yamaha mixer to be very nice.. The preamps are clean and quiet with no noise at all and "smeary low mids"? No.

The new Yamaha MG series mixers offer a lot of quality for the money. I think the Soundcraft mixers have the best preamps, but the Yamaha's are certainly on a par with Allen & Heath.

i used some of the older mc yamahas and older mg's. they are better than the phonic and behringer by far.

rich

[shamann]

Originally Posted by Stokesperc123

The A&H zed 12 and 14 only has 6 xlrs which could be limiting in the future. I would trade a couple of those stereo chanels for some mono with pres? I also can't find the specs for the size. Anyone?

The Zed14 is about 15" by 18".

[Corran]

Originally Posted by Stokesperc123

After reading some threads, it seems that the durability of the Alesis MultiMix 12R is questionable, especialy for live shows.

I will probably just get the Soundcraft, but wish I could find a better price.
I will need to decide tomorrow so I can get it before my show this friday.

Links? Just wondering, I've been using mine for a little while on the road, no trouble. But I take good care of my stuff (as in, I'm the one moving it usually!).

[Stokesperc123]

Here is a thread from gearsluts on the alesis multimix

I will probably be ordering the soundcraft efx 8 in the next few hours.
$399 is the best price I can find with free shipping. I could not find any used, demo, or b-stock. Anyone here want to sell?

Ryan