Suggest a fairly straightforward mixer for beginners

[Kipp Harrington]

Hello… I am about to purchase a couple powered PA speakers and a mixing board for my rehearsal room. Looking for a 10-14 channel board that is relatively reliable with decent preamps. Not having effects is not a deal breaker. If it’s possible, I’d like to keep the price south of $500. Not interested in used. I’m probably asking a lot here, but would love to hear suggestions. Thank you!

 

[johnh89]

Yamaha MG12XU . In budget and a great mixer .

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Yamaha MG12XU . In budget and a great mixer .

Thanks! This one is on my radar. What are your thoughts about the Soundcraft EPM12 14? Also, the Zoom Livetrack L-8?

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[johnh89]

Haven't used either . The Soundcraft looks a similar mixer to the Yamaha . Not seen the Zoom but I believe it is a digital mixer . I am a big Yamaha fan . Always quality . We use mine for the band and to run an open mike session . I lent it to someone and ended up with another Yamaha MG6 as a temporary fill in . I ended up keeping it as well . The preamps on the Yamaha are brilliant . A mackie pro fx12 may also fit the bill / budget .

 

[Carlitos]

I had a Soundcraft before getting digital. It sounds better than the Yamaha for me. Better pres and better eq.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

The more I read about the Zoom Livetrack L-12, the more I’m diggin’ it! For right now, recording live rehearsals (or anything) is great for me. I am curious as to its ability to mix a live band… regarding sound quality.

 

[4StringDave]

I have a Soundcraft EFX 8. Sounds great, really nice effects, and easy to use. The EFX 12 version would be ideal, except for the fact tbere's no USB for recording..

 

[TomB]

I have a Soundcraft EFX 8. Sounds great, really nice effects, and easy to use. The EFX 12 version would be ideal, except for the fact tbere's no USB for recording..

Wait! I have a 12FX and it has a USB out for recording. It’s a very nice little unit.

https://www.soundcraft.com/en-US/product_documents/notepadusermanual_v-1-0-pdf

 

[Aloe]

another good brand is A&H. not sure, how many mic pres you need, for 10 it's ZED-16FX, a smaller one is ZED-12FX.

I own an even smaller (4 mic pres) ZEDi10-FX and if was a huge improvement over the Yamaha I had before (I believe, that was MG10XU).

 

[Zooberwerx]

Somebody bought us one of these...not sure why...for our rehearsal space: Amazon.com

Surprisingly, it sounds pretty good for the intended purpose. I'd look for something analog (used) locally on-the-cheap or free.

Riis

 

[TheReceder]

Somebody bought us one of these...not sure why...for our rehearsal space: Amazon.com

Surprisingly, it sounds pretty good for the intended purpose. I'd look for something analog (used) locally on-the-cheap or free.

Riis

Have to admit, that a $93 mixer (new) kind of blew my mind.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Have to admit, that a $93 mixer (new) kind of blew my mind.

Chinese and the manual was worthless. Works well for our needs. FX is a delay which is what I prefer for vocals. Come to think of it, we're running everything thru it including Alexa and (2) big screen TV's.

Riis

 

[Bodeeni]

Mackie 1202 is a rugged simple unit. I have been using one live for my little bar band for two decades.

 

[jthisdell]

The Soundcraft Signature series works well for me

 

[Relsom]

I highly recommend the Yamaha EMX5000 series board. Available in 12 and 20 channel versions. Sound great, 2 banks of effects, and a very flexible power/output section. No DAW output though. Since digital has taken over, these can be had for very reasonable money.

 

[One Way]

@Kipp Harrington I’ve rehearsed with a band that used the Zoom L12 and played with another band that records and plays live using the Zoom Live Track L-20r.
I find the interface easy to use and sound quality very good

 

[mambo4]

Mackie 1202 is a rugged simple unit. I have been using one live for my little bar band for two decades.

Mackie s the brand I have seen in the wild the most. “The Wild” being bar gigs with indie rock bands in the late 90s and early oughts.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

Mackie Profx are nice boards. I have always been a fan of the Mackie mic preamp. I bought a used one and have had no problems.

Some boards have more confusing routing options.

 

[One Way]

I also have a Mackie Profx 16 and it works very well

 

[J Wilson]

Mackie 1202VLZ. BUILT like a tank. The VLZ inputs have huge headroom. Patchable 6 ways of Sunday. LOUD headphones output. This is also my headphones practice rig.

And are often available barely used from those guys that decided they needed to turn it to get one more pedal!