Re: Presonus 32.4.2Al
I have been doing some research on both of these consoles. They both have their strengths and weaknesses.
Everyone immediately points out that the SL does not have motorized faders. True; however, for live sound, it doesn't really need them either. The SL has 32 independent faders for 32 input channels while the X32 has only 16 faders used for 2 layers of 16 inputs for a total of 32 inputs..... so it really HAS to have motorized faders or the entire layer thing would not work at all. The SL ..... doesn't really need this feature IMHO.
The SL is easier to setup and navigate. I was new on both having come from a MixWiz and was very quickly able to figure out the SL (minutes) while I had to do some pretty deep research to figure out how to do several things on the X32. Keep in mind that I am not a veteran in digital consoles. I understand that for those who are, the X32 topology is pretty familiar .... but for an old analog guy like me, the SL was easier to master.
Sadly for the SL, here ends the good news and begins a real battle for it.
The X32 is a better sounding mixer to my ears. The efx and preamps on the X32 just sound better (or are easier to make sound better).
The X32 wireless interface is MUCH better by eliminating the need for a computer hooked up with a finiky firewire port.
The X32 is more expandable for those that need more than 32 channels.
The remote control software is more flexible (or will be soon) on the X32 which will support iOS, Windows and Android.
The X32 bus matrix interface is much more advanced than the SL (to my untrained hands anyway).
The X32 is less expensive. This is really the final kick IMHO.
I don't need 32 channels for my band. I am seriously considering the X32 rack and a tablet mounted to my mic stand as my new FOH "mix from stage" setup. I think that for the "mix from stage" crowd, X32 models are really going to shine. For "out front" duty, the X32 is tough to beat. I am not as sure about the X32 Performer and X32 compact as they are still in heavy competition from the SL 16.4.2 and 16.0.2. It is really only the 32.4.2AI that the X32 competes with IMHO.
