Re: Analog to Digital mixer recomendation
Based on your stated needs, I recommend a Soundcraft Expression 1. Its' a 16 channel board that has a slot to make it capable of having additional inputs. It also has more outputs than the others mentioned, great for multiple monitor mixes and other uses.
I have a LS9-32 and then bought the Presonus SL16, SL24 and eventually the baby SL16 to add to the collection. I really like the Presonus for its QUICK ease of use, sound and its features. After installing a SC Expression 3 in a church last summer, I really wanted one. I sold my SL16.4.2 and bought an Expression 2. I recently had a little drive time on the A&H QU-16, but didn't care for the user interface too much, though I've always loved A&H products. I've owned the Mix Wizard and several different models of the GL series. I'm sure the QU-16 sounds great, but IMO it wasn't the easiest transition from analog when compared to the Presonus and Soundcraft. I picked up operation of the Presonus quickly and the Soundcraft was even quicker.
I will be holding onto my SL24 for a while, besides its nice feature set and sound, it also has a very nice recording feature and comes with 3 discs of software. One of my best clients is tied to this board because of the recording feature.
Garry W
