Can anyone help? I’m getting into experimental electronic music and so I’m looking for a rugged reliable and compact mixer to link up my stuff either analogue or digital with 6/8/10 channels that I can use with external effects like my HX Helix Stomp. But I would also need to connect an analogue synth and my 1010 blackbox sampler and maybe the odd electric guitar. I guess that I’ll need a mixer with Preamps, FX send and plenty of aux outs and stereo returns for this purpose? A USB option for future recording would be useful.
So far I’ve looked at Allen & Heath both Zedi and Zed series, from the Budget Mackie Mix 8 to Mackie 802VLZ with Onyx preamps, Soundcraft and Yamaha, various Behringer models, both the Presonus Ar8 Arc8 with the onboard SD recorder but recent reliability issues has somewhat put me off this one. Any help greatly appreciated. Budget around £150-£200.
Comments
I've found Allen and Heath less hardy.
I currently have a Mackie 1402 VLZ in the studio as a synth submixer.
It is excellent.
Honestly, I wouldn't worry about USB functionality.
It is usually crippled in some way and relies on the manufacturer updating drivers or making it class compliant.
A £100 audio interface is usually a better option.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
8-10 channels and quality at your budget might be difficult but the Mackie looks good.
I'm starting to look too but a week or 2 behind you. I'm sure you will have considered stereo in channels in your mixer...I think BB is stereo out?