Event Series: Live Mixers 2023
In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, mixing consoles have come a long way from their analogue roots. Today, we delve into the modern landscape of mixing consoles, exploring various options suitable for different applications.
Allen & Heath, a company renowned for its dedication to quality, has been a pioneer in the industry for over 50 years. Their innovative products, such as the Avantis digital mixing console, boast a dual full HD touchscreen, XCVI FPGA processing, and a wide range of connectivity options.
Meanwhile, companies like Mackie, JB Systems, and Mackie ProFX have made a name for themselves in the industry by offering mixer consoles suitable for large-scale events. Recognized globally for their innovation and quality, these mixers feature multiple channels, 3-band EQ, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and professional effects.
For those on a budget or with smaller applications in mind, Behringer offers the Xenyx mixer series. Ideal for solo artists, small bands, podcast producers, and home studios, these mixers provide a reliable and affordable solution. The latest addition to the series is the Xenyx 1003B, an analogue mixer equipped with ten inputs and five mic preamps, perfect for live performances, streaming, podcasting, and recording.
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) have also revolutionized the mixing landscape. They offer a virtual mixing console that can be controlled from a computer, tablet, or smartphone, making mixing more accessible and flexible than ever before.
However, analogue mixers still hold a special place in the hearts of many, particularly for live sound. They allow for quick adjustments, although they lack features such as automation and wireless remote control compared to digital mixers. For simple applications, an active PA speaker with integrated inputs can be sufficient instead of a mixing console.
In the digital age, digitally designed mixing consoles are increasingly replacing their analogue counterparts. This shift offers a wide range of control, including saving and restoring setups, wireless remote control, and applying multiple audio effects to each channel. However, digital mixers can be challenging for quick changes during live performances.
Yamaha, another industry heavyweight, offers a range of digital mixers, including the RIVAGE PM10, CL Series, and QL Series all-in-one solutions. They recently introduced the DM7 series of digital and analogue mixing consoles, which combine decades of development experience with innovative new features.
Presonus mixing consoles are known for their intuitive user interface, high-quality hardware, impressive processing power, and extensive networking capabilities. Soundcraft offers a wide range of solutions for professional applications, from compact, portable models to large, modular systems for complex production environments.
In live mixing, it's important to create a balanced mix for a larger audience whose positions and listening conditions can vary greatly. Soundcraft's Vi7000 digital mixer offers optional 96kHz processing, expanded channel capacity, and powerful hardware for mixing up to 128 inputs and 32 mono/stereo buses.
Lastly, portable PA systems are a good choice for use in smaller rooms. They provide a compact and affordable solution for those needing a simple, yet effective audio setup.
As technology continues to advance, the mixing console market will undoubtedly continue to evolve, offering more options and features for creators and performers alike.
