We just started a band and we're trying to determine what mixer would be a best fit for our needs. None of us have ever worked with any mixers aside from 2/4 channel ones you'd use for DJ'ing. We're looking for something that has a good workflow and records direct to Logic Pro on a Mac, can be brought out to use for live performances if needed (we're wanting to prioritize studio use), can handle enough channels for our setup of 2 guitars, 1 bass, probably about 8 drum microphones (though room for more is better), and 2 vocalists plus some extra room should we add pieces to the band later down the road (call it 16-18 channels minimum?). This probably goes without saying but we're also wanting something with good sounding preamps and EQ/compression/additional effects.


Our budget is around $1,000 and we don't mind getting things used; we can go a bit above that budget if it's a home run but otherwise we'd like to stick to that. Any explanation for why you'd pick a specific mixer would be greatly appreciated!

At that budget it's going to be an A&H CQ-20B ($999 from Sweetwater) and you will need to mix from a tablet.

To get to something with faders you going to need to pretty much double your budget to get to a A&H Qu-16 or a Yamaha DM3

For a "virtual" mixer (no physical controls, everything on an app) I love the Behringer XR18, $740. You can add a physical control surface but you'd be over-budget. I use the XR18 with Logic on a Mac, and I use the Behringer X-Air app on the same machine to control it. I think it's the cat's PJs. I've also bought several of their XR12 for remote radio broadcasts. The whole line is excellent. Being able to remote-access a mixer in someone's home studio and "fix" their problems is fantastic. You might not do any of that, but just take it as a recommendation.

If you have to have physical controls (not a bad idea since you're just starting out):
PreSonus StudioLive 16.0.2 USB 16-channel Digital Mixer

Zoom LiveTrak L-20

Or look at the used market for something a bit nicer still within budget.

I was looking at a Zoom LiveTrak L-20 being sold used locally but someone snatched it up before I could get my hands on it.

We've taken a look at the XR18 and it looks like a good choice but I personally am particular to having faders if we can find something reasonable.

Another option some of the bandmates have pitched is the Mackie Onyx24, any thoughts on that?

A little big for what you're doing, which could become a liability later, but yeah, it works.

Soundcraft MTK range.

Good for the money.

What would make having a bigger board a liability?

Larger, heavier, need a heavy road case to protect it when you're porting it around, more storage space, takes up more room at the gig, harder to sell later, and so on.

If you’re okay with the challenges of bigger older and used then you might want to see what old Ramsa boards are for sale. Good sounds and most have 1/4 TRS direct outs on all channels. Many can be found for pretty cheap.

KB

Yep. It does look pretty good for the money. At $1500 I would definitely give it a look if I were the op.

https://www.audioappraisal.com/sound...onsole-review/