So should I buy a Yamaha LS9-16 or another >$2500 digital mixer?

Re: So should I buy a Yamaha LS9-16 or another >$2500 digital mixer?

Matt Vivlamore said:
Things I am not concerned too much about:
- Recording
- Expansion into a "32 ch desk".
Click to expand...

How important is it that the mixer be a rack mount vs a stand alone console?
How important is the remote capabilities and would you prefer iPad, Android, or PC (or all) for that interface?
How much of the time will the mixer be controlled from the physical interface?
 
Max Warasila said:
And thus, we lay in wait...

Matt, I think it really depends on what kind of gig you're expecting to use this console on. If you need a more feature rich workflow, the X32 Producer might be your choice, but if you don't need that, maybe the build and sound quality of the A&H is a better bet. The LS9 is a fine, sturdy console, but it's near it's end of life, though it is more rider compatible and ignoring the preamps, sounds good. The Si Expression is going to sound fine, last a while, and just in general be a jack of all trades type of unit in comparison to the others.

Also, consider ROI in this case. Is it going to make you more money to have an LS9 over a different kind of console? Are you going to get it mostly through long years of use or are you going to end up selling it off for a more modern or larger model later? The A&H is probably not as easy to resell, and the X32 Producer... well it's plastic, which bothers me.

I think we need more information on why you're interested in upgrading to really get you the advice you want.
Click to expand...

I do want to clarify that I was referring to a used LS9 in good condition at a good price. There are some deals to be had. Hence the sub-$2500 question.

The only "at the end of its life" LS9s I see are ones that sat out in the direct rain or were dropped. Otherwise, IMHO, in five years, for those people who like them (and I am one) these desks will still do their job and do it well for the application I suspect Matt is intending.

Minus the digital snake, which I suspect is unimportant for a 16 channel console, what is more "feature rich" on the X32 producer? Besides channel input delay I can't think of much...

Maybe Yamaha does have something slick in the works for $3000, just depends on how long you can wait before you actually need to buy. If you wait fifteen years, there may be some really cool solar powered consoles as well...

Jason

Sent from some device, using some software, probably inconveniently. Apologies for any mistakes of grammar, spelling, or meaning.
 
Re: So should I buy a Yamaha LS9-16 or another >$2500 digital mixer?

Scott Bolt said:
How important is it that the mixer be a rack mount vs a stand alone console?
How important is the remote capabilities and would you prefer iPad, Android, or PC (or all) for that interface?
How much of the time will the mixer be controlled from the physical interface?
Click to expand...

Gig wise: low budget, small band, bar shows
Rackmount is ideal; or footprint that is roughly the same size.
Extra items like iPad, iPhone and PC are a plus.
I prefer to mix on the console than an iPad/PC; so my hands will be on the console much more often.

I probably won't be buying a Digital snake.
 
Matt Vivlamore said:
Gig wise: low budget, small band, bar shows
Rackmount is ideal; or footprint that is roughly the same size.
Extra items like iPad, iPhone and PC are a plus.
I prefer to mix on the console than an iPad/PC; so my hands will be on the console much more often.

I probably won't be buying a Digital snake.
Click to expand...

Buying a used but good condition LS9 would make sense for you. A new one is too expensive. I too have an LS9-32 and a 01v96. The 01v with 4 additional mic preamps travels as my spare.


Sent from my iPad HD
 
Re: So should I buy a Yamaha LS9-16 or another >$2500 digital mixer?

Matt Vivlamore said:
Gig wise: low budget, small band, bar shows
Rackmount is ideal; or footprint that is roughly the same size.
Extra items like iPad, iPhone and PC are a plus.
I prefer to mix on the console than an iPad/PC; so my hands will be on the console much more often.

I probably won't be buying a Digital snake.
Click to expand...

Rig 1:

X32 Rack $1500.00
Android Tablet $200 Or iPad Mini $320
Wireless Router $60.00
Small 19" instrument rack $100.00 (if you don't already own one)
A laptop, if you own one, is great for a wired backup

Total = $1860-$1980

This system is the smallest, lightest, and easiest to run in a small bar show IMHO. You put the rack on stage and run the show from the bar while you sip foo foo drinks with umbrellas in them ;)

I have been very impressed with this method of running sound especially when space is limited.

Rig 2:

Soundcraft Si Expression 1 ($2000.00)
I would still recommend an iPad Mini (there are no Android apps for the Expression Si) ($320.00)
Wireless Router ($60.00)
If you want to run sound from out front, you will need an analog snake ($200.00)
19" Rack with slant top ($200.00)

Total = $2780.00

You could go without the ability to control using a wireless remote tablet.

Total = $2400.00

I give a slight nod to the Expression Si over the Qu-16 because of the fader glow which I feel makes it a little easier to operate. If you decide that multi-track recording is more important than fader glow, then I would recommend the Qu-16 .... which is also $2000.00 now as I understand it, so the price is a wash.
 
Re: So should I buy a Yamaha LS9-16 or another >$2500 digital mixer?

Jason Misterka said:
I do want to clarify that I was referring to a used LS9 in good condition at a good price. There are some deals to be had. Hence the sub-$2500 question.

The only "at the end of its life" LS9s I see are ones that sat out in the direct rain or were dropped. Otherwise, IMHO, in five years, for those people who like them (and I am one) these desks will still do their job and do it well for the application I suspect Matt is intending.

Minus the digital snake, which I suspect is unimportant for a 16 channel console, what is more "feature rich" on the X32 producer? Besides channel input delay I can't think of much...

Maybe Yamaha does have something slick in the works for $3000, just depends on how long you can wait before you actually need to buy. If you wait fifteen years, there may be some really cool solar powered consoles as well...

Jason

Sent from some device, using some software, probably inconveniently. Apologies for any mistakes of grammar, spelling, or meaning.
Click to expand...

I meant end of production life.

I had written the "X32 feature rich" paragraph before I moved on to the next paragraph when I looked at the Si Expression again and forgot to go back and edit out the X32... :D~:-D~:grin:

I second Scott's choice of the Si Expression for your application.
 
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