VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Jacob Ekstroem

Hi everyone, hope you all had a lovely Christmas and 2015 is treating you well so far! Smile

It's been a long time underway but finally I'm about to pull the trigger on a new mixer. I've even considered the option of not using one at all, but I find that I would be more comfortable with the flexibility, as well as my working habits are hard to break, so ... anyway, here's the thing:

For years I've been wanting a Soundcraft M4, I've even recommended it to others. However, I'm actually glad I never got one, since I've recently moved and built a new studio, and the M4 would simply be too large! So I'm looking at a few other, smaller options, and wanted to hear your opinions:

Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX: I've had my eyes on the ZED14 for years, but to be honest it's overkill, and also a tad too big. The ZED10 is a nice and smaller alternative, but I like the 60mm faders of the newer 60-10 (hence the new name). So far, my own favorite.

Mackie 1402 VLZ4: The layout is somewhat similar to my old Behringer MX2804A, only in a smaller package. Seems very versatile, but maybe also a bit overkill for my needs. The 1202 or even 802 would probably be enough, but they don't have faders (which I want).

Soundcraft EPM6: The smallest and cheapest unit of them all, but despite that seem to have all that I need. Model is a bit old, though.

Feel free to give other suggestions, but a few things I know I want in a new mixer: faders instead of just knobs for each channel; at least 1 aux send and separate main out/monitor outputs. And I'm never gonna buy another Behringer, by the way.

Your input is much appreciated!
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Regards,
Jacob - Danish Voice Overs (try it... it sounds really funny, too!)

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 2:42 pm Post subject:

I used the Mackie for a long time (until I started doing the mixing in software with the Audient iD22). It was very reliable, had a good HPF at 75hz, pres were nice and clean, and never gave me a single issue. I prefer the faders too. I have the 1402-VLZ, but I think it is essentially the same mixer. The only issue I had was that I had to do a funky work around to get the separate headphone and monitor mix. Still, after all was said and done, I occasionally forgot to turn the mic in the playback mix off before switching from headphones to monitors and got feedback. If the Zed has better monitoring, I'd probably go that direction. I love not having to worry about the mic being in the mix or not when I turn the monitors up.

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 3:59 pm Post subject:

another fan of the mackie --- i've had a 1202 for years and nary a problem - like jason said - pres are super clean.
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georgethetech · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 5:18 pm Post subject:

I'd go Mackie as well, used a 1402 for many years... Although I now use a Allen & Heath XB10, it's a lot more expensive and doesn't use sliders. I really don't miss the slider/faders though. Nothing is more flexible in terms of signal routing and multiple mix-minuses than the Mackies at their size/price. Some like the Yamaha boards, too. I did a Soundcraft EPM6 for a customer and it's already developed some dead spots in a couple faders after a few months.
I am actually looking forward to demoing this nifty gadget:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/XR12
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dwpthe3rd · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:27 pm Post subject:

Jason Huggins · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:40 pm Post subject:

The Midas name on there sure makes it more interesting. That would be a really helpful piece of gear to get the computer out of the booth. The ability to connect over the network sure solves the need for a short USB cable, so you can keep the interface in the booth. I didn't see a fan on the case.

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 1:25 am Post subject:

Thanks guys, and although I'm sure that Behringer WiFi-thingy is a very interesting gadget it's not a route I'm going, so let's steer away from that and talk about it in another topic Wink

George, thanks for the warning regarding the EPM6, I was kinda worried it would be "too" cheap.

Dave P, you mentioned your "aging" ZED14 - may I ask in what way it's showing signs of age?
_________________
Regards,
Jacob - Danish Voice Overs (try it... it sounds really funny, too!)

dwpthe3rd · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 10:22 am Post subject:

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 10:55 am Post subject:

Ed Fisher · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2015 4:23 pm Post subject:

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:29 am Post subject: