PA:Mixer-amplifier vs mixer and amplifier

[urpo]

Would it be better to get mixer amplifier or separate devices?
Upgrading is easier with separate devices, but what else should be considered?
How about the wattage? The speakers are 150W@8ohm each, would it be better to get ie. 2x120w@8ohm or 2x240W@8ohm amp, considering the gain would be limited in the bigger one?

 

[uhdinator]

Never liked powered mixers. Limited in expandabilty . When you out grow a mixer you upgrade for more channels and patch into you amp. Or if upgrading speakers to more power just get a bigger amp.

 

[Floyd Eye]

I recently upgraded from a Yamaha EMX512SC powered mixer to an A&H Mixwiz and 3 power amps. I will never go back to a powered mixer again.

 

[Hactar]

The most prominent disadvantage with powered mixers is the lack of modularity.
Thus, when you decide you need more power, or more channels, or an amp channel goes bad, you are must upgrade the entire unit.

Also, powered mixers generally lack all the I/O found on a passive mixer, complicating things when you need inserts, sends, FX returns, etc.

I highly recommend a passive mixer and separate power amp. It will save you money in the long run, and be much more versatile.

 

[jplumansoc]

The most prominent disadvantage with powered mixers is the lack of modularity.
Thus, when you decide you need more power, or more channels, or an amp channel goes bad, you are must upgrade the entire unit.

Also, powered mixers generally lack all the I/O found on a passive mixer, complicating things when you need inserts, sends, FX returns, etc.

I highly recommend a passive mixer and separate power amp. It will save you money in the long run, and be much more versatile.

+1

when you do separate power and mixer you also tend to get better build quality and sound quality and its just easier to upgrade either rather than having to upgrade 1 unit every time.

 

[chucko58]

Another vote for separate mixer and power amp(s). There's also a sound quality issue. The heavy currents in a power amp can cause interference or distortion in the low-level circuits of a mixer, if they are not very carefully shielded and isolated.

 

[4Mal]

Ah not so fast... The next step up in Yamaha powered mixers sound great. I have an old EMX 5000/12. It has good mc pre's with sweepeable mids, 2 effects sends and 2 aux sends per channel. Sound quality wise it's on par with par with the old Mackie VLZ-Pro board I had previously and an A&H Zed that my two summers ago band used. It is a major step up from the EMX512 for not much more money.

I use the on board power for monitors and have been using a Driverack PX, powered tops and a 2402 to drive passive subs.

I did just upgrade to a StudioLive board and yes, it sounds better at near to 3 times the dough, and with no power... It should.... The Yamaha will become part of my rental fleet...

 

[MNAirHead]

I own all of the combinations listed

I suggest passive mixer and powered mains ---- driverack when you're ready

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I was all against all on one until I saw the written guarantee and heard them actually being used

 

[lowfreq33]

I would never buy a powered mixer. As others have said you can't expand. Better to buy a good mixer and powered speakers. The speakers will hold their value a little better, and you can always just add more powered speakers. They're scaleable.

 

[brianrost]

I've owned/used powered heads as well as separates.

For typical bar bands, unless you need more than 6/8 inputs get a powered head. Less stuff to transport and hook up, much easier to use.

Only start thinking about separates when you need lots of inputs or a large system.