Small mixer recommendations please.

[XNASA]

I'd like to purchase a small mixer with 4 mic-ins and maybe some built in DSP.

The Behringer line offers several possibilities, UB1204 & UB1204FX.

I'm also intrigued by the Alesis MultiMix 8 USB which comes with built in FX, a USB port and Cubase software which you can load on you computer and allow the MultiMix to behave like a soundcard. Not a bad idea.

And there's always Mackie, I suppose....

[Ron Green]

1. I have the little Behringer and it's very good for the price.

I think it's the 1204; it was about 139 bucks, and it's very quiet - I suppose this is due to the outboard power supply.

[XNASA]

2. It is the one with built in FX ?

Even though the FX only cost an extra $30, I have heard that they're noisy and not worth the $$$$ :shrug:

Thanks for your input. NPI

[Ron Green]

3. No, mine does not have built-in FX, just a "send" and "return" bus, which

I like better, 'cause I can use an Alesis or other good outboard unit.

[ProfessorGAC]

5. Note On The FX

I don't find them all that noisy (i've got the 2442FX Pro), but they're limited. We dedicate what's there just to the snare, so we can use a more spacious reverb for the toms.

One would have to be mucho picky to object to $30 extra for a 24 bit digital effect unit, built into the board. The controls are VERY limited. It's more just pick a program and roll, with no real control over things like Compressor ramps, or first reflection on a reverb.

But, the FX unit is dedicated to one of the 4 Aux sends. So, if Aux 3 is unsed, the FX is completely bypassed, and the Aux 3 I/O shunts, so you can use the outboard gear on that channel anyway. But, it's pretty handy to have if you just want to move the mixer somewhere and still have the ability to add reverb or delay.
The Professor

[FredStembottom]

7. My 2 cents on the Behringer

I have the UB1622FX. To my ears the FX are startlingly noisy EXCEPT when used in moderation. They are great for little sweetenings of things but if you really want to soak something in reverb or have real compression - no. Adjustments are limited - so the FX are handy but sure can't be your only FX box.

The rest of the unit just thrills me, however. This is the deadest quiet mixer I have ever had (sans FX). Un-mute all the channels and turn wide open and hear nothing. Just what I wanted. The EQ's are better than lots of outboard parametric EQ's I have tried.

I just LOVE the sound of this mixer! And you can get deals on them if you watch and wait that will make you feel guilty.



:headbang:

[ProfessorGAC]

8. I Concur

Since i never use a whole lot of reverb or delay, the noise is a non-issue, and since you can shunt the unit out completely, i find it non-critical.

But, the EQ is really responsive and it's very quiet. That's what i told XNASA in a PM. Great minds. . .
The Professor

[FredStembottom]

12. All-righty, then!

The silence is golden!:toast:

[Angry Girl]

4. Mackie 1202-VLZ Pro

Got one used, worked like a champ for many years! (I eventually sold it)

[Spiffarino]

6. Mackie or Yamaha

Unless you're on a very small budget, it's worth the extra. My band has a 16-channel Yamaha board and we love it. It blows the old Behringer we had clean away. Everything simply sounds and works better, and it's far more durable.

Having said that, if money's tight Behringer is a good deal. You get a lot for the money. Just don't bang it around and you'll probably get a year or two out of it.

[XNASA]

9. Maybe the Behringer you had was a lemon?

One thing I can not say about Behringer, after reading various reviews both here and on other sites....

Their equipment is not consistant. Seems like people either love their gear, or are not satisfied.

Decisions, decisions. Go with a known good for a little extra, or spin the dice and get a few more features?????

[XNASA]

10. self delete

nt

[XNASA]

11. Thank you all.

I appreciate your advice.