Cheap 24 Channel Mixer W/USB Out

[Mobiltrackpat]

Howdy all,
I am looking for a cheapish 24-32 Channel Mixer with USB out. My basic objective is a decent feature packed model which is rack mountable and has at least 10 xlr mic/line inputs, and at least 3 aux sends. From what I have found there are only a couple of options that meet my needs. However, all of them have their limitations or concessions depending on how you look at it. First off, I was going to pick up a Behringer 2442usb ( I know some people hate Behringer with a passion but I have had decent results with them, although most of the Behringer gear I have hasn't seen a lot of use because they are new or pieces that don't get used a lot). I was also looking at at a Allen and Heath Zed Series, and the Yamaha Mg166 or 206-usb Series from Yamaha.The key items I'm want is on board fx, 10-16 Mono XLR Mic/Line Inputs and I was hopping to get a unit with on board compression. I know the Yamaha MG Series pretty much does all of that but it won't fit in the rack I have which is a 10U. The MG 166 and 206 both have a 12u Foot Print. That is kind of why I like the Behringer. However the 2442USB won't be available for at least another 3 weeks or more. Anyone have any thoughts on this. Is the 1 knob compression on the Yamaha any good? The Behringer will have a similar feature.I know the Zed doesn't have any on board compression. Should on board compression be a factor? I would primarily be using this for FOH and Monitor Mix applications. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

[MrCrowbar]

Originally Posted by Mobiltrackpat

I am looking for a cheapish 24-32 Channel Mixer [...] rack mountable [...] on board fx, 10-16 Mono XLR Mic/Line Inputs [...] on board compression [...] fit in the rack I have which is a 10U.

The Behringer XENYX X2442USB is the only one that fits the bill. Don't know if it'll fit in 10U. These and the Yamaha MG series are the only ones I know with on-board compressors and FX. I haven't tried those compressors myself, but I hear good things about them in the Yamaha MG mixers, they're tuned for vocals it seems. I'm considering getting one as a headphone monitor mixer in the home studio. (see Zero Latency Monitoring with Compressor and EQ)

[daveg62]

Any reason why it needs to be usb?
If you're interested in sonic qualities, there's no question the Zed would have it all over the others you've mentioned.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by daveg62

If you're interested in sonic qualities, there's no question the Zed would have it all over the others you've mentioned.

Yes - A+H rules, OK!

[d1rtynyc]

2nd on the Yamaha MG series.
They offer quite allot for the price.

[loujudson]

Originally Posted by daveg62

Any reason why it needs to be usb?
If you're interested in sonic qualities, there's no question the Zed would have it all over the others you've mentioned.

Can you even gte 24 channels of 24 bit audio to fit in a USB pipe? I'd never use USB for audio myself. But then I only use Macs, as I have said too many times...

ZED is good, Presonus StudioLive is said to be very good too.

<L>

[daveg62]

Originally Posted by loujudson

Can you even gte 24 channels of 24 bit audio to fit in a USB pipe? I'd never use USB for audio myself. But then I only use Macs, as I have said too many times...

ZED is good, Presonus StudioLive is said to be very good too.

<L>

Well the OP requested a usb mixer, not really sure why, but also a little off topic the Zed usb mixers and the Zed R16 firewire mixers and Studiolive are very different. The R16 has better pre's and is a better mixer than the usb models. Yes the Studiolive would also be one to look at. I wouldn't even consider usb either, I use firewire very rarely and wouldn't want to depend on that either, too many headaches in the past. ADAT is what has always been rock solid for me , so that's what I use.

[Ozpeter]

Can you even gte 24 channels of 24 bit audio to fit in a USB pipe?

'USB mixers' are a bit of a can of worms - most actually only have stereo out - you have to read the specs very carefully to be sure they are multichannel out if that's what is required.