Great 16 channel board...

[Chkurgrnd]

I'm looking for some input. The last coupla boards I ran on was a Mackie 32x4 and a Soundcraft Spirit fx 16, pretty much the affordable flagships of each respective company...

We are looking to replace our main board but don't need anymore than 12 inputs. The rack we're purchasing has enuf room for a 16 channel chasis. We are not looking to grow too much more with this equipment but it has to be better than what we have now. If God decides to bless us, this can easily be traded in for bigger and better...

The three main products I'm looking at are the Soundcraft Fx16ii, a Mackie 1604 and a Yamaha MG206C. I'm leaning toward asking to get the Yamaha because of functionality and dependability (20ish channels in a small package) but also the Soundcraft for the excellent sound quality, reputation and build. The Mackie is the classic easy to use, standard that most would go for but I have had problems with the ribbon connectors on 2 other boards of theirs. (Anyone know if they have found a solution??)

I am trying to keep this under $1000. Any input, suggestions, rants etc. appreciated.

[Chkurgrnd]

Don't need to go with anything onboard specifically... don't need digital, usb, or firewire capability. Just a good analog mixer for a church of 100.

[prochlea]

I'm a big fan of the Allen and Heath Mix Wizard... It's built with the same construction techniques as their bigger GL series boards, and I've had alot of good experiences with it.

right at a grand...

[Les]

I think the best affordable rack mixer is the Allen and Heath Mixwizard. It's about the same price as the Soundcraft model you are looking at.

I would avoid the Mackie personally.

The Yamaha looks interesting, but it only has 4 auxes and a 3 band EQ which I find limiting. The only interesting feature is the 8 channels of compression, but to me that's not a good enough trade off for the lack of EQ and auxes.

[DrowningnHim17]

I will third on the Mixwizard. Also the Allen & Heath Zed series is a decent mixer for what it is.

[waynehoskins]

Another vote for the Mixwizard. It's a compact console that drives like a mid-sized one.

[Gracetech]

Have you checked out the Soundcraft GB2R-12.2 or the Soundcraft GB2R-16? It's a really nice board and the cost is right in line with most...maybe a bit higher depending on where you get it.

Other wise i would go with the Yamaha. Especially if you are going to want to upgrade in a few years.

crt

[cmchamp]

Allen & Heath MixWiz
Soundcraft GB2R
Yamaha

In order of preference.
Look ahead far enough to make a good investment now. If you're going to be updating in a few years, should you purchase a larger board now, or look for a board that will provide adequate functionality after the upgrade, such as can the board purchased now be used for a monitor mixer, broadcast audio mixer, etc.
C.

[hoosierdraft]

+2 on the MixWiz as we have two of the 16.2 versions.

[stevegoad]

What more can I say.... The A&H is definitely the way to go. I love that board.

[Chkurgrnd]

I gotta say I've never ran on an A&H. Can I go to Guitar Center or a Sam Ash and try it out? Great consideration.I need to look online and see if they are authorized dealers.
The last board I ran on was at a local college and that was a BEAUTIFUL Midas Verona 24 channel. Funny thing was it only had 4 inputs used! Ha!

[cmchamp]

Yes, both Guitar Center and Sam Ash should be authorized Allen & Heath dealers.
C