Conference napalm::commusic_v1

    My mixer would probably do the trick, but a new one will cost
    about $450. It is a Peavey 701R. I would guess you could find
    a used one in your price range. It has an effect in/out
    jack for each channel, plus an effect send for the entire
    effects bus. You could connect separate effects for each
    instrument using the individual effect in/out, and use
    the effect bus to drive everything through reverb, compressor,
    delay, etc.
    
    In the case of electric guitar, I wonder if you can get good
    sound simply by using a distortion unit into a PA or recorder.
    Most people have had to revert to more complicated setups
    than that to get good sound with an electric. Many people
    are using preamps for this purpose such as the ADA MP1, Roland
    GP8, Boss ME5, Yamaha REX50, GT studio preamp, etc.
                                                   
    Good luck
    Mark
    

    Thanks for the information.  I am using a Yamaha ReX50 for effects,
    but to do as I said in .0 I have to plug the guitar or synthesizer
    directly into the ReX50, which I don't like doing, although it does
    seem to work.  From there, the ReX is plugged into my current mixer
    (a state of the art Radio Shack "disco" mixer).  
    
    Maybe there are some cheap, used 701R's out there to replace my
    "disco" mixer :^).
    
    Thanks,
    
    Kevin
    

    
    I don't know if you get Nomad products in the states. (they produce
    tha Axeman (a Cheaper rackmount Rockman). They have just announce
    a new 12 into 2 rack mixer in the U.K. at 195 pounds. The reviews
    are good. 
    
    					Paul. 

    There are other mixers out there. Boss has a little stereo mixer
    with 6 inputs. I'm not sure what the price is. Toa makes mixers
    priced comparably to Peavey, but I'm not sure if they are rack
    mount or not. I was just looking at a bunch of rack mount mixers
    the other night in Wurly. They were apparently geared towards
    keys, but looked to have a great deal of flexibility, and were
    nice and compact. 
    
    Keep looking around
    Mark 

    Friend of mine has a Korg 6 channel unit - paid a bit over $200 for it. 

    Other possible choices - Yamaha MV802 (circa $300) 8 channel.
			     Roland M160 (circa $775) 16 channel.

-

    Remember though that you need a mixer with pre-volume efx send if
    you want to use a non-additive effect like distortion.  I don't think
    any of the other mixers mentioned has that except possibly the
    Roland M-160 which is definitely THE hot rack mounted mixer (it's
    on the list I'm mailing to Santa).
    
    	db

    The 6->2 Korg unit is pre-fader, a fact I've yet to come to grips
    with...
    
    Why, oh why would anyone want that as their *primary* FX buss??
    
    Edd

    Upon re-reading -.2, I see why someone would want it...
    
    Edd (the dumbdumbdumbdumb)

    Well, it's been a while since the last few replies.
    
    What are the current COMMUSIC-endorsed cheap mixers?
    
    
    I'm looking for a line mixer for my synths and would like at least 8
    channels.  Also, I'd like it to be a one to three space rack unit.
    Price is a major concern.  Under $300 would be nice.
    
    
    I don't have many effects to speak of at the moment, but I'd
    like room to expand.  This will be the last piece of equipment for a
    while, though, so if it accomodates what I already have, it's good
    enough.  (Hmm...every piece of equipment I've bought so far was
    supposed to be the "last".  My name is Pat, I'm an addict.)
    
    I noticed an ad in Keyboard for a Fostex 16 channel that lists for
    $400.  Is this any good?
    
    - Pat

    Hi Pat !
    
    Have a look at the FOSTEX 2016, which is 16-channels, 2 stereo effect
    loops, bus for chaining, but no EQ and only line/instrument level input
    (no mic). It sells for 750 DM here, so it could well be around 300 $
    over there. A good companion for that could be the KAWAI EQ8 which is a
    8 channel equalizer that can be configured in various ways.
    KAWAI has also a reasonable priced mixer that is 8 stereo channels (16
    mono), that's around 850 DM.
    
    Please note: I read about your statement of 8 lines. However, I also
    started with 8. I think I'm adicted too...  ;-)
    
    	Richard

    Look at the Kawai line.  I have found them to be notably inexpensive.
    
    In adddition to the Kawai EQ-8 that was mentioned, there's a version
    of the same mixer that comes without EQ and is probably much less.
    
    I use a 4 year old Kawai MX-8R.  It's 8 channels/2 efx sends/retuns,
    and has builtin 1-to-3 MIDI THRU box.  I wouldn't say it's performed
    flawlessly - it's moderately noisey but good enough for gigging,
    and for some reason I can't use my SRV-2000 with the effects loop
    (introduces INCREDIBLE noise) even though I can dedicate it to one
    channel, and I can use all my other effects including a MV II
    thru the same loop.  Go figure?
    
    But it cost me $250 brand new and the next comparable unit was close
    to $400.
    
    I've often thought about replacing it with a Roland M-120, but my
    current thinking is that I'm going to stick with it.
    
    	db

    
    Just got off of the phone with some M/Os.
    
    Sam Ash has a used MX-8R for $200, new ones are $285.  Roland M120 is
    $449.  M240 for $695.
    
    No one I called knows anything of the Fostex 2016.  $400 for 16
    channels sounds great, even if it is lacking features.  If anyone
    discounts it, it'll be close to my price range.
    
    The Kawai MX-8 sounds good, but I'd like to get something to keep,
    rather than something I'll outgrow in a few years.  If I can't find
    something in my range with more channels, though, it'll be the one.

    What about two used MX-8Rs for $400?
    
    Steve

    
    Well, after writing off .13 as a joke, I started thinking it wasn't a
    bad idea after all.  
    
    I decided to get an 8-channel for now, and later, if I need to expand,
    I'll pick up another.
    
    I bought a Peavey LINEMixer 8 at Daddy's in Nashua last night for $216. 
    I usually don't buy so hastily, but with Sam Ash asking $200 for a used
    8-channel, it seemed to be a good deal.  It has a ring-tip-sleeve jack
    on the back labeled BUS, which to my understanding will make expanding
    a bit simpler.  It has 2 sends, mute on each channel, a headphone
    jack, and a wall bug (ugh).  It's 2 rackspaces high.
    
    
    Daddy's also had:
    
    	8 space rack rails	$25/pair
    	rack screws		$3/bag of 20
    
    
    After I bought the mixer, I asked for a VFX demo.  It's on sale for
    $999.  It would be a very nice replacement for my ESQ as I now use a
    computer sequencer.  My credit card was trembling, but I held off. 
    Now, if it had had the new piano waves...anybody want a used ESQ?

the fostex 2016 is advertised in the latest keyboard (public enemy on the cover)
(I just got the issue yesterday).

It looks pretty nice and has a list of $400, as mentioned.


Chad

Can anyone comment on the following mixers (from the latest Sam Ash catalog)?
My needs are basic - small number of stereo channels (6 or 8) - but I would
want it to be fairly flexible and high quality (good S/N ratio) as well.  I'm
looking for something around $300, preferably rack-mountable.  If you have
any other recommendations, please respond also.

The Ross seems pretty full-featured - what's a "long throw fader"?

BOSS BX-8 mixer $299.95
The BX-8 is a lightweight, eight-channel stereo mixer with separate controls
on each channel for input gain level, two aux sends, bass and treble EQ,
effect and panning, as well as a volume fader.  Two master level faders
control left and right channel volumes which can be monitored via the seven
segment LED level meters, and overload indicators are provided for each
channel.  An effect send/return loop which offers separate level control for
each channel is provided as well as a built-in headphone jack which allows
you to monitor the output mix.

ROSS RX8X2 Rackmountable 8 channel mixer $299.95
Each channel has an electronically balanced XLR input for mics, 1/4" line in
and channel patch jacks, 3-band EQ, gain trim with peak LED, pan pot, monitor
and effects send controls, long throw faders.  Output section includes left
and right and mono outputs, plus effects send, effects return with pan pot,
master monitor control, headphone level.

Kawai MX-8SR Stereo Rackmount Keyboard mixer $369.95
Eight pairs of inputs - 16 inputs in the space of eight.  Now with one fader
you can adjust the level of both left and right channel inputs, instead of
try to balance two at once.  Each of the MX-8SR's 8 stereo channels have a
pair of outputs (left and right naturally), a volume fader with attenuator
switch, 2 echo sends including a stereo send, and a balance control to adjust
between the two inputs.  Mono input?  The balance control becomes a Pan pot.
The MX-8SR also features 2 stereo echo returns and balanced XLR outputs, plus
improved headroom and noise specs.  The MX-8SR is ideally suited for the most
demanding recording or stage application.

Phonic BKX-8800 8x2 line-level stereo mini mixer - call for low price!
Rackmountable . MIDI In & Thru . 2 effect sends . Treble & Bass EQ . Headphone
jack.

Hi Jim !

You should consider the Fostex 2016 also. I think I posted a note in this
conference somewhere which was rather negativ. However, in the meantime I like
it very much, because of it's flexibility. The S/N ratio is unquestioned.
The price here is a bit lower than for the Kawai.

	Richard

    
    Long throw faders would be 90mm or 100mm. The longer length gives you
    better resolution around 0dB. Shorter throw faders are more like 60mm,
    70mm.
    
    CdH
    

    
    
    I have the Boss BX16 (the same as but twice the size of the BX8)
    
    We use it for our gig mixer as it fits neatly into the back of the Rack
    and then folds out on top at showtime. No complaints it is cheap
    relatively quiet. We use one of the effects sends for the Vocal effects
    and the second for a foldback mix. We are also working in stereo these
    days and for quite a complex job it works really well. Anything more
    complex would be too big.
    
    				Paul.

    
    I'm looking to upgrade from a combo (amp and mixer) PA head to a separate
    board and amp.  I play and run sound for folk acts in fairly small
    rooms (coffee houses, church halls), but I've been offered some larger 
    gigs (the main reason for my wanting to upgrade.)  I'd like to find a nice 
    12 or 16-channel board (preferably, with mic and line inputs for each 
    channel).  I could get a Peavey Unity 1000 (12 ch) for around $300 or an EV
    16 channel for around $800.00.  What would I be getting for all that
    extra money?  I know that I want 3-band eq on each channel (both boards
    have that).  I want to be able to have a separate mix for monitors
    (both have that), and I only need 1 effects loop (for reverb).  The EV
    has more features, but will it sound decidedly better than a cheaper
    mixer?  I don't want to get something I'm going to outgrow right away
    or be unhappy with, but since the music I play (and run sound for) is
    simple (no electric guitars, no effects other than reverb, no drums),
    I wonder how much I really need to pay for a board that will meet my
    needs.  My feeling is that I have a board I'm happy with, I can always
    upgrade to more powerful amps.
    
    Has anyone else faced this question of what to spend on a board?  Any
    suggestions for what to look at?  
    
    Thanks,
    
    Justine
     ps  If this is covered in another note or conference, just let me
         know.  Also, I'm really new at all this, so please feel free to
         tell me where I don't know what I'm talking about.

I recently picked up my first mixer for a nice low price - a Peavey LineMix 8
- and I am not happy with the noise (a distinct hissing sound).  While the
features (controls, etc.) are sufficient for my needs, I am considering
returning it for credit towards a quieter mixer.  I would recommend listening
carefully to the Peavey (and the other as well) for noise, if noise is an
issue for you.

Jim

This past weekend I listened to the Roland M120 side-by-side with the Peavey
LineMix 8 to compare noise levels.  (By "noise" I mean a hissing sound which
increases in volume in proportion to the channel and master level controls.
The hissing is therefore most apparent when all the levels are cranked to the
max.)  To my surprise, I found that they are about the same.  I had expected
the Roland (which costs twice as much as the Peavey) to be much quieter.
Perhaps noise is just a fact of life with mixers (unless you spend the big
bucks).

So, I'm going to stick with the Peavey.

Jim

    
    Compare it to a Rane SM6...you'll hear the difference.
    
    CdH
    

Hi folks !

Even though it doesn't fit exactly that topic, it's at least related. DOEPFER
Electronics (Germany) announced a cheap 8-line MIDI mixer. It's available as a
kit, as a pre-built board or in a ready to operate box (no 19") and costs
around 400,-DM. So far the cheapest MIDI mixer I have seen is the Niche Audio,
which is 1000,-DM over here.

	Richard

Anyone have any info on the DOD Compact Mixer series??? Music Emporium lists
6 different models, all at great prices:

1220XL		12-Channel Table Top				$435
1220		12-Channel Table Top (line level only)		$390
1220RM		12-Channel Rack Mount				$455
820XL		8-Channel Table Top				$299
820		8-Channel Table Top (line level only)		$260
820RM		8-Channel Rack Mount				$325

RM and XL series have Line and Unbalanced Inputs and phantom power
15dB boost/cut EQ
Monitor Send
Effects Send
Pan
Gain Control
LED Overload and Level Indicators
Headphone Out

The prices look great to me! Anyone know whether they are any good at all???

thanx,
alan