A MIXER

[danuamah]

I have a task of getting a new mixer for ourtreache programmes, which are recorded live and using the same mixer in the studio,to mix songs of church groups. I have the SOUNDCRAFT MH2 or ALLEN&HEATH ML3000 in mind but i dont know whether they have all the qualities of a studio board. If not i need new options from everyone

[Brad Weber]

Originally Posted by danuamah

I have a task of getting a new mixer for ourtreache programmes, which are recorded live and using the same mixer in the studio,to mix songs of church groups. I have the SOUNDCRAFT MH2 or ALLEN&HEATH ML3000 in mind but i dont know whether they have all the qualities of a studio board. If not i need new options from everyone

You haven't given much to go on such as number of channels, number of aux sends and groups, whether you need VCAs or mute groups, whether you are recording multitrack or a two channel mix, the desired EQ and so on, not to mention your budget. So there simply isn't much basis for comments or suggestions.

Typically studio and live sound boards have some differences. For example you may want to be able to lay down tracks, then playback and mix those tracks, which might mean being able to easily switch mixer channels between the live sources and playback tracks.

[danuamah]

Thanks so much Brad. i need 40 to 48 channels, 8 VCAs, 8 aux or more, 4 groups, with good sounding EQ like what i heard on the ML3000 or a better option. But i will record on multitrack, playbacK and mix.
The bugdet for this board is above 10K.

[cmchamp]

Intput routing is probably the largest difference in mixing consoles these days, especially if you're looking at VCA analog boards.
Analog Studio boards will have flexible routing options, especially for the ability to "flip" the input form a mic/line source (instrument/voice) to a 1/4" TRS feed from a multi-track playback source. Some boards call this a MixB feature. Studio boards generally offer less AUX busses as the use of the AUX busses would be for general monitoring and EFX usage.
Analog FOH boards generally would not have the routing (Mix B) a Studio board would have, but also would have double the usable AUX busses. IF you can find an Analog FOH board that has a Mic/Line switch that not just places a Pad on the XLR mic input, but actually switches between the XLR Mic input and the 1/4" TRS Line level, that would be an option.
The AH ML3k does not have that option, in fact, all mono channel inputs are XLR balanced.

The MH2 does have a LINE switch on the mono input allowing for a different source to be present at the 1/4" TRS input.

Another thing to determine is how you want each channel's direct out to be fed. Pre-Fader, Post-Fader, Pre-EQ, Post-EQ.
C.

[danuamah]

Thannks Champ, I want the direct out to fed, post/pre fader if there is a board that can switch between the two but if not i will go for the post fader and post EQ. With this what board do i go for?

[cmchamp]

I believe either one can be ordered in the Direct Out configuration you wish. It's easier to order it the way you wish, and know that up front, than to attempt to modify after the purchase, especially 32-48 channels worth.
Almost always, the Direct Out configuration modifications are on the channel circuit board itself, rather than an external switch. I do remember seeing a board with an external Direct Out pre/post switch, but I don't remember which manufacturer, nor how long ago.
C.

[cmchamp]

APB Dynasonics Spectra series VCA mixers has a channel strip direct out pre-post switch that is factory configurable (or user).

http://www.apb-dynasonics.com/produc...s_Spectra.html

[cmchamp]

Crest's new CV-20 VCA also has a surface (recessed) Direct Out Pre/Post switch with internal jumpers for routing.

http://crestaudio.com/products/brows.../CV20%2064.cfm

C.

[cmchamp]

Soundcraft's MH4 has a direct out pre-post feature but it utilizes Aux 8 to do it.

http://www.soundcraft.com/products/product.aspx?pid=123

C.

[danuamah]

Thanks so much i think i will go for the MH4 based on what you sent