Peavey MK - IV 16 Channel Commercial Mixing Console? Experiences?

Used one for years. Unless it's $40 and 100% quiet, I'd recommend something newer.
IMHO

 

I had a Mark III circa 1980, awesome at the time - stoopid big, heavy, and lacing in features today. Dunno why anyone would want one...

 

My comments aren't directed that that particular mixer, but any mixer of that era, the 80s...

Unless it was kept in a perfectly acclimated area and never traveled, consoles of that age are likely to suffer from sticky pots and faders, sometimes to the point of being frozen stuck (I've seen some old Tapco mixers where I couldn't move the pots with Vise Grips). Most likely, you will hear snap, crackle, and pops (and not sugar-free) when you operate the pots and faders. There could be ribbon cable issues, as well.

At that price, it's not really worth putting any money in them. I wouldn't even spend the bench fee to have it checked out, unless you have an electronics technician for a friend that will check it out for free. And parts will be an issue on something that old.

There's the scenario where you are strapped for cash, you have a friend that can check out the mixer's operation, it checks out fine, and you don't need more than the simple EQ, a few aux buses and groups that the mixer has. Then, it might be an option for you.

There's all kinds of mixers out there for a little more money...Yamaha, Allen & Heath, Peaveys, and the like. I'd save some money and go that route, unless you can find yourself in the scenario I laid out for you.

 

To add to Geri O's feedback... buy once, cry once.
Any mixer circa 80's is relatively speaking, worthless compared to current products. Save ur $$ and put it into something worthwhile.

If cash-strapped, buy a B*ringer or small Mackie. Either will perform better than any mixer from the 80's.

 

like everyone else...even at $150 i would be looking to spend up and buy new.

 

IMO, it's worth $20...maybe. Don't pay top-dollar for obsolete technology. The advent of digital gear has driven down the market price of just about anything analog.

Riis

 

if somebody gave you one and you had a practice space in need of a board (and enough room), maybe.

 

So am I having a senior moment, or did the title of this thread change? I thought it was about the Mark III (3) mixers.

Same comments, same advice regardless...

 

There is a used MixWiz 16:2 on the Portland CL for $300 ... My advice is keep looking for something like that. The lower cost digital stuff is killing the market for large old analog boards - for a good reason. Still, if you need to get started on a budget there is analog stuff available out the wazoo...

 

that is one of thge greatest answers of all time...... and u just helped me to boot... i am looking at a 24 ch version....now, i am sure it is not quiet n it is not 40$ ...... right on man

 

hell yes........ been using my mackie 1402 as a front end to a 4ch Uphoria404HD.... behringer... 179.00$.... 1402, 100 used stay safe from no cal , basstalk!!!!!