MIXER I/O - Top Connectors vs. Rear

[LowDown Hal]

I'm thinking of purchasing a new mixer, primarily for use in the rehearsal room. We like being able to record each channel "live" during rehearsal.


Looking at the Mackie 1640i [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
vs.
Allen-Heath ZED-R16 Invalid Link Removed

Does anyone have trouble with cable breaking due to strain when the connectors are on the top of the mixer? It seems the cable have a lot of stress bent right back over and draping down.

THANKS

 

[Tomis17]

I'm thinking of purchasing a new mixer, primarily for use in the rehearsal room. We like being able to record each channel "live" during rehearsal.


Looking at the Mackie 1640i [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
vs.
Allen-Heath ZED-R16 Invalid Link Removed

Does anyone have trouble with cable breaking due to strain when the connectors are on the top of the mixer? It seems the cable have a lot of stress bent right back over and draping down.

THANKS

I personally like rear inputs over top input mixers. I have had issues with cables malfunctioning due to cables bending on top input mixers. A way to eliminate this issue would be to use L input cables.

 

[RustyAxe]

After I make the connections I bundle the cables (or snake cable) and secure it to the mixer stand/table with gaffer's tape. No pain, no strain. I prefer top mounted inputs.

 

[chrisp2u]

Looking at the Mackie 1640i [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Extra bonus, the ONYX also let's you mount with the plugs facing down which is what I did with mine. Harder to access, but the least amount of cable strain, and not an issue if you use a snake. Another thing you can do is tie the cables (velcro or zip) like a cable snake fan and then tie/clamp/clip/whatever (plenty of creative options there) that to the back of your rack (assuming you're rack mounting) with some slack so your cables aren't getting pulled... works for top or back. (Just finished my post and noticed that RustyAxe suggested much the same thing)

Excellent mixer choices, BTW. You should also check out the Presonus StudioLive. I picked one up recently and am about to ditch my ONYX 1640 and a rack full of gear that it replaced. I was leary of the all-in-one type thing, but it's pretty solid. I was able to get a great sounding mix and route everything for effects and in-ear use during our rehearsals in about 1/2 of the time it would have taken me with the other setup. Can get them for around $1749 if you do a Google shopping search.
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c

 

[JackANSI]

After I make the connections I bundle the cables (or snake cable) and secure it to the mixer stand/table with gaffer's tape. No pain, no strain. I prefer top mounted inputs.

+1. I've never had an issue, but I put one of these buggers on the end of all of them:

http://www.campfield.biz/servlet/the-439/Whirlwind-Snake-Cable-Strain/Detail

You hang the snake by that on the console (or whatever you have your mixer in), the snakes ends make a nice 160-180, 8-12" radius loop right into your top inputs, no strain on the ends at all..

 

[LowDown Hal]

Extra bonus, the ONYX also let's you mount with the plugs facing down which is what I did with mine. Harder to access, but the least amount of cable strain, and not an issue if you use a snake. Another thing you can do is tie the cables (velcro or zip) like a cable snake fan and then tie/clamp/clip/whatever (plenty of creative options there) that to the back of your rack (assuming you're rack mounting) with some slack so your cables aren't getting pulled... works for top or back. (Just finished my post and noticed that RustyAxe suggested much the same thing)

Excellent mixer choices, BTW. You should also check out the Presonus StudioLive. I picked one up recently and am about to ditch my ONYX 1640 and a rack full of gear that it replaced. I was leary of the all-in-one type thing, but it's pretty solid. I was able to get a great sounding mix and route everything for effects and in-ear use during our rehearsals in about 1/2 of the time it would have taken me with the other setup. Can get them for around $1749 if you do a Google shopping search.
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c

I have looked at the Presonus. For the studio/rehearsal room it seems great. Heck it even justifies buying a second monitor for the desktop computer . But I question the ease of use in a live"bar" situation? What's your experience with it that way?

 

[LowDown Hal]

I recently had a chance to play around with a Presonus StudioLive for a little while. Basically pushing various buttons. Man that thing seem SWEET !!!!