Mic mixer recommendations

D

David W. Richardson

Chapelgrove Films
I need a mixer that can handle at least 9 mic inputs -- 1/4" jacks are fine. I'm seeing lots of mixers that say "10 channel", "12 channel", etc. but they only seem to have a few mic inputs. I need to be able to mix 9 mics for an upcoming feature project.

Any recommendations?
 
If you can deal with a console-style mixer, I find the Yamaha MG-series to be a good price/performance compromise. I occasionally use the MG16/6FX, which has 10 mic inputs, there's a cheaper version without digital effects (which are rarely useful). Relative to other mixers in this class, I'd say the Yamahas have better sound and better basic features, at the "cost" of fewer bells and whistles that you won't likely use...
 
Thanks Oleg. I'll check that out. Meanwhile, have you checked out the mic tests I posted under my other thread in 'Audio' -- the one about Samson C03 mics? Was interested in your thoughts.
 
David,

Actually, Ullanta isn't Oleg - Oleg is Oleg. :-)

Look at the Alesis and Mackie Onyx mixers. I picked up (and use) the Alesis Firewire 16, and it has 10 balanced inputs (i.e. XLR inputs) and 6 unbalanced. I use it as my front-end to Boom Recorder and it works great. I don't know the Yamaha mixers, but I do know the Behringer mixers, and you need to stay away from them. They are truly terrible.

If money is no object, look at the Cooper mixers - they are the Rolls Royce/Ferrari of mixers and used on most of the large budget films out there. There is also an amazing mixer called the Miranda that is due any time now from PSC - that is a sweet mixer.

Phil
 
Oops! Sorry about that ulanta.

Thanks ptalsky -- I'll check out the Alesis. And thanks for the warning about Behringer -- I'd been considering one of those, but now I won't.
 
I don't know what your budget is, and if a straight analog mixer is what you want, but if so, the Allen & Heath MixWizard is a very nice 16 channel mixer for $1K. It has 16 XLR mic or 1/4" line inputs, stereo outputs, direct outs, channel inserts, EQ, and 6 aux busses. It's compact, easily transported or rack-mounted, and sounds great. I've got two! Take a look here:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MixWizard316/
 
Yeah, Behringer's are crap, Mackie's (especially Onyx) are very nice (but big)... The Yamaha's are of course in-between, but pretty good-sound wise, and very affordable... IMHO, better sounding than the Alesis...
 
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