Your powered mixer recommendation

Stinsok · #1 12-02-2007, 09:41 AM

I read here (and it's a good idea) to never buy gear based on a review. When looking at "e" tailer sites I read them anyway. Seems like most mixers (even non Behringers) get a 7 out of 10 rating.

I am not opposed to Behringer. A few years ago, I bought a 12 channel board with built in effects. I traded it to a friend that gigs with it 3-4 times a month. He loves it. I also see stories of massive failure of their products. A crapshoot for sure.

What I would like is at least 8 xlr inputs, built in effects, an eq, and some decent power.

What do you use? What do your friends use with success/failure? Thanks for the input.

dman_113 · #2 12-02-2007, 10:37 AM

Try the misc. forum man.

**baba** · #3 12-03-2007, 02:03 PM

I love the Yamaha powered mixers.

I'd suggest a used Yamaha EMX5000-12. You can get a used one shipped for about $450 on eBay. Google for the manual. They are 1000W, a great deal, solid, and full of features.

FL Knifemaker · #4 12-03-2007, 02:32 PM

Masher88 · #5 12-03-2007, 02:49 PM

I really like the Kitchen Aid "old school" looking mixer. It works really well...I make excellent bread with it...oh wait, I think i misunderstood

Rugaar · #6 12-03-2007, 04:08 PM

A professional soundman friend of ours suggested keeping it simple. We just bought a Soundcraft Gigrac 1000 and so far I'm very happy. It's extremely easy to use and has a great sound. For our band it was a great purchase.

Mackie 808 was another that was seriously considered but it's a lot more expensive.

Stinsok · #7 12-03-2007, 05:36 PM

That gigrac looks interesting, if you don't mind-how much did it cost you?

Edwcdc · #8 12-03-2007, 05:49 PM

My band uses a Mackie 808. This thing is at least 8 years old and has been to hell and back. Every channel still works and it has never been in the shop. It handles both mains and monitors for small gigs. We have used it with a powered sub with great results in medium/small bars.
If my band can't kill it, then you can trust it.

Rugaar · #9 12-03-2007, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinsok

That gigrac looks interesting, if you don't mind-how much did it cost you?

I paid $425 @ GC. They routinely sell for $500. (compared to the Mackie 808S @ $800) New ones show up on eBay pretty often and usually go for $300-400 + shipping. I bought local for the service if we ever have any problems.

It's an extremely simple unit to operate, which is good for us because we don't want to spend a bunch of time reading manuals and fiddling with knobs to get the absolute best sound. We've been joking that it's simple enough that even the drummer can run it. Set it, adjust it a bit and we're good to go.

Soundcraft is pretty well known for making top quality gear. The Gigrac stuff is fairly new but getting pretty good reviews. They make a couple lower powered units, too, but we figured having the extra power and features would only be beneficial in the long run. Buy once, cry once.

Rugaar · #10 12-03-2007, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwcdc

My band uses a Mackie 808. This thing is at least 8 years old and has been to hell and back. Every channel still works and it has never been in the shop. It handles both mains and monitors for small gigs. We have used it with a powered sub with great results in medium/small bars.
If my band can't kill it, then you can trust it.

Mackie 808's are awesome units. They've been one of the standards of bar bands for years and they're very tough to beat. One of their big advantages is that they can be run at 2 ohms so you can run more speakers/monitors if needed.

BurningSkies · #11 12-03-2007, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rugaar

A professional soundman friend of ours suggested keeping it simple. We just bought a Soundcraft Gigrac 1000 and so far I'm very happy. It's extremely easy to use and has a great sound. For our band it was a great purchase.

I've been using one of these for a few years without problems. Its light and easy to set up, but I don't know if I buy the 1000w rating.

I also have a few qualms. I treat it delicately, and feel like it wouldn't stand up to heavy use such as my ol' beat up Peavey powered head (not nearly the same rated power and 10x as heavy for 6 channels). On mine the 1/4 inch speaker outs feel pretty non-pro and light-weight. Also the switch to move between stereo amped and main/monitor is wonky and doesn't always work without a few taps...

srxplayer · #12 12-08-2007, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rugaar

A professional soundman friend of ours suggested keeping it simple. We just bought a Soundcraft Gigrac 1000 and so far I'm very happy. It's extremely easy to use and has a great sound. For our band it was a great purchase.

I'm comming in late on this but thought I would my $0.02

These are excellent little powered mixers. I have a few of these. Two of the 600's and one of the 1000's.

The GR 1000 is your best bet. Has a 3 band EQ per channel, two graphics, one for mains & one for monitors, and it does true stereo. It also has an additonal AUX send for subs or another main / side fill mix.

We have had absolutely zero problems with them in two years on the 600's and I think we have had the 1000 for about a year.

bradjonesbass · #13 12-08-2007, 10:42 AM

The Carvin Powered Mixers are killer and a great price. We're using all Carvin gear for our band's PA and it kills the former setup we had - Peavey board, JBL speakers. We've got the 16-channel board, 1000 watt amp and LS1503 speakers with the older model PM15As for monitors. Blows everything away that didn't cost at least double what we paid for this system.

fenderhutz · #14 12-08-2007, 10:47 AM

Peavey. I have yet to see one die.

JKT · #15 12-10-2007, 11:50 AM

A little late on this one but I love my Mackie 808. great sound,features and very dependable.

JKT