What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
- Thread starter BJ James
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Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
I'm a bit old school… I really like the Qu system, and it's likely to be the one with the least amount of bugs and glitches. It'll also sound good (not great- good), do it's job, and is one of my favorite form factors - RACK MOUNTABLE! Unfortunately, it's really not a mini-mixer, so I'm wondering why you put it in this list. Kinds of seems to me like it's a class above. Or perhaps to the side.
Out of the ones that are true digital mini-mixers, I'd have to say the DL1608 would be my bet, only because the others are either too new (QSC/Behringer) or simply something I don't like to use (Line 6).
I'm a bit old school… I really like the Qu system, and it's likely to be the one with the least amount of bugs and glitches. It'll also sound good (not great- good), do it's job, and is one of my favorite form factors - RACK MOUNTABLE! Unfortunately, it's really not a mini-mixer, so I'm wondering why you put it in this list. Kinds of seems to me like it's a class above. Or perhaps to the side.
Out of the ones that are true digital mini-mixers, I'd have to say the DL1608 would be my bet, only because the others are either too new (QSC/Behringer) or simply something I don't like to use (Line 6).
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
The one still in my crystal ball... Not here yet...
JR
The one still in my crystal ball... Not here yet...
JR
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
If you need something that beginners and non skilled users will operate, the QSC is the best bet. All of those presets in there will be very helpful. The fact that it has administration is a plus. There is more DSP power in the QSC than the QU series.
Behringer X32 Rack
If you need something that beginners and non skilled users will operate, the QSC is the best bet. All of those presets in there will be very helpful. The fact that it has administration is a plus. There is more DSP power in the QSC than the QU series.
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
I'm actually looking for something I would take myself for a low channel count show. I have a few solo and duo folkish acts coming through and it would be nice not to have to drag in the LS9 for 3 inputs. I'm loving the form factor of the QSC for shows like these, but recallable input gain is a must for me as there would be a few semi regular acts that I could also use this for, plus as was mentioned in another thread, the recallable gains are handy with mulitple act gigs.
I'm actually looking for something I would take myself for a low channel count show. I have a few solo and duo folkish acts coming through and it would be nice not to have to drag in the LS9 for 3 inputs. I'm loving the form factor of the QSC for shows like these, but recallable input gain is a must for me as there would be a few semi regular acts that I could also use this for, plus as was mentioned in another thread, the recallable gains are handy with mulitple act gigs.
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
The A&H QU is not in a class of mini mixer. If you include that in the list, you'd have to include many others, such as the Presonus lineup, the Soundcraft expression lineup, the Yamaha boards, etc.
If we define the mini mixer as one that is a primarily on screen interface, designed as a standalone device not installed in a rack, then the remaining 4 mixers on your list fit the bill nicely.
Of all the mixers listed, none are perfect, but all are probably fairly close in usability.
Mackie DLseries has been around for a while. The docking design is nice which allows for the iPad to control the unit. With the iPad in the dock, no wireless connection is needed for functionality. That's an important consideration for reliability out in the field. Of course, this means that both the mixer and the iPad must be working, or your mixer is kind of useless. Withou the iPad, you've got your gain control pots on the mixer as the only source of control. The physical gain controls are actually a feature as an emergency adjustment in the event that the iPad decides not to be your friend. The recording to iPad feature is pretty cool. Wireless is not built into the iPad, so if you want wireless connection, be prepared for more wires and hardware to keep track of. Unfortunately, Mackie decided to use an external power brick on the mixer. Fortunately, it's a simple 12v power adaptor, so if push comes to shove, making it work in a pinch when your adaptor gets eaten by a goat, you can get through the show.
The Behringer X18 is brand new and not out yet. Speculation is that it's based on the X32 platform, which has been pretty solid. The unit has a built in power supply, so all you need is an easy to find IEC cable when you forgot yours at home. The built in WIFI hardware is great, meaning that using the iPad wirelessly involves no additional hardware. The downside is that without the iPad, this mixer is pretty useless. There's no control that can be done without it. If there's WIFI interference, this can present a pretty significant problem. Fortunately, a wired ethernet port is available, and you can connect to a regular computer and control the unit. The generic space for the iPad to rest is nice in the fact that when the next model comes out, it's just a space to set the iPad. However, missing is a convenient way to secure the iPad and a charging connector for the iPad. This means extra wires that you have to carry around, and will undoubtedly lose at some point.
The QSC touchmix, which won't be out until mid 2014 solves the problem of needing an iPad for mixing by integrating its own touch screen and some physical controls on the desk itself. This makes it the most complete standalone mixer so far on the list. The selection of what they decided needed to be a physical button isn't exactly what I'd have gone with, but it doesn't seem too bad overall. The pre-amps, like on the Mackie, are physical controls that can't be remotely controlled or recalled. Not usually a deal breaker for a mixer in this class for most. The specs don't mention built in WIFI, so if you want remote control, I'd suspect that you'll need to add external WIFI hardware to make it work. The nice thing is that it will work on its own without WIFI, just like the Mackie would. For some reason though, QSC has decided to use a proprietary multi-pin power connector on the mixer. For a device that won't likely live in a rack this blows. Wall warts are a pain as it is, but to have a connector that you're not likely to find or be able to cobble together in an emergency is just stupid. It's enough to take this mixer off of my purchase list. Too bad, because other than that, it looked awesome to me. If you're planning to install the mixer in a fixed location, then this isn't as much of an issue. But for me, doing road work, well, I'm done talking about that.
The Line6 mixer seems the most complete of the list. This unit goes well beyond just a traditional mixer and adds intelligence into the mix. Having only read about them and never using one, I can't say how well it might work. The only downside of this unit compared to the rest is that it's almost twice the cost of the other offerings.
When comparing prices, it's important to note that on the Behringer and the Mackie, you have to add the cost of an iPad to get them to work. That puts them in just about the same price bracket as the QSC. If you're planning on remote usage, then you still have to add that cost to the QSC and the Line6, so planned usage makes a difference in the selection.
Of these units, my top pick goes to the Behringer, primarily because of the compatibility with the P16 monitoring system, and having the least hassle to set up. The Line 6 comes in as a close second, however the cost is a deciding factor.
If the QSC would have an integrated PSU and built in WIFI at it's current price, it would have made my top pick, and would have been a go-to mixer for me.
If I were to design a perfect unit, I'd take the Behringer mixer and build it so that their new X-touch interfaces could dock into the unit where the iPad sits. No wires, no connections. Now you've got a mixer with physical controls, but could separate it if you wanted. If you take off the X-touch, you could replace it with an iPad mount where the iPad could be secured and docked, like on the Mackie. This way, you could put the whole thing as one into your carrying bag and be ready to go.
The last feature I'd love to see on these compact mixers is a built in battery that would last 12 hours or so. Really wouldn't be too tough to get something like that to happen if they really wanted to. Of course, the cost would probably then be up there with the Line6.
The A&H QU is not in a class of mini mixer. If you include that in the list, you'd have to include many others, such as the Presonus lineup, the Soundcraft expression lineup, the Yamaha boards, etc.
If we define the mini mixer as one that is a primarily on screen interface, designed as a standalone device not installed in a rack, then the remaining 4 mixers on your list fit the bill nicely.
Of all the mixers listed, none are perfect, but all are probably fairly close in usability.
Mackie DLseries has been around for a while. The docking design is nice which allows for the iPad to control the unit. With the iPad in the dock, no wireless connection is needed for functionality. That's an important consideration for reliability out in the field. Of course, this means that both the mixer and the iPad must be working, or your mixer is kind of useless. Withou the iPad, you've got your gain control pots on the mixer as the only source of control. The physical gain controls are actually a feature as an emergency adjustment in the event that the iPad decides not to be your friend. The recording to iPad feature is pretty cool. Wireless is not built into the iPad, so if you want wireless connection, be prepared for more wires and hardware to keep track of. Unfortunately, Mackie decided to use an external power brick on the mixer. Fortunately, it's a simple 12v power adaptor, so if push comes to shove, making it work in a pinch when your adaptor gets eaten by a goat, you can get through the show.
The Behringer X18 is brand new and not out yet. Speculation is that it's based on the X32 platform, which has been pretty solid. The unit has a built in power supply, so all you need is an easy to find IEC cable when you forgot yours at home. The built in WIFI hardware is great, meaning that using the iPad wirelessly involves no additional hardware. The downside is that without the iPad, this mixer is pretty useless. There's no control that can be done without it. If there's WIFI interference, this can present a pretty significant problem. Fortunately, a wired ethernet port is available, and you can connect to a regular computer and control the unit. The generic space for the iPad to rest is nice in the fact that when the next model comes out, it's just a space to set the iPad. However, missing is a convenient way to secure the iPad and a charging connector for the iPad. This means extra wires that you have to carry around, and will undoubtedly lose at some point.
The QSC touchmix, which won't be out until mid 2014 solves the problem of needing an iPad for mixing by integrating its own touch screen and some physical controls on the desk itself. This makes it the most complete standalone mixer so far on the list. The selection of what they decided needed to be a physical button isn't exactly what I'd have gone with, but it doesn't seem too bad overall. The pre-amps, like on the Mackie, are physical controls that can't be remotely controlled or recalled. Not usually a deal breaker for a mixer in this class for most. The specs don't mention built in WIFI, so if you want remote control, I'd suspect that you'll need to add external WIFI hardware to make it work. The nice thing is that it will work on its own without WIFI, just like the Mackie would. For some reason though, QSC has decided to use a proprietary multi-pin power connector on the mixer. For a device that won't likely live in a rack this blows. Wall warts are a pain as it is, but to have a connector that you're not likely to find or be able to cobble together in an emergency is just stupid. It's enough to take this mixer off of my purchase list. Too bad, because other than that, it looked awesome to me. If you're planning to install the mixer in a fixed location, then this isn't as much of an issue. But for me, doing road work, well, I'm done talking about that.
The Line6 mixer seems the most complete of the list. This unit goes well beyond just a traditional mixer and adds intelligence into the mix. Having only read about them and never using one, I can't say how well it might work. The only downside of this unit compared to the rest is that it's almost twice the cost of the other offerings.
When comparing prices, it's important to note that on the Behringer and the Mackie, you have to add the cost of an iPad to get them to work. That puts them in just about the same price bracket as the QSC. If you're planning on remote usage, then you still have to add that cost to the QSC and the Line6, so planned usage makes a difference in the selection.
Of these units, my top pick goes to the Behringer, primarily because of the compatibility with the P16 monitoring system, and having the least hassle to set up. The Line 6 comes in as a close second, however the cost is a deciding factor.
If the QSC would have an integrated PSU and built in WIFI at it's current price, it would have made my top pick, and would have been a go-to mixer for me.
If I were to design a perfect unit, I'd take the Behringer mixer and build it so that their new X-touch interfaces could dock into the unit where the iPad sits. No wires, no connections. Now you've got a mixer with physical controls, but could separate it if you wanted. If you take off the X-touch, you could replace it with an iPad mount where the iPad could be secured and docked, like on the Mackie. This way, you could put the whole thing as one into your carrying bag and be ready to go.
The last feature I'd love to see on these compact mixers is a built in battery that would last 12 hours or so. Really wouldn't be too tough to get something like that to happen if they really wanted to. Of course, the cost would probably then be up there with the Line6.
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
Given the need to use a tablet of some kind with the X18, I'd have expected Behringer to provide a USB socket just to allow users to connect their own cable which could simply be used as a charging point for the tablet controlling it.
Sent from my GT-I8160 2
Given the need to use a tablet of some kind with the X18, I'd have expected Behringer to provide a USB socket just to allow users to connect their own cable which could simply be used as a charging point for the tablet controlling it.
Sent from my GT-I8160 2
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
The one that exists.
Behringer and QSC won't ship before next fall, and they could look like anything by then. Behringer is already 2 years behind. This is just the latest iteration of the X16 Vaporware. My Mackie DL16 is fine for what it is. I wish it had remote control of the head amps, and I wish it would stay reliably synced to the docked iPad. It doesn't. OK. It still works better than the ones that don't exist.
The one that exists.
Behringer and QSC won't ship before next fall, and they could look like anything by then. Behringer is already 2 years behind. This is just the latest iteration of the X16 Vaporware. My Mackie DL16 is fine for what it is. I wish it had remote control of the head amps, and I wish it would stay reliably synced to the docked iPad. It doesn't. OK. It still works better than the ones that don't exist.
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
Mackie DL16 for me as well. It works perfectly, and I'm enjoying the upgrades. The Behringer unit looks promising.
Mackie DL16 for me as well. It works perfectly, and I'm enjoying the upgrades. The Behringer unit looks promising.
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
I agree that such a feature is a must for beginners and non skilled users.
For more seasoned sound people, the additional features of the X32 rack would be much appreciated..... and likely demanded. The new pricing on the X32 Rack is rumored to be ~ $1300.00 making it a pretty good deal considering it is a 38 input capable device that ships with 22 inputs without the stage box and has 8 XLR outs as well as 6 1/4" outs (2 with RCA's as are the inputs).
Of course, all of this is dependent on the individual being open to the purchase of anything Behringer.
It was my understanding that the V2.x firmware update for the X32 would include a preset library, but I could be mistaken.
I agree that such a feature is a must for beginners and non skilled users.
For more seasoned sound people, the additional features of the X32 rack would be much appreciated..... and likely demanded. The new pricing on the X32 Rack is rumored to be ~ $1300.00 making it a pretty good deal considering it is a 38 input capable device that ships with 22 inputs without the stage box and has 8 XLR outs as well as 6 1/4" outs (2 with RCA's as are the inputs).
Of course, all of this is dependent on the individual being open to the purchase of anything Behringer.
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
So a few comments wondering why I put QU16 in the list. Must have been because it was a unit that was under consideration for purchase. As much as I think the QSC will be a huge hit and would probably work well for our small shows, we need something now. I ordered the QU16 and should have it in the shop in a few days. Looks easy enough to use for dry hires too (at least the more experienced renters).
Funny, I put so much thought and research into these purchases- I tend to forget that I can just sell it if I don't like it. Life's short.
BJ
So a few comments wondering why I put QU16 in the list. Must have been because it was a unit that was under consideration for purchase. As much as I think the QSC will be a huge hit and would probably work well for our small shows, we need something now. I ordered the QU16 and should have it in the shop in a few days. Looks easy enough to use for dry hires too (at least the more experienced renters).
Funny, I put so much thought and research into these purchases- I tend to forget that I can just sell it if I don't like it. Life's short.
BJ
Re: What new digital mini mixer do you like ?
It is a very nice mixer which sounds outstanding. I am sure you will be quite happy with it. It is close enough to analog that most people will be able to navigate on it right away.
