Powered Mixer for band gigs

[patsites]

Hey all you band folks, I'm currently searching for an upgrade to our 6 channel Peavey powered amp because A: it's old and sucks, B: we need more channels, C: we need more power, and D: it needs to be powered so we can push our passive mains and monitors.

I found this Yamaha model and wondered if anyone has used this w/ acoustic instruments or might possibly have another proven suggestion for acoustic instruments.

Here's the one I'm looking at on ebayYamaha 20 channel Powered Mixer (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41475&item=3750119361&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

Our band consists of mando, fiddle, acoustic guitar, upright bass and our drummer plays kit and percussion (this is why we need so many channels).

[GTison]

Gee that seems like a lot of channels. and that link gave me a case not a mixer. I thnik a 12-14 channel mixer would prob. be enough. We use a peavy powered mixer 6 channel (XR600F) though we rarely use but about 2 channels because of the one mic setup. It has been very reliable and has pretty good amount of power for us anyway. I ran sound with it outside at a local fest (in a pinch) with 2 monitors and 2 yorkville Y150 speakers. It was plenty loud. But if you run tracks need a tape and Cd player. and alot of odds and ends you may need more channels. I wish we had either more channels to do sound or less and power amps etc. all in a box to make a plug and play set up. Good luck

[Turner Burner]

i use a crate 900dlx powered box mixer.

http://crateaudio.com/products/box_mixers/PX900DLX.html

it has 9 xlr inputs (may not be enough for you), main and monitor outs with separate 7 band EQs, pushes 200w, and overall suits our needs.

when I change, however, i think i will go with a passive mixer and amps for better specialization of components.

the only downside to this mixer for me is that there are no L/R pans for channels, so there is not a stereo audio image from the mains. i have seen other failry expensive multi input mixers that don't have L/R pans either. strange ...

TCM

[Luthier Vandross]

Get a used Mackie 1604, and some amps.

It will work forever.


M

[patsites]

Oops, sorry for the bad link.

Here's the right one Yamaha mixer (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41475&item=3749473173&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

The reason we need so many channels is that the drummer uses 4 mics on his drum kit, kick, 2 overheads and 1 between his snare and high hat (he's real anal about his sound). He also has a djembe that he plays on a lot of instrumental stuff and congas that he plays on other tunes. So the percussionist alone requires 6 mics.

Also, the mando, fiddle and guitar all play through Roland AC-60 acoustic amps with stereo xlr outputs, so each amp takes up two XLR inputs on the board, left and right. We pan one channel to the left and one to the right, very cool effect and sounds very full and lush. The bassist only uses on input so that's 7 and then 3 vocalists. There's 16 total, and granted, we are being ridiculous with our stereo sound, but trust me, once you've heard yourself like that, you'll need want to play another way.

[mandoJeremy]

I used to sell those Yamaha mixers when I worked at a music store and I can vouch for their quality and excellent sound. I think that is a pretty good deal on that one because I think dealer cost on them was around $600.00. I don't think you will be disappointed and the built in effects are pretty nice.

[Hubert Angaiak]

We use the YAMAHA EMX-5000-12. We used the EMX-2000-12 before this unit. They work well, but the drawback is if the power goes out then you are out since this is a powered mixer. We wanted to go with separate mixer and power so at least we can have a better upgrade path. These particular models also have the 20 input models. We've been lucky and have had no problems. They are worth looking into.