Upgrading mixer

[brianr]

We're looking to expand to 32 channel mixer. We are a church in a "gym-type" auditorium with about 8500 sq. ft. and 24 foot ceiling (a big box) with depressed stage. We run a band with drum kit, bass, electric guitar, keyboard and at least 4 vocalists usually. For amps we piggy-back a CrestAudioFA901 and a Phonic MAX2500. Can't remember the wattage of speakers but run 5 Db technologies. We'd definitely be wanting to stay under $10 000.
The big question is whether to stay analog or go digital. (Our current snake only holds 24 channels with 4 returns)
Anyone familiar with the Sanctuary Series s-32 and/or do you have any recommendations??

[Les]

3 Boards always jump to my mind. In the analog domain I would look at the Allen & Heath GL2800-32 or the Yamaha IM-8. In the digital realm I would look at the Yamaha LS9-32

The LS9-32 gives you 32 physical inputs and 4 stereo inputs (on knobs, not faders). That would allow you to utilize all 24 inputs on your stage snake plus some for wireless devices, CD players, ipods, etc.

With the built in effects, comps, gates, etc I don't know if you can beat it for the price. And this is coming from the second Crazy Analog Guy.

But, if you prefer analog then I would look at the other 2 options, either the A&H or the Yamaha. If you already have the outboard gear (comps, gates, effects, eq's) existing and it's in good order and decent equipment you may consider the option of going analog for the cost savings. With the money you save you could upgrade other parts of the system if needed.

[[Director] drew ryan]

I would second the LS9-32. Along with the 32 onboard 32 mic pres, you can ad up to 3 cards with various types of I/O options.

[waynehoskins]

Though it's a bit off-topic, I'd also see if I could replace that Phonic power amp, if not make more overall system improvements at the same time.

[Arlin]

With the budget you just threw out there and your channel count, I think the LS9 would be a GREAT fit.
LS9-32 street price is around the $8,000 mark.

IMO, digital is here to stay. If you can afford it, digital is the way to go.

(and Drew, the LS9 only supports 2 expansion cards. The M7CL-48 can accept 3)

[sterob]

We purchase the Roland M-400 digital board and are very pleased. I would definitely go digital if you can afford it. The Roland comes with the digital snake.

Good luck.

[cmchamp]

Wayne
Phonic products are designed by former Yamaha engineers. They're not top notch, but if you need a rock solid cheap amp, there's your first choice.
C.

[DrowningnHim17]

I've got a phonic xp3000 im using for one of our portable setups and its a

rock solid cheap amp.

Though I don't care much for the rest of their products, amps seem pretty decent for the price.

As far as a board, I'd recommend going digital if you can afford it. Yamaha LS-9 or RSS M-400 would be the first two I'd throw out there. LS-9 itself has a few more features, but the m-400 comes with a digital snake (way better quality than a copper snake) which gives you alot of flexibility.

just my 1/2 cents

[WPattison]

I'll add my voice to the chorus of those recommending the LS9-32. If you can find it for the $8,000 that Arlin mentioned, let me know! Most prices I've seen are $8,300 to $8,800. MSRP is $10,999.

[Brad Weber]

Can you describe your setup or what you need in a little more detail? For example, do you use aux sends for floor monitors, recording, etc. and if so, how many aux sends do you want? Do you use groups or VCAs? Mute groups? Are you at all considering a personal mixer system such as an Aviom system? There are also physical issues to consider such as whether you have a maximum size for the mixer itself or whether you could benefit from having the preamps at the stage as with the Roland system. Basically, the more input you can provide on your expectations or requirements, the more responsive and suggestions can be to your specific application.

I really need to take another listen to the Roland, I listened to an A/B comparison to a copper snake at the Roland booth at a trade show when their digital snake system first came out and the digital snake definitely lost that comparison, it sounded very harsh and 'digital' to the point where I would not consider it but it sounds like things may have improved since then.

[FLZapped]

Originally Posted by sterob

We purchase the Roland M-400 digital board and are very pleased. I would definitely go digital if you can afford it. The Roland comes with the digital snake.

Good luck.

The latest iteration will also port up to 40 channels directly into SONAR for recording.

-Bruce

[sterob]

Our previous set included Allen and Heath mixer with a cooper snake. Since we moved up to the Roland with the digital snake all I can say it was a huge improvement in sound. I do not hear the harsh digital sound that Brad speaks about. However every system is dependent upon the other items in the audio chain.

We also purchased the board for the 40 channels of recording and for its ability to interface with the Edirol video mixer. We look at the purchase as a system approach not just Roland vs Yamaha. We wanted a system to grow with us and not just to purchase a mixing board.

Most people sitting in the pew don't know if the system sounds more digital or analog but they do know bad sound when they hear it, well most do. (smile)

Peace