Hey guys/gals,

My band is looking for a mixer with 10 XLR inputs that we can use for recording and live sound. We have absolutely no idea what qualifies as a good mixer, but so far we've been looking at these three options:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Xenyx-2442FX?sku=631274

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-MG166FX-16Input-6-Bus-Mixer-with-DSP?sku=630053

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-1642VLZ-PRO-Mixer?sku=634261

Any input or experiences with these mixers or other good/bad mixers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

I would avoid the Behringer because as a gigging band you need something that can be relied on and regardless of all the other stigma attached to Behringer I don't think that many people will argue that if you need something reliable stay away from it. I've used lots of Mackie gear because my bass teacher used to be a dealer and its good stuff. We used it at church for years till we moved into our new building and its pretty rock solid stuff. The Yamaha is definitely a step up from Behringer but in my more limited experience with it it just hasn't felt as solid as the Mackie gear. The Mackie also has more aux channels for different monitor mixes which is something I think you'll appreciate and is rack mountable.

Id look used. A used allen and heath would def be my top choice. If your gonna use it for recording your gonna need something with good pres. Mackie has gotten much worse in the last few years but certain models shown through. The VLZ series is supposed to have great pres for the money that are easily modifiable. The mackie onyx stuff is alright, decent for the money. You could also look at the TL audio stuff.

i have a xenyx 2222fx, it gets the job done well.
but after 5 months it's out for repairs =|.

Here's some reading for ya: http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=172403

Not a pro but have a Mackie, great stuff.

Peavey PV series, Yamaha MG series, Allen&Heath MixWiz, Peavey RQ series (discontinued in the size you're looking at and very affordable when you find a used one), Carvin Concert series (C1644).

Wide range of pricing here, the A&H being at the top. The PV, MG and RQ will be very similar in pricing, options and performance.

Another vote for a MixWizard or maybe the new Mackie Onyx.
Not bad consoles at all.

The Mackie VLZ line has decent mic preamps and has some nice sub-grouping bus capabilities. They are compact, gig worthy and generally high on the reliability chart.

My only other direct experience is with Beringer (not nearly the quality of Mackie) and older Soundcraft (very nice quality, but big, bulky and heavy - not bad for a studio install but doesn't make it as a traveling board).

Depending on your needs, Mackie also makes a nice self powered PA 'head'. I have one with 8 channels, discrete output for monitors and mains, on-board effects (different reverbs) and you don't need to drag power amps around with you. Very nice head mixer/ amp if you can live with just 8 channels.

mackie onyx series is great stuff. with the Firewire option you get tracktion as your recording software too. i've come to really love tracktion.

I am also a fan of Mackie stuff, I use a small VLZ in my studio and have an Onyx 1640 for live (16XLR in, 6 AUXs, awesome board).

Can't go wrong with the A&H MixWizard either.

The Mackie CFX16mkII has 12 XLRs in and built in FX, would also be an option if you want a simple board that does everything (although there are always limitations on "all-in-one" solutions).

Good luck
Rob

OK, generally speaking I hate Behringer. However, I have now had two of their smaller boards and have been rather impressed with them, FOR THE MONEY. The pres are fairly transparent and surprisingly quiet, FOR THE MONEY. Mine have been as reliable as any other boards I have had, and they are excellent in a live capacity, FOR THE MONEY. With that said, I have never used them for recording, and would be nervous about really cranking the pres on quiet sources, like acoustic guitars or low projecting singers. If you are going to double dip I'd suggest the Mackie either the Onyx or VLX, both of which I have used for recording before and are rather nice, but only if you really have the money. If this is your first jump into recording or if you are tight on cash you might not want to spend the extra money. You could do worse than the Behringer for more money.

Best of luck to you!

Of those 3, I would choose the Mackie. The Yamaha would be fine as well but the Mackie has a few more options - like the Aux outs.

+1 on Mackie, I've got a CFX12, which is 8mics/2aux sends/4 bus. Works well, we use it as a PA mixer and I use it at home for small recording work. I bought mine as a refub about a year ago, its been doing well and I just bought the rack ears for it as its getting racked finally.

David.

I have a Mackie 1220 w/firewire and really like it. Other models have more inputs. The board has really good pres and EQ is great.
I use Traction also, version 3 is comming out soon and is included in with the firewire option. Look on e-bay for a good deal too.