I have a couple of Kurzweil keyboards (balanced TRS outs) that require a mixer with at least two stereo (or 4 mono) balanced inputs, each with EQs. I've seen small mixers like Behringer's 802 that have the right setup as far as each channel having at least a 3-band EQ, but I don't like Behringer stuff in general, and their 802 and 1002 level mixers inconveniently don't have an on-off switch, requiring you to pull the plug on the AC adapter to power off. I just got rid of a Peavey PV6 which had the right settings, etc. but just didn't give me a lot of EQ contrast for some reason (the variance between max hi and min hi was slight for instance).

Compact size is critical as it will sit on the top of my amp during performances. I don't need anything with FX either and would prefer to stay under $100 US. Thanks.

Watching to see what IS available under $100 dollars that doesn't start with "B".

Is the mixer routed to the audience, or just for foldback to you/bandmates? If the latter, it probably won't matter if it's a "B" or not.

Another option is to program your EQ in the keyboards themselves, so you call up a song pre-eq'd when you get to it in your set list. Your $ might go farther then, as it would all go to the mixing function, rather than paying for redundant EQ.

Just my 2c.

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Alexis -Cubase 6.5.0/SX3.1.1.944, XP SP2, 4GB RAM (1GB not accessible, but used just to balance the computer so it doesn't tip over); Delta 66 in Omni i/O Studio; Motif8; UAD-1

Personally, I would search for a second hand Mackie 802 VLZ1-3.

I always liked it's EQ's, and build quality was great.

Edited by Seccione (15/03/12 04:35 AM)

Look out for a Soundcraft Notepad 124, might just top the $100 mark but seems to get a good rep' everywhere.

There is also a 2mic/line input cheaper version that sells here for ~£40, be about $50 for you I would think.

But I don't get the power switch thing? At these prices you are never going to get a mains powered mixer with a switch! Even if a device had a local on/off, the line lump would still be juiced so if it bothers you just knock it off at the mains outlet?

And the Behringer Xenyx 802 is a spanking lil' mixer for the money! I used one for 3yrs till I "graduated" to an A&H ZED10 (a s/h one of those would be nice but too big I fear).

Dave.

I got the FX version of the 124 recently, mostly because I don't feel comfortable without some sort of mixer around the place but it's a decent piece of kit. The only thing is that Soundcraft don't make them any more. This can mean significant bargains if you look around, as here in the UK.

CC

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Put the fun back into dysfunctional.
Mr Punch's Studio

Likewise got a couple of Soundcraft 124FX mixers recently - excellent little mixers.

Bob

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www.bickerton.co.nz

... and also have a look at the small EPMs in the Soundcraft range. Well built and versatile. You'd need to go second-user though on your budget.

Again a vote for a small Mackie. I have a tiny Soundcraft which is ok, but prefer the Mackie - proper trs inputs, extra bus, proper monitoring abilities and mic pres if I need them. TBH, I have a 1202 which is slight overkill, but will be ok for a small PA mixer as well.

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Veni, Vidi, Aesculi
(I came, I saw, I conkered)

Quote Rockinroller:

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I have a couple of Kurzweil keyboards (balanced TRS outs)

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FYI - I'd have ignored this kind of post usually ... but I can't leave a fellow person of impeccable taste (and who has sensible views on connections) in the lurch ...


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Veni, Vidi, Aesculi
(I came, I saw, I conkered)

Quote Dave B:

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Again a vote for a small Mackie. I have a tiny Soundcraft which is ok, but prefer the Mackie - proper trs inputs, extra bus, proper monitoring abilities and mic pres if I need them. TBH, I have a 1202 which is slight overkill, but will be ok for a small PA mixer as well.

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What do you mean "proper" TRS inputs Dave?

Dave.

hi,

i collect small mixers to serve as submixers into larger mixers (too many too syndrome). i'd recommend:

1) tapco mix10 series. built like tanks. tapco founded by greg mackie, btw
2) midiman makes several small mixers, i have the multimixer ten and the mixman. small, quiet.
3) roland made a great 8 channel mix w/ loads of EQ, sends called the BC8
4) nady made a ridiculously small 8 input mixer w/o EQ. sounds fine, paid $20 US for mine.

so there are options out there, if you check ebay, etc.

cheers,
d

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"Patsy had the drug tolerance of Keith Richards and the moral rectitude of Brian Jones." - Dr. Walter Bishop, "Fringe"

Thank you for all of your comments and advice. I had checked out that Soundcraft 102 which would have been PERFECT had it contained more than 2 channels of EQ. My concern with the lower priced (even used) Mackies is that they seem to have an inordinate number of "for repair" or "does not work" listings on Ebay. I've had the Behringer Xenyx 802 and it's a fine little mixer BUT there's no on-off switch which makes it inconvenient to use for home rehearsals--always having to unplug it to turn it off.

I perform 2-3 times a month with a Bob Seger tribute band. The mixer is used next to me to run my (3) lines out of two keyboards into, and from there one out goes to the main mixer's input for the keyboard channel and another goes into my powered monitor (actually a single-channel bass combo amp, which I have found to be the best live output for my keys). When I am not on the road or performing, I need a mixer just to allow more than one output (keys have 2 each usually) to go into the notoriously single channel bass combo amp--thus the other reason why I need a mixer.

I am leaning toward that Soundcraft 102 as it's currently available online at Musicians Friend here in the US for $50US shipped.

Thanks for all of your comments!

'proper TRS' means that all of the sockets are actual balanced jack sockets rather than some unbalanced, some on phono, etc.

BTW - that Soundcraft 102 means that you don't have eq on stereo channels.... depending on the Kurz you might be able to fiddle the master outs...

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Veni, Vidi, Aesculi
(I came, I saw, I conkered)

Thanks for all of your comments. I ended up ordering a Soundcraft Notepad 124 from Musicians Friend online for $80 shipped. I figured at that price--and with all of the endorsements from many of you concerning Soundcraft products--I can't go wrong.