Analogue mixer recommendations

Snags

It's time to expand the band's live mixing capabilities slightly, but we're on a budget, so this is to check I'm not missing any possible decent, affordable (second-hand) units.

We currently run a Yamaha MG12XU which was great when we were a 4-piece and I was playing guitar, because I was wireless and could walk the room during soundcheck getting levels right. The only limitation was only having one proper aux send for monitoring, as aux 2 is shared with the on-board FX.

But now my hands are fucked, a mate is covering guitar and I'm on keys, so trapped, and I think we need to put everything through the desk for easier control of FOH. It would also be helpful to have at least 2, preferably 3 or more, aux sends so we can have different monitor mixes for different areas (we currently use a couple of wedges and the odd small monitor if needed, daisy-chained and I want them all independent).

The obvious candidate is the MG16XU but I'm also wondering about the A&H Zed 16-FX, or maybe a Mix Wizard 16:2 (Gen 3 or 4).

Don't need groups etc.

Has to be analogue because occasionally I'm not there, and the rest of the band would die if they had to deal with digital, menus, and layers.

Danny1969

One thing to bear in mind is some desks have a couple of pre fader aux sends which are perfect for monitors but aux 3 and  4 are set post fader for extra effects.  
A Mix Wizard will let you switch some auxs from post to pre but some desks won't have that ability. So if you need 3 or 4 monitor sends make sure the desk can provide 3 or 4 pre fade sends 

Snags

Yeah, already clocked the pre/post issue. Most of the options I've been looking at are fine for it. I think the Zed 16 is the most limited with only 2 pre-fade, but we can manage with 2.

There are an assortment of Mackie and Alto options that are a bit cheaper, but I'm not convinced about the pre-amps based on general reading. But ... reading and experience can be different.

maltingsaudio

Bit far from you but assuming your thinking of spending between £3 and 500 on one then your into secondhand Midas Venice territory like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/327053569691 . Probably the best sounding analogue desks

Snags

As it's likely to be my money, not band money (they've offered, but it gets complicated then) I'm hoping to keep it below £350 by being tight and scouring various secondhand sources. Which I appreciate will limit my options. I'll check the Midas stuff out though.

thomasw88

I have a mg16xu in vgc im selling if youe interested. 

vasselmeyer

Have a look at the Zoom Livetrak-12. Twelve inputs with proper faders, on-board FX, 5 individual mixes and a load of other useful features like recording to SD card, usb audio etc.

I'm really happy with mine and Zoom, although sometimes seen as budget or a bit quirky, do some really good kit.  

Snags

@vasselmeyer ;;I was looking at the Livetrak but a) I think we'd need to go to the 20 to future-proof and b) it's digital. If I'm around, that's fine, but for the occasional gig where I'm not available but it goes ahead, the rest of the band would be stuck. They have a bad enough time dealing with an analogue desk where you can see everything   Getting into needing to use a select function before adjusting a channel would finish them, sadly.

vasselmeyer

Compared with a normal analogue mixer, using SEL to make any changes to the channel is the only thing to remember, but I guess you know your band mates best! 

They're cracking little mixers aside from that. 

Snags

My band mates are lovely, but tend to shit their brains out when confronted with anything even remotely technical. When the bass player got a wireless unit I ended up having to cable everything for him for the next few gigs because he kept screwing up the signal path. Fortunately he's a bloody good bass player and a lovely bloke!

ESBlonde

I’ve an old soundcraft 16ch LX7ii desk I’ve not used for years. Great sound, 6 aux sends (2 pre, 2 post and 2 switchable). 

It’s in a DIY case, and I don’t want a lot for it, could even meet part way for delivery if needed.

Snags

Thanks @ESBlonde ; - I've come to a mutually agreeable arrangement with @thomasw88 ;over his MG16XU so our short term needs are sorted now

RickLucas

I have A&H and am very happy with it for a 6-piece band. 5 vocals, keys, acoustic and bass drum into 8 channels.