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1U Rack mixer for hardwired IEM

jazzercountry

jazzercountry

Apr 12, 2000
1,333
699
Texas
Disclosures
Endorsing Artist: Lakland Basses
#1
Hi folks!

I am finishing up my AxeFX rack, and I have 1 space left for a small mixer. I run hard wired IEM, already have the headphone amp/limiter covered. What I would like is something highly flexible, to yak a wide variety of monitor sources. I will need at a minimum two stereo inputs (1 for fractal, 1 for a stereo monitor send if I get that lucky!) and two XLR with 48v phantom available (1 for a small omni mic, 1 for a mono monitor send - more realistic). I would like to have the flexibility of panning the mono channels, also would like gain (even better if there is a pad available) and volume for each channel.

So far, the best things that I've seen have been the Ashly MX206, Studio Projects SP828, Samson SM10, LD MS828, Rane MLM82S, Rolls RM65B, and the ART mx821S. Most of them aren't perfect, usually there is at least one trade off. Out of that list, the SP828 is my number one right now - just need to find one first!! I wanted to post the question, though, in case someone else is doing something similar.
 
#2
I have overthought this scenario many times. I had effectively the same requirements as you except I built myself an 8 channel split so I could have up to 8 inputs from the band.

In the rack mount format the Ashly was at the top of my list. For all the years I've been involved in the business I have had a hard time with the money they ask for their gear and especially their rack mixers. It's well built gear but marginally musical so I just could not get there.

In a semi-strange but logical turn (to me) ultimately I bought a Mackie DL1608 that I got new from another friend in the business at discount that was to good to pass up. But for your requirements I've seen recently on eBay the DL806 for $380! While I know it does not fit in your remaining one rack space, it's super light and 100x the mixer of anything you called out. If you already have an iPad you could do that for the same amount of glue as an Ashly MX206. Had my "deal" not been available to me I was heading toward the DL806 anyway. The Mackie has the added benefit of also having several aux busses (for your bandmates) and an iPhone app which allows you to mix levels. If I am 100% honest I'm not a big fan of Mackie either (I came up in the late 80's on large format Soundcraft, Yamaha and Gamble consoles...I still love analog and lots of knobs), but I think they got it right in the DL platform and judging by the consistent and smart improvements they continue to make to there apps and hardware this platform is clearly where their passion is and I can't knock that.

Sorry I did not mean to write a book!
 
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#3
Yeah, I dig the idea of wireless control. I am stuck with 1 space, though. I think that Ashly might be the best option other than the sp828. Has adjustable gain and pan at least. Should be quiet as well.
 
#5
Man oh man have I looked at this long and hard - The Rolls unit and also a JTS PMM4 were the options I narrowed it down to. If you need phantom power (as I did as I am using a Rode M3 to get drums in my ears) and the best option rack mixer doesn't have it, you could consider a separate box that supplies phantom power in the back of your rack such as this: Invalid Link Removed

Ultimately, I went for a yamaha MG-06 4 channel mixer. ch1 takes my mic in from a splitter box, ch2 is my Rode M3 over the drums (with phantom Power) ch3 bass, ch4 is a FOH line which I take off the parallel out on the powered sub on my side of stage.
 

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