Re: 16 Channel Rackmount Mixer (MixWiz vs Soundcraft GB2R), Cheap DSP
If you'd like to get a bit creative you could always go for a MixWiz 14:4:2 and add something like an Ashly MX-206 or 208. I have a "radio rack" I use for remote broadcast production with a 14:4:2 above 12 spaces. In addition, I have a "hood" which holds the single-space device of my choice. The hood utilizes the butterfly latches of the Grundorf rack and locks on tight. This also gives me a flat surface on top where I can put a computer, recorder or my lunch.
You can bring the expansion mixer in via one of the A/B stereo channels and assign whatever you're bringing in there to any of the 6 auxes and/or the 4 sub-groups. The A/B functionality of the stereo channels lets you keep something else connected on the RCA inputs (CD, iPod, etc) for simple playback of fill music at the push of a button.
I run two Shure SCM410 auto-mixers in the rack below the console. I can either use them as two separate 4-channel mixers input into two board channels or daisy chain them into one board channel.
Above and beyond that, there are still 4 stereo line inputs available. S1 is assignable to Aux 1, S2 to Aux 2 and so on.
All in all, this approaches the functionality of a much larger console (approaching 40 inputs with all the above options) and offers the compact footprint of something like an 01v.
Just thinking........
