Allen&Heath MixWizard 12:2 or Soundcraft GB2-16

[buzzjoe]

Since the new GB-2R 19" mixer is out it's just about the differences in sound and built quality.

Has anybody compared the GB line to the MixWizards? Which one would you choose (regardless of the price difference)?

[underworld]

I've got a MixWiard 16:2 I use for live sound. I don't use it a whole lot in the studio, but on occasion; it's got decent pre's and a nice EQ setup.

[rockstar_josh]

I have a MixWizard and I really like it, it has decent sound and it's well built. It also has some features you won't find on a lot of small format mixers, namely independent phantom power, individual mic/line switches, and dedicated direct outs. I do have a Soundcraft mixer as well, but it's a lower level than the one you're looking at so I don't think it would be a very fair comparison.

[buzzjoe]

Tank you. I'm shure the MixWizards are nice. What do you think about the GB line?

[Rripror]

Buzzjoe, I'll let you know in a couple of weeks! I've got a Soundcraft GB4-24 board on its way. Its a live board but I'm gonna see if it'll work for the studio and replace a Mackie 32x8.

This is strictly for tracking and overdubs, no mixing.

[Shim]

I spent last summer working on a 32 channel GB-8, and it's definitely above the Mix Wizard Series, both in sonics and feel. In fact, I'd probably put it ahead of the A&H GL-2800 that I use at my current workplace, although I'm using it for theatre and not a true "live" situation.

[buzzjoe]

Originally Posted by Shim

I spent last summer working on a 32 channel GB-8, and it's definitely above the Mix Wizard Series, both in sonics and feel. In fact, I'd probably put it ahead of the A&H GL-2800 that I use at my current workplace, although I'm using it for theatre and not a true "live" situation.

Thank you Shim, that's exactly what I need to know (took at look at the A&H GL as well)!

[buzzjoe]

Originally Posted by Rripror

Buzzjoe, I'll let you know in a couple of weeks! I've got a Soundcraft GB4-24 board on its way. Its a live board but I'm gonna see if it'll work for the studio and replace a Mackie 32x8.

This is strictly for tracking and overdubs, no mixing.

So how did you like it?

[drumdrumdrumdrum]

How is the Soundcraft going?

[dpholmes]

bump. i'm looking at the soundcraft gbr2 16 vs. the a&h mixwizard 14:4:2 right now... could use all the help i can get.

[bebopcola]

anyone have input on soundcraft gb2r 16 vs allen&heath mixwiz3 16:2 ?

[bebopcola]

well the SC GB2R and A&H MixWiz 16:2 are extremely similar boards, so here's what I've discovered in my research: Just a little comparison for anyone who cares of two boards obviously competing with each other, I actually confused one board for the other recently.

-The MixWiz3 has some really interesting aux routing, and all six aux sends are 1/4" with two 1/4" stereo returns
-the GB2R has 2 1/4" aux sends and 4 XLR aux sends, with two 1/4" stereo returns.

-MixWiz has MIDI controllabe digital FX w/ footswitch mute jack
-GB2R no built-in FX

-direct outs are pre-fader on MixWiz [internal jumpers can change this to post, there are also a few other settings which can be changed via internal jumpers]
-direct outs are button-switchable pre or post-fader on the GB2E

-MixWiz has a Mono fader for controlling mono mix XLR output

-Mix Wiz has input pad switches
-GB2R has polarity reversal switches

-GB2R has a 2 trk return, assignable to the monitor section
-Mix Wiz has no 2trk return, MixWiz monitor section revolves around aux sends though.


Note: MixWiz1 had no FX, direct outs were factory defaulted to post-fader. MixWiz2 had fx, direct outs were the same. MixWiz mk3 has pre-fader direct outs on factory default. of course these settings can be changed via an internal jumper, but i've heard its not very easy to do.

The GB2R has that nice switch for switching the direct outs between pre and post, how nice.

The first two generations of the Mix Wiz had separate PCBs for each channel which of course makes them easy to repair.

I have too much time on my hands!

[Topsoe]

The GB2 12 is also a posible choice if you dont need the mono channels , i have worked on both and prefer GB2, better pres better eq and 2 stereo ch. with mic pres 2 groups ..

Or even better APB Pro Rack House
With a feature set that set it apart from the other rack mixers more expensive yes but worth every penny

Happy hunting :-)

[bebopcola]

Oddly enough, for this whacky recording project idea I have, the mixwizard 20:8:2 is absolutely marvelous for doing 8-track analog stuff, so I'm probably going to pick one up when the opportunity arrises. Then something pretty cheap for submixing my live stuff on stage.

[bebopcola]

Originally Posted by Topsoe

Or even better APB Pro Rack House
With a feature set that set it apart from the other rack mixers more expensive yes but worth every penny

Happy hunting :-)

WOW, that is probably the most beautiful 16-channel board I've ever seen. Soooooo clearly laid out, I love it.