What are your thoughts on this mixing board.?

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This is what I use for ceremonies: Yamaha MG10XU
An excellent board for most DJ needs of mixing down multiple mics, but less so for live sound use since there are no pre-fader sends for monitors.

Again, if Mix can enumerate the features he sees a need for .. we'd be happy to steer him properly.


I bought a bunch to play on and learn when I started doing live work years ago ... Over the years I've owned cheap boards from Phonic, Behringer (5 .. the early ones were solid and I still have a digital XAir), and Carvin, and better boards from Mackie, Soundcraft (FX16 and E12), Allen & Heath (GL2400-24 and Zed 12fx), Presonus (16.4.2), and Yamaha (MG16/4), most analog, but 2 were digital.
 
I've been thinking about getting a mixing board to play with, and perhaps use in my small system, which needs an upgrade. My budget is somewhere in the $350 range. I'm NOT an experienced DJ by any means, as you all know. It would be really cool if those of you who know more about mixers would use this thread to educate those of who want to learn more about them... please?[emoji4]


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In general, live sound mixers differ from DJ mixers in that they typically have more flexibility in routing a signal .. and they are designed to mix multiple mono and stereo signals together, as opposed to DJ mixers which tend to be set up to play a single source (or switch between two).

As such, live sound mixers usually have more mono inputs for mics (vocal, instrument), sometimes have more granular EQ, and typically have the ability to send individual channel signals to multiple places (for effect processing and monitoring).

Buying a live sound mixer comes down to features needed .. how many simultaneous input channels, how much EQ control, number and type of effects needed, routing and grouping needs (groups allow you to control the routing and signal level of a number of input channels .. like all the mics on a drum kit for example).

For $350, there are a number of decent mixers available from decent brands. I would look for at least 4 mono inputs, which should cover any DJ's needs, including having channels for guest soloists. I would look for an on board effect processor to cover reverbs (which makes vols sound a little better if used properly), at least 1 pre-fader send (or aux) for a vocal monitor if you have a guest singer, and a couple of stereo inputs. I also prefer linear faders for live work, so personally, I have had those on all my mixers (as opposed to rotary channel outputs).

Generally, I will run the output of the DJ mixer into a stereo channel on the live sound mixer and run all mics to it (not the DJ mixer) .. just gives more flexibility.

While the Behringer mixers sound fine, I find the build quality less than stellar (and I've owned a bunch), so I would shoot for a higher quality brand.

A couple of mixer series that come to mind are Mackie VLZ, Allen & Heath ZED, Yamaha MG, or Soundcraft Signature or MFx. Another option is going digital. I used to have a Presonus digital board, but I find the newer Behringer XAir XR12 I have useful since it can be buried in a rack and used just like an input/output panel .. and it has features you can't get on another similar priced mixer (4 simultaneous effects, mute groups, dynamics - compressors and gates). And it's $250 and sounds pretty good. Only downside is you need an interface to use it (tablet, phone or PC/Mac).

upload_2017-5-16_13-28-3.jpeg

The other mixer I use for Karaoke is this one:

ah_zed-12fx.jpg
 
And then there were crickets.....;)

That's because he already bought it - he doesn't want or need our advice. Instead, he wants attention and he just needs to buy something - and he'll call it his birthday present to himself also.

I wonder when we will learn our lesson and avoid giving advice to one that obviously does not want it - but wants the attention.
 
In general, live sound mixers differ from DJ mixers in that they typically have more flexibility in routing a signal .. and they are designed to mix multiple mono and stereo signals together, as opposed to DJ mixers which tend to be set up to play a single source (or switch between two).

As such, live sound mixers usually have more mono inputs for mics (vocal, instrument), sometimes have more granular EQ, and typically have the ability to send individual channel signals to multiple places (for effect processing and monitoring).

Buying a live sound mixer comes down to features needed .. how many simultaneous input channels, how much EQ control, number and type of effects needed, routing and grouping needs (groups allow you to control the routing and signal level of a number of input channels .. like all the mics on a drum kit for example).

For $350, there are a number of decent mixers available from decent brands. I would look for at least 4 mono inputs, which should cover any DJ's needs, including having channels for guest soloists. I would look for an on board effect processor to cover reverbs (which makes vols sound a little better if used properly), at least 1 pre-fader send (or aux) for a vocal monitor if you have a guest singer, and a couple of stereo inputs. I also prefer linear faders for live work, so personally, I have had those on all my mixers (as opposed to rotary channel outputs).

Generally, I will run the output of the DJ mixer into a stereo channel on the live sound mixer and run all mics to it (not the DJ mixer) .. just gives more flexibility.

While the Behringer mixers sound fine, I find the build quality less than stellar (and I've owned a bunch), so I would shoot for a higher quality brand.

A couple of mixer series that come to mind are Mackie VLZ, Allen & Heath ZED, Yamaha MG, or Soundcraft Signature or MFx. Another option is going digital. I used to have a Presonus digital board, but I find the newer Behringer XAir XR12 I have useful since it can be buried in a rack and used just like an input/output panel .. and it has features you can't get on another similar priced mixer (4 simultaneous effects, mute groups, dynamics - compressors and gates). And it's $250 and sounds pretty good. Only downside is you need an interface to use it (tablet, phone or PC/Mac).

View attachment 32190

The other mixer I use for Karaoke is this one:

ah_zed-12fx.jpg

Very good info... thanks. I was thinking about a mixer with a digital (USB) input. I don't own any analog input devices, but I WOULD be using a computer.[emoji4] It would also be nice if I could mount it in the top of my rack; I think I have 10U. I might even get REAL crazy and use it with my iMac, if I can find a good option for mounting it.


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Very good info... thanks. I was thinking about a mixer with a digital (USB) input. I don't own any analog input devices, but I WOULD be using a computer.[emoji4] It would also be nice if I could mount it in the top of my rack; I think I have 10U. I might even get REAL crazy and use it with my iMac, if I can find a good option for mounting it.


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Oh... but I would need at least two mic inputs.[emoji4]


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This is what I use for ceremonies: Yamaha MG10XU

And this is a real sufficient mixer. You have the XLR Outs for the main output. You have 2 RCA inputs. Plenty of Mic inputs. It's a solid mixer.

I am considering using it to just DJ with as it would be even less weight loading in, and take up less table space. Only downside is I wouldn't use CDs in this set up...Instead, set up two laptops all the time.

My sister has been using the Mackie ProFX12 channel mixer, and she likes it a lot. Only downside is only 1 RCA input. She is using a 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch cable on another channel for a 2nd laptop. But it does have a USB input like the Yamaha too.
Mackie ProFX12v2 12-Channel Professional Effects Mixer w/USB | IDJNOW
 
... A couple of mixer series that come to mind are Mackie VLZ, Allen & Heath ZED, Yamaha MG, or Soundcraft Signature or MFx. Another option is going digital. I used to have a Presonus digital board, but I find the newer Behringer XAir XR12 I have useful since it can be buried in a rack and used just like an input/output panel .. and it has features you can't get on another similar priced mixer (4 simultaneous effects, mute groups, dynamics - compressors and gates). And it's $250 and sounds pretty good. Only downside is you need an interface to use it (tablet, phone or PC/Mac).
Of the options you posted, the Soundcraft Signature 10 looks more like what I was going for. I need to do a little more reading about it, but it looks like it may even be a little overkill for my needs.[emoji4] That's OK... better overkill than not.

I've heard of Soundcraft, but not that familiar with it as a brand. Would the Signature 10 be equivalent in quality to the Yamaha or Allen & Heath?




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Of the options you posted, the Soundcraft Signature 10 looks more like what I was going for. I need to do a little more reading about it, but it looks like it may even be a little overkill for my needs.[emoji4] That's OK... better overkill than not.

I've heard of Soundcraft, but not that familiar with it as a brand. Would the Signature 10 be equivalent in quality to the Yamaha or Allen & Heath?

I have an EFX 12 in my main system...Serious overkill for a DJ but I do a little live sound from time to time. I've been running it 8 years or so now with no issues or signs of giving in
 
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I have an EFX 12 in my main system...Serious overkill for a DJ but I do a little live sound from time to time. I've been running it 8 years or so now with no issues or signs of giving in

That looks like a nice mixer, but it doesn't appear to have the USB inputs. Pretty much any mixer with more than 8 channels is gonna be more than I need.[emoji4]


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1002B_P0A04_Right_L.png
XENYX 1002B
Premium 10-Input 2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Preamps, British EQs and Optional Battery Operation
I like sliders myself. Has been more than adequate for ceremony use for several years . I have never used the nine volt power capability.
Also can be rack mounted with included rack ears. Small foot print yet, lots of inputs.
  • Neo-classic ''British'' 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound
 
1002B_P0A04_Right_L.png
XENYX 1002B
Premium 10-Input 2-Bus Mixer with XENYX Preamps, British EQs and Optional Battery Operation
I like sliders myself. Has been more than adequate for ceremony use for several years . I have never used the nine volt power capability.
Also can be rack mounted with included rack ears. Small foot print yet, lots of inputs.
  • Neo-classic ''British'' 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound

Pretty nice![emoji4]... but no USB.[emoji45]


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Of the options you posted, the Soundcraft Signature 10 looks more like what I was going for. I need to do a little more reading about it, but it looks like it may even be a little overkill for my needs.[emoji4] That's OK... better overkill than not.

I've heard of Soundcraft, but not that familiar with it as a brand. Would the Signature 10 be equivalent in quality to the Yamaha or Allen & Heath?




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Soundcraft has been around forever. Currently in the Harman stable (JBL, et al). The Soundcraft FX16 was my workhorse. I used it for most events. Another option is the smaller version of the one I have .. Allen & Heath ZED 10FX-60

Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX - 6 Channel Mixer AH-ZED60-10FX B&H I believe there is a rack mount option for it. I've seen it for less than $350 on sale at times. I love the A&H mixers .. rock solid and dead quiet. And it has 2 way USB, so you can record to the laptop as well.

upload_2017-5-16_20-27-6.jpeg
 
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