Showing posts with label mixer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mixer. Show all posts

11/27/2012

Boss BR-900CD Digital Recorder Review

Boss BR-900CD Digital Recorder
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I purchased this unit to do some recording (mainly voice, piano, and ensemble). While it took many more $$ to get the cables and microphones, this is now the foundation of a solid solution.
It is easy to use (although not painless) and the manual is not the greatest. I'm sure there are many more features that I just don't use. Several features seem targeted at more "rock" than the classical I do.
It hooks to the computer without to much trouble. It also does a reasonable job cutting tracks to CD on its own (but it is slow since most of the mixing and burning is in real (i.e. x1 time).
I have one outing where I recorded an entire concert, but I have yet to try and mix this down to individual tracks (and wonder if I will need some better software than Nero).
All together, this is a solid unit for a reasonable price.

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11/19/2012

Allen & Heath ZED-10FX Four Mono Mic/Lines with 2 Active D.I., 3 Stereo Line Inputs and Onboard Effects Review

Allen and Heath ZED-10FX Four Mono Mic/Lines with 2 Active D.I., 3 Stereo Line Inputs and Onboard Effects
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Just got the ZED-10FX. So far, I have only tested it and done 1 gig but wanted to get a quick review in for those of you shopping as vigorously as I was. My goal was to find something that had high quality audio but a low channel count and small footprint (I'm a solo musician). It has thus far met my needs.
My first priority was finding quality mic preamps, I've found this to be as important as the microphone that's used. These apparently use the same design as the ones A&H puts in their acclaimed MixWizard series. I can only compare them to the Mackie CFX series preamps that I'm used to and LOVE. The ZED's are just as good or better- really clear, warm, and responsive. I also use a stereo channel to run a loop station with beats, electronic phrases, and live guitars. The overall output of the mixer just sounds great- clean, punchy, musical. The EQ is killer as well, very legit and impactful as you adjust. Knobs instead of faders was initially a turn-off for me but I must say I am really happy with these. They are very well mounted and have a heavy, super smooth movement to them. The gradual and fluid change in the levels as you turn the knobs is far superior to what I'm used to with Mackie. They are also very brightly colored and contrasted for low light identification of everything. I would actually take these knobs over a cheap 60mm fader any day.
I have not done any USB recording so can't say much on that (although it's a little disappointing not to have channel separation as you would get with the cheaper Alesis Multimix). However, the analog recording and signal routing flexibility of the ZED is impressive and sold me. Personally I am running my stage monitor out of the "monitor out" and saving the aux send as well as the assignable "record out" for sub mixing and live recording to a digital 4-track. Also, the circuitry and switching of everything is really clever and illustrated well on the mixer surface with helpful connecting lines.
Construction seems pretty solid short of some barely noticeable stressing on the seams of the red plastic sides (Made in China, par for the course) and the rubber feet are not perfectly level with each other. Neither issue represents any malfunction as far as I can tell but I'll admit its aesthetically annoying.
As far as the FX go, I think they are easy enough to control and the basics are there (reverbs, delays, etc.) However they didn't blow me away sonically at least for recording- just a hair on the cheapy sounding side. I've been fine with them in live application though and they are certainly adequate for this price point.
Overall, this is a great sounding mixer that's the size of a bulky laptop and weighs 8 lbs.! Combine it with some nice active loudspeakers (I use QSC K10s) and you've got a powerful system that fits in your trunk.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Allen & Heath ZED-10FX Four Mono Mic/Lines with 2 Active D.I., 3 Stereo Line Inputs and Onboard Effects

Built by Allen & Heath, ZED-10FX is an amazing little desk for small band mixing, complete with onboard effects. It is ultra portable for carrying to the gig, and can be used for recording live or in the studio. Guitars can be plugged in directly to the mixer using the specially designed high-impedance inputs, while the mixer has two stereo inputs for MP3/CD players or keyboards. Equipped with professional XLR stereo outputs and a flexible monitoring section with headphone and speaker feed outputs. ZED-10FX is bundled with IK Multimedia's AmpliTube X-GEAR software, giving access to superbly modelled amps and effects. Class A FET (Field Effect Transistor) inputs deliver the warmth associated with valve tube preamplifiers and a 26dB gain boost switch provides gain needed for instruments with very low output pickups. In addition to all of this, a USB port enables direct connection to a PC or Mac for direct recording and stereo playback with your DAW software of choice. Allen & Heath is known for building high quality mixers for the last 40+ years. At any time of day or night, across the globe, there is an Allen & Heath mixer out there working hard, sounding great and making life a little easier for the person at the controls. Back in the early 70s Allen & Heath hand-built consoles in a tiny factory in London for elite bands like Pink Floyd and The Who. These days Allen & Heath customers are spread across almost every environment imaginable, including touring, theatres, churches, nightclubs, TV and radio stations, recording studios and countless other places where great sound matters.

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11/14/2012

Tascam DP-02CF Portastudio Compact Flash Multitrack Recorder Review

Tascam DP-02CF Portastudio Compact Flash Multitrack Recorder
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I purchased the DP-02CF expecting a Multi-Track Recorder, much like the 10 or so Recorders I've owned over the past 25 years past from Tascam. However, even though the new Digital technology is wonderful, things here are not quite what they appear to be in this case...
First, even though you are using a CF Card and you can use up to an 8 gig card [which is great] you are limited to .wav format in FAT 32 which burns 1/2 a gig of space off the top, and limits the length/size of your files per song. Plus the usual FAT 32 file corruption issues which can sneak up on you in a hurry, trust me. Also, be careful, very very careful when buying a card for this deck. The approved media list has a big list of cards that made me cringe, several of the 8 gig options cost lest than $30 on Amazon, Gasp! I mean, you get what you pay for and if you're using ANYTHING less than a Sandisk Extreme 3, you're going to end up cussing out the unit and tascam within 2 weeks! Trust me on this one...
Second, where do I begin?
When you setup a recording and start adding tracks, each time you playback and listen to what you recorded, you are required to go back and reassign everything from scratch, including track sends! Nice huh... This doesn't sound like much at first, but after you use the unit for a while it becomes a time consuming adventure in frustration.
Next, the Deal Killer...
This unit should be described as a very limited Mixer, with a 2 track recorder with bounce down capabilities slapped on the top. This is not a multi-track recorder like any I've ever owned before or even a decent mixer, since NO EFFECT SEND is available during recording! You heard me right, you can't even add compression to a vocal as you record, but more on this later.
So, I was expecting PRE and POST eq [as almost every other deck I've owned from Tascam in the past] but alas even though there is nice eq, effect sends and controls, they are all POST. In fact in Record mode you only have 2 tracks, dry to the card that's it. Only in POST final mix-down to a DVD, or whatever you make your master on [No bounce-down eq/effect capabilities either since EVERYTHING IS POST HERE!] Like I said, this makes this unit a mixer with a recorder slapped on, not a full featured recorder as it appears to be. I mean if your 15 and this is your first recorder for band demos, great! Otherwise you will be sadly disappointed.
This means if you plan on using the eq, and effecting your signals during bouncing down, NONE of the adjustments you make during mixdown will record to the track, it's just a mixer kids! So, if your vocal stack of 4 tracks needs a little hi end added during bounce, or if the bass guitar/guitar/keyboard mixdown needs a little extra push, or you need to do anything during the mix-down process getting to your final 8 tracks, tough luck! Only in the final mixdown to another device, can you use any of the eq/effects. This is why the unit is so inexpensive, and why it's useless for anything other than live 2 track demos and practicing bounce down, so that later when you buy a real recorder you'll know what to do.
This is the reason why I was in shock when my unit arrived. Just remember when looking for a multi-track, always ask up front if your deck has PRE and POST options for eq/effects. I should have asked, oh well...
Here's another example of the frustration.... Let's say your recording live and you want to add in some compression to the vocal track as it's live going into the deck. Tough luck! You can't use the effect send to add your $1000 compresser/limiter and Exciter. How about adding a little eq to the bass guitar from the line in, same deal tough luck! NOTHING can be added to the instruments as they go in, or as they are bounced down, it is ONLY during final mix-down TO ANOTHER DEVICE that you can you add anything!
One last time, everything on this mixer [aka multi-track] is post. You might as well buy a nice mixer, and a zoom, you'll have more options and a better final mix. Plus, you won't have to worry about your CF card corrupting from the Fat32 formatting after spending 3 days recording and bouncing down tracks.
If they had only been honest in the description of this unit [and it's NOT Amazon's fault, they just list the factory description which is totally misleading] then I could have avoided wasting a week trying to find out why I couldn't save any of my mixdown settings.

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11/09/2012

Behringer Eurodesk SX4882 Ultra-Low Noise Design 48/24-Input 8-Bus In-Line Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamplifiers, British Eqs And Integrated Meterbridge Review

Behringer Eurodesk SX4882 Ultra-Low Noise Design 48/24-Input 8-Bus In-Line Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamplifiers, British Eqs And Integrated Meterbridge
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I recently opened a Professional Music Recording Studio and purchased one of these mixer boards for one of the Main mixers. My Lead Engineer and I were so pleased with the performance and reflexibility of the SX4882 that I purchased another one and also a smaller version of it. Now all of my Studio is Behringer equipped with amps, effects, and All. I wouldn't even think of paying all that extra money for a Mackie when the SX4882 does everything the Mackie does and more, and even Better. Behringer is OUT-Performing all the competition, and once again on the Rise Up!

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11/06/2012

Behringer 1622FX 16-Input 2/2 Bus Mixer with Effects and USB Review

Behringer 1622FX 16-Input 2/2 Bus Mixer with Effects and USB
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I have been looking for a mixer for my home studio. I use it to produce audio programming for a radio station.
I checked several others along with this. I heard good reviews on Mackie products. I have seen them in action and I believe they are quite good. However, after a comparison, the Behringer is of equal quality with more features for a lower price. I would highly recommend this to anyone needing to mix several aux sources along with microphones.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer 1622FX 16-Input 2/2 Bus Mixer with Effects and USB

The X1622USB features four XENYX-fueled mic inputs with channel Inserts, "one knob" compressors and 3-band British-style EQs with a sweepable, semi-parametric mid frequency band. The four stereo line-level channels offer enhanced fine-tuning via 4-band EQ, which is extremely handy for adjusting critical keyboard midrange frequencies. Aux 1 Sends are switchable (pre- or post-fader) and individual channels can be assigned to two subgroups for mixing flexibility.

XENYX USB Series Mixers XENYX USB Series mixers are designed to handle your live gigs, and they provide the state-of-the-art tools you need to make stunning, professional-quality recordings. Along with their built-in USB/audio interfaces, XENYX USB mixers come with all the recording and editing software you'll need to turn your computer system into a complete, high-performance home recording studio.
Sonically Superior Mic Preamps All XENYX mixers have one thing in common--great-sounding, high headroom XENYX mic preamps. These state-of-the-art mic pres represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology--and they can easily hold their own, even when compared to the most expensive stand-alone mic preamps. XENYX preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10 Hz to well above 200 kHz. Armed with these outstanding mic preamps, XENYX mixers provide such transparent, crystal-clear performance you just might think someone upgraded your mics while you weren't looking.
Sublimely Musical British EQ The British consoles of the 1960s and '70s changed the sound of rock and roll--without them the British Invasion might not have happened. Those legendary mixing desks soon became the envy of engineers and producers all over the world. The channel EQ on our XENYX mixers is based on that very same circuitry, allowing you to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Even when applied generously, these equalizers exhibit sweet forgiveness and superb audio quality.
One-Knob Compression Ask professional sound engineers what their favorite piece of external processing gear is and the majority response will be virtually unanimous--dynamic compression. What is compression? We're glad you asked. Compression essentially limits the dynamic range of a signal, lowering the level of loud sounds and turning up softer sounds, to achieve sonic balance. But applying compression is a delicate art that many novice, and even intermediate, sound techs have great difficulty mastering. Our "one-knob" compression is available on all mono channels and is easy to operate, even for entry-level users. With this one knob, you can easily dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity. This is indeed a rare feature for products in this class--but standard on all XENYX USB mixers.
Effective FX All XENYX USB Series mixers (except the 1204USB) feature our new 24-bit dual engine FX processor, with 16 editable, studio-grade presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and multi-effects. Complete with a highly accurate input meter, these effects can be altered to your personal taste via the Parameter control. Time-based functions can be entered manually by pressing the Tap button in tempo with the music.
Recording Bliss There was a time when the recording process called for lots and lots of expensive gear, which meant the average musician had to buy time at a recording studio--and that time was pricey indeed. But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. How do you get all that music flying around your brain into your computer? That's where XENYX USB mixers come in. Thanks to the built-in, bi-directional stereo USB audio interface, you can connect any of these mixers directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source you connect to the mixer can be recorded directly to your hard drive.
Software Included Because you'll want to take full advantage of the XENYX USB Series mixers' recording and podcasting potential, Behringer has thrown in a massive software package that includes Audacity (the most popular open source audio editor), Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear (a great selection of podcasting software). You're ready to go live on your PC or Mac computer right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and 50 FX plug-ins, turning your computer into a complete home-based or mobile recording studio from input to output.
energyXT2.5 Compact BEHRINGER Edition Included When you're ready to take your recording projects to the next level, XT Software's energyXT is just the trick. This amazing DAW (digital audio workstation) makes it easy to manipulate your audio and MIDI files, turning song ideas into stunning CD or Web-ready recordings. energyXT includes its own multi-FX processor, plus a built-in synthesizer/sampler and a drum machine, both of which can be accessed directly via an external controller (such as our UMA25S) or programmed in step-write mode.
What's in the Box Behringer 1622FX Mixer, Power Cable, User's Manual, Software CDs, Rack Mount Brackets

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11/03/2012

Mackie ProFX8 Professional Compact Mixer Review

Mackie ProFX8 Professional Compact Mixer
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If you intend to record via USB using the ProFX8, beware that USB recording introduces a low-level, high-pitch tone (1kHz + harmonics) on the monitor send, main out, and headphones. You and your audience will hear this buzz during quiet passages and between songs. After receiving mine in February, 2009, I called the support people at Loud Technologies (maker of Mackie) and talked with Tom M. who claimed Loud is aware of this issue and there is no fix. That's a shame because the ProFX8 is otherwise worth 5 Amazon Stars and is noticeably quieter than my Behringer Xenyx mixer.
The ProFX8 is currently out of production while Loud engages another manufacturer - the original manufacturer apparently went out of business. Tom from Loud hinted that the USB-induced noise may be fixed in the next production run, but he admitted it was pure speculation on his part. I'll be interested to hear from other Amazon reviewers who purchase a ProFX from this second production run. Chime in folks!
My ProFX8 arrived with a defective effects unit. Getting Tom to issue the paperwork for the repair was a little dicey because I bought my unit on Ebay (at the time, none were available anywhere else). Apparently, there is a black market for these Chinese-manufactured units, and Loud doesn't want to warranty any they didn't sell to an authorized dealer. Getting a receipt from the Ebay seller was the most uncertain step in this process. When I finally sent the ProFX8 in for repair, I also listed the USB noise issue on the paperwork. When the ProFX8 was returned, the effects unit was fixed and mentioned on the repair ticket, while the USB noise issue was ignored. The repair turnaround was a reasonable two or three weeks using ground shipping.
Some other facts/tips about the ProFX8:
-As soon as you connect the ProFX8 to a computer via the USB cable, you may notice some (other) digital noise in the mixer. Fix this by adding a ground-lift adapter to the end of the power plug of the ProFX8.
-The 1kHz tone does not enter the USB recording itself unless the USB Thru feature is used. The noise is obviously coming from the USB playback path (again, only while recording via USB).
-The USB Thru feature can be used to achieve zero-latency multi-track recordings. This is done by engaging the feature for a second or so before performing a new track and recording a bit of the playback (like a test click). Afterwards, line up the playback audio with the portion that was recorded with the USB Thru.
Update (April 17, 2009):
I sold the ProFX8 via the Mackie forum (and this review) to a professional musician with a decent breadth of mixer experience. He had this to say about my ProFX8:
"The basic reverbs are noticeably better than in most other compact mixers (Behringer, Yamaha) at this price point. Not the equal of Soundcraft, Allen Heath or Dynacord mixers, but still as you commented, it is amazing how much Mackie put in this thing for $200. I'm curious to see how it holds up over time. Hopefully their re-release model will take care of the USB noise issues."


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11/01/2012

Behringer PMP3000 1,200-Watt 16-Channel Powered Mixer Review

Behringer PMP3000 1,200-Watt 16-Channel Powered Mixer
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We bought this powered mixer to replace a defective one at our church. Our sanctuary can seat 900 people and so it is a fairly large auditorium. The mixer has more power than the previous powered mixer and many more features. I especially like the individual channel mute buttons so we can kill a mic without having to move the gain adjustments. The only thing I did not like about this mixer is there was no block working diagram available. So we had to construct one for ourselves. To a trained eye, by using a block schematic diagram, it is easier to know how to set up the mixer for different applications and to troubleshoot a problem.
The actual steady state power output is more like 200 watts (each of the two stereo outputs)for our 8 ohm speaker system but still is greater that the old powered mixer. That is a total of 400 watts as compared to the (at first glance) advertised 1200 watts. We do not have to use the maximum gain on any channel so the output is fine for our use. There is also a headset output that follows the actual powered signal which can give you a better idea of mixed signal that is sent to the speakers and to our DVD and CD recorders.
The people at Behringer were able to answer all my questions without any problems so tech support was great. We did have a little difficulty in figuring out how to use the FX special effects (reverb, etc) generator but once we did figure it out, using it was just as advertised. You can probably guess that the instruction manual is not extensively done. But with a limited budget for an emergency purchase of a powered mixer, we are thoroughly satisfied with the quality and price.
The price is exceptional and caused a few doubting comments about how could we get what we needed for such a small price. We have been using the unit for two months now with absolutely no problems.
My suggestion is that before you purchase this unit, download the instruction manual from the Behringer site. You will see the output connection is not a 1/4 jack. If that is what you have, you will have to buy an adapter or convert the present cable connection to the new type. The adapters or connectors are not very expensive (Neutrik NA4LJX Speakon To 1/4" Mono Jack Adapter)and cost under $11 including shipping. You can optionally by the Speakon connectors and convert the speaker cable to the new connector type.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer PMP3000 1,200-Watt 16-Channel Powered Mixer

If you need superior stereo sound for small club gigs, churches or speeches, but have to keep the outboard gear to a minimum, the 16-channel PMP3000 can deliver. This 1,200- Watt mixer has built-in mic preamps and an FX processor, as well as enough power to drive mains and monitors, thanks to dual onboard 600-Watt power amps.

Massive Mono or Stunning Stereo The PMP3000 gives you the choice of 2 x 600-Watt stereo, 2 x 600-Watt dual mono or 1,200-Watt bridged mono sound. Whether the center of attention happens to be a folk trio, a speech, or a synth-rock band with mind-boggling stereo patches, the PMP3000 can accommodate. This sonic versatility also makes it an excellent choice for churches, where vocals and stereo recordings often share face time.
Classic Control, State-of-the-Art Sound Leave the mic preamps at home, because the quality of sound that was once only available in the studio is ready to go wherever you do. Eight built-in, boutique-caliber mic preamps with switchable +48 V phantom power make it possible to use either dynamic or condenser mics with the PMP3000.
Built-in Digital Effects Processor The PMP3000 is also equipped with a 24-bit FX processor, giving you 100 mind-blowing digital effect presets such as delay, chorus and reverb. Apply them to any channel, as well as to the monitors and main output. In case you're pulling double duty as sound engineer and performer, the FX processor features a footswitch jack for remote on/off.
Changing the Channels The PMP3000 gives you excellent flexibility to accommodate whatever a performance requires. Channels 1-8 are for mics, guitars and other mono instruments. Stereo channels 9-16 are ideal for keyboards. All mono channels have 3-band EQ, switchable Low Cut filter for eliminating infrasonics, and Clip LEDs to indicate when the input signal is too hot.
The Ins and Outs Use the CD/TAPE IN RCA inputs to feed in external stereo signals from CD players or tape decks. The VOICE CANCELLER switch eliminates the vocals from pre-recorded music for karaoke applications.
CD/TAPE RCA outputs send line-level signals from the mixer to a recording device. Left and right output 1/4" connectors are there in case you need to connect more power amps. Connect your monitor power amps or active monitor speakers to the MON SEND output.
A STANDBY switch mutes all mic channels during breaks, preventing the microphones from picking up noise or interference. You can leave all faders untouched while you play a CD via the CD/TAPE inputs.
The FBQ Feedback Detection system automatically shows you which frequencies are causing feedback. Just touch the FBQ button and watch the red LEDs on the 7-band graphic EQ pinpoint which frequencies to adjust for optimized sound, without the feedback.
Speaking of Optimized Output The PMP3000's POWER AMP switch toggles between three operating modes: MAIN, MON/MONO and BRIDGE (the power outputs of A and B on the back panel are added and provided at OUTPUT B). Dual mono mode allows you to use Output A for mono Mains and Output B for monitors. This clever functionality powers both your mains and monitors without the need for an additional power amp.
What's in the Box Behringer PMP3000 Powered Mixer, Power Cable, User's Manual

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10/30/2012

Mackie PPM1012 12-Channel, 1600-Watt Powered Desktop Mixer Review

Mackie PPM1012 12-Channel, 1600-Watt Powered Desktop Mixer
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I've been a musician playing in clubs and all types of other venues since the sixties. Some of the bands I've been part of used massive PA systems to get a quality sound. I'm talking racks of power amps, EQ's, Effects , etc. etc..
That was then, this is now. This Mackie board does it all and does it all extremely well !! You'll have plenty of headroom. There is more than ample power when you need it, just waiting to kick in and support your vocals and anything else you run through this board. The effects are superb with two high quality effects processors that you can tweek out and blend the effects to your liking. The clarity of this board is so good that all I have to run is a slight curve on my equalizers to get a nice clean and clear sound. Match this unit up with a high quality pair of speakers and a couple of good powered subs, and you're sound is Happening !!
Sizing down and maintaining good sound at my age is important to me. Other powered consoles I used and thought were OK just don't compare to this. Having a well-polished act, I need the best sounding equipment with the smallest footprint. Although a tad bit heavy, this mixer takes the place of hundreds of pounds worth of PA.
Now, I can't wait to get to the gig and hear my new Mackie. I couldn't be more pleased !!
Jim, SW Fla.

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10/24/2012

SKB Mixer Safe 30 X 26 Universal Mixing Board Case Review

SKB Mixer Safe 30 X 26 Universal Mixing Board Case
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I used this for the Presonus StudioLive24. I spent about 20 minutes measuring and cutting the included foam to customize it to the mixer. The corner base system works well and keeps the mixer in place during transport. Excellent case.

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10/13/2012

Behringer 1204FX Xenyx Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps, British Eqs, 24-Bit Multi-Fx Processor And Usb Audio Interface Review

Behringer 1204FX Xenyx Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps, British Eqs, 24-Bit Multi-Fx Processor And Usb Audio Interface
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My first mixer was (is) a fantastic Berhinger XENYX 802 mixer that still works great. I wanted a couple more preamped inputs, some built in effects and a USB connection, all of which were included on this model, so I was sold, naturally. I thought I was going to replace my audio interface with this bad boy! I was really excited to get this mixer for this price. And therein lies my rookie mistake. Well the USB is not an ON BOARD USB. It is a separate device. You have to plug it in using RCA cables from the mixer to the box (It's called the Berhinger UCA200) then to your computer via USB.
This was very disappointing and inconvenient. I'm not even sure it's a USB 2.0 (It doesn't say anywhere!) as it is very slow on my computer anyway. Had I known that I would have second guessed this purchase. It's just another box to create noise and take away power. I looked through the manual for some other options but it was useless. Half of the manual consisted of plugging the product I just bought which makes no sense to me.
As a live mixer it's pretty damn good, and that's its saving grace, which is why I gave it 3 stars. But for home recording, this USB thing is a big disappointment. Noisy and a bit confusing. The FX are OK. I thought all the room, hall and plated reverbs sounded terrible though. Everything else was pretty good. Had lots of fun with the Reverse and Ambience FX. The MUTE buttons were also the 3/4 BUS buttons (which they don't call BUS but 'ALT') which was kind of confusing at first.
The outputs were great too. Two main XLR outputs and two 1/4" 'ALT' outputs as well as two 1/4" control room outs. Lots of possibilities. I salvaged this thing for myself but connecting the ctrl room outs to my audio interface. Oh well. Can't win em all. Lesson learned.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Behringer 1204FX Xenyx Premium 12-Input 2/2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps, British Eqs, 24-Bit Multi-Fx Processor And Usb Audio Interface

Be it bone-simple rock or classic folk, the XENYX 1202FXFX gives mind-blowing voice to intimate performances with an internal 24-bit FX processor. It's simple, lightweight and just waiting to make you sound amazing.

Perfect for Small-Scale Applications The 12-input, 2-bus XENYX 1202FX has four XENYX mic preamps with +48 V phantom power, making it possible to use four dynamic or condenser microphones. The three-band British EQ ensures warm, musical sound every time. Simple, high-quality controls make it possible to create beautiful mixes with minimal technical expertise.
Play music between sets via the RCA CD/tape inputs (assignable to main mix or control room/phones outputs) and record your performance to an outboard recording device via the RCA outputs.
XENYX Preamps The microphone channels feature high-end XENYX preamps that compare well with costly outboard preamps in terms of sound quality and dynamics, and boast the following features:
130 dB dynamic range for plenty of headroom
A bandwidth ranging from below 10 Hz to over 200 kHz for nuanced reproduction
Low-noise, distortion-free circuitry for a transparent signal
Perfect for most any mic, with up to 60 dB of gain and a +48 volt phantom power supply

"British EQ" The equalizers used for the XENYX series are based on the legendary circuitry of top-notch consoles made in Britain, which are renowned throughout the world for their warm and musical sound character. Even with extreme gain settings, these equalizers provide outstanding audio.
Feel the Effects Add some digital trickery to your sound using the internal FX processor. It gives you 100 excellent effects presets for delay, reverb and other time-tested favorites. You can also connect an outboard device via an auxiliary send with stereo returns.
Each channel features a post-fader send for determining effect amount, and the FX to control room function helps you monitor effect signal via headphones and control room outputs.
Little Wonder Weighing in at just 3 pounds, the XENYX 1202FX is the compact, crowd-pleasing way to turn a small performance with multiple vocalists into an unforgettable experience. Keep it organic, or decorate your mix with warm, 24-bit effects. The XENYX 1202FX puts real sonic sorcery at your fingertips.
Built to Last The 1202FX's long-wearing 60-mm logarithmic-taper master fader and sealed rotary controls are great examples of Behringer's high-quality components. Rugged construction means you'll get a long life out of your board.
What's in the Box Behringer 1202FX 12-Input Mixer, Power Supply, User's Manual

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10/03/2012

VocoPro KJ-7808RV Professional KJ/DJ/VJ Mixer with DSP Mic Effect and Digital Key Control Review

VocoPro KJ-7808RV Professional KJ/DJ/VJ Mixer with DSP Mic Effect and Digital Key Control
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Item came reasonably well packed. Board is logically laid out. Signal LED's on the audio channels are huge and very bright. Too bright especially in a dim environment, my opinion. I had to cover them with tape to tone them down.
The mixer was shipped with a power cable that was IEC 15 female connector on the mixer end and a 2 prong Edison plug on the other end. Bad place to cut costs. I used this cable initially but had to switch to a grounded, 3 prong Edison after I encountered significant hum connecting to a house sound system using the booth output of the mixer, and subdued hum through the headphone output.
The labels for the the mic and audio faders are all but useless. Numbered markings would be useful.
The mic aux send and receive feature, to me, is useless for this type of board. Maybe for external compression, but this is a budget board for budget KJ's. Why bother?
The mic master has no effect on the mic levels at all through the Balanced Master Outputs. I'm guessing it works through the Mic Out Only (Mono) jack. Would be nice if it worked through the main output, too.
The effects and key controls are solid. Sound good.
It would be nice if the crossfader could be disabled from all audio channels, but it can only be disabled from 1 channel. For example, by selecting 1 on the left and 3 on the right, channel 2 is disabled from the crossfader.
It would be nice if the mic connections were on the back of the mixer as well. (Get rid of the aux send and rcv feature and jacks and put the mic jacks there).
Signal OL LED's would be nice for the mic channels.
A mono/stereo switch for the output would be nice. The cue buttons being a unique color would be nice.

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A great choice for use in bars, churches, schools, and clubs, the VocoPro KJ-7808RV professional karaoke, VJ and DJ mixer provides excellent flexibility and can also be used for mobile applications. It features three channels with dedicated Phono, Line and Audio/Video inputs, four microphone channels, three video outputs for feeding three separate monitors, 11-step Digital Key Controller, and 5-band graphic equalizer for precise room tuning

Key Features and Specifications
Professional grade KJ, DJ and VJ mixer with Video Select Toggle/Crossfader
DSP Vocal Reverb with Level control
Two Main video outputs plus one more for use with a monitor (RCA)
DSP Vocal Echo with Level, Repeat and Delay controls
Crossfader and video toggle in one automatically switches video when fading between audio channels
4 microphone channels, each with Master volume sliders and Gain, Bass, Treble and DSP Level controls
5-band Graphic Equalizer for best fidelity and precision tuning
3 A/V channels each with gain control, volume slider and illuminating signal meter
Assignable vocal effects Send/Return channel with Send and Return level controls
Assignable 11-step Digital Key Controller
Vocal Cancel and Vocal Partner for use with Multiplex CDs
Vocal Eliminator reduces or removes vocals from standard CDs
LED output level display meter
Talkover function with automatic mode
Headphone jack with level control
12V DJ lamp jack for professional production
19-inch rack mountable, requiring only 6 spaces


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9/20/2012

Allen & Heath AH-ZED-12FX 12-Channel Mixer with USB Interface and Onboard EFX Review

Allen and Heath AH-ZED-12FX 12-Channel Mixer with USB Interface and Onboard EFX
Average Reviews:

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Great unit once I got A good one that worked right. Perfect size/features for a home recording, and live performance. I do some ripping/remixing for my radio show.
1st & 2nd machine didn't have a working CODEC. A&H knew exactly what was wrong when I called and had repair people lined up in my area to fix it!!!
I sent it back to Amazon 2X before I got a good one.
Amazon was very helpful in getting squared away.
Check all feature on arrival. JM

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Complementing the existing ZED series, the ZED FX has been developed around an FX chipset purely for the new model. Our DSP engineers have been working hard, crafting and refining beautiful reverb algorithms. The effects are available nowhere else - this quality and integration is only available from the ZED FX. The ZED-12FX is a 12 channel mixer with USB interface and onboard EFX. It has 16 essential time-delay effects which add to the already bulging feature set. The mixer is ideal for small groups who don't want to carry around an effects unit with their gear but who still want great quality FX at their gigs and on their recordings.

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9/19/2012

Yamaha MG166C 16 Input 6 Bus Rack Mountable Mixer Review

Yamaha MG166C 16 Input 6 Bus Rack Mountable Mixer
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This mixer is great, I can connect my drum set 9 mikes to the XLR plugs, and I still have several open lines. Very easy to use and it takes no time to understand the way it works. Only thing I could have done is take the one with built in effects. Now have to buy a separate Lexicon. As for the USB, I think that standard connecting to a sound card works good as well. I use it live with a Crown, in my studio with headphones, and to my MAC to record on Garage Band. It is big, but not heavy, now a rack is useful when hitting the road. A very good mixer indeed for a reasonable price.

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9/14/2012

Yamaha MG124CX 12 Input Stereo Mixer with Digital Effects Review

Yamaha MG124CX 12 Input Stereo Mixer with Digital Effects
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I have had no problem with this unit at all. I use it for a Youth Praise Team...keys, 2 guitars, 2 mics...dvd-player input and i-pod input.
We go from this board to a Pyle amplifier that was purchased here as well. Sound quality is good, effects work well.
The only drawback that I have is there are no individual audio levels for each channel.
Recommended purchase.

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9/10/2012

Allen & Heath AH-ZED-24 24-Channel Mixer with USB Interface Review

Allen and Heath AH-ZED-24 24-Channel Mixer with USB Interface
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An incredible mixer. No drivers needed for the computer. Easy to use. Great for home studio.

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The ZED-24 is a small format, USB-equipped stereo mixer for live and recording. The ZED-24 has a fantastic pedigree which comes from nearly 40 years of making mixing desks for the professional sound community. The audio circuitry is based on years of continual development and refinement and the performance of all the elements within the mixer is has been perfected to ensure the very best sound quality possible. This is a mixer for anyone, from entry-level to professionals, who appreciates fantastic sound, rugged build quality and imaginative feature sets. It'll be equally happy running your gig on stage, recording live or mixing down in your studio at home.The feature-set of the ZED-24 mixer is incredibly advanced for a mixer at this level - it has 23 independent sources to the mix, 10 independent outputs, 4 aux sends, a USB send & return for PC or Mac recording, playback and effects, a unique dual stereo input capability and some very advanced monitoring facilities. In fact, ZED-24 is so packed full of great features that you'd think it would cost much, much more! It can be used for many different tasks, whether in live performance, utilizing plug-in effects via USB, live recording via USB and Cakewalk, studio recording or mixing down to produce your own 2-track recordings.

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9/03/2012

Behringer XL1600 Xenyx Premium 16-Input 4-Bus Live Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps And British Eqs Review

Behringer XL1600 Xenyx Premium 16-Input 4-Bus Live Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps And British Eqs
Average Reviews:

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This board is packed with features that you would be hard-pressed to find in a board at this price. I wondered how they could do it, until I bought the board. The answer is, they included a lot of features, but left out quality.
The first board I had developed intermittent channel failure. For a while I thought it was bad cords or something else besides the board. The problems became more predicable and were related to 3 of the channels. I stopped using those channels, but didn't trust the board.
Behringer replaced the board with a "new" board, but it was obvious the board had been taken apart - finish worn off the phillips screw heads, scratches on the bottom. When I questioned this, they told me that the board was indeed new, but had been taken apart for "enhancements", although they could not tell me what the enhancements were.
The board worked okay for about 4 months, but now a channel is completely out on the "new" board.
When this thing works, it is a great board. The preamps sound very, very nice. 6 aux, 2 monitor mixes, 4 subgroups - it really has a lot. But, none of that matters if the board does not work as a whole.
My VISA has a free 2 year extended warranty with anything I purchase with the card, so I will get the board fixed, but I honestly don't know what I will do with it after that. I have already ordered a Allen & Heath MixWizard3 16:2 Mixer, which is what I had intended to buy when Behringer came out with this and I decided to give the XL1600 a shot at 1/2 the price.
It was a good try on Behringer's part, they just can't get the quality mixed in with this versatile board. You have heard it many times before, but you usually do get what you pay for.

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