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Title: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Chris Edwards on August 27, 2014, 11:50:22 PM
I'm looking for a single space rack mixer for a compact ceremony sound systems at weddings.  Most of the events consist of 2-3 lav wireless mics and an ipod for music. 

The units I have stumbled upon so far are:

Rane MLM42S.  Seems like a solid option.

Peavey Sanctuary Series S-4.  Not really to familiar with Peavey mixers but the feature set looks great.  Not sure how good the automix feature is.

Anyone have any experience with those two or have any other options?

Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Chris Edwards on August 28, 2014, 12:11:26 AM
I brainfarted when posting and realized I am in the wrong forum.  Can this be moved to the lounge please?

I'm looking for a single space rack mixer for a compact ceremony sound systems at weddings.  Most of the events consist of 2-3 lav wireless mics and an ipod for music. 

The units I have stumbled upon so far are:

Rane MLM42S.  Seems like a solid option.

Peavey Sanctuary Series S-4.  Not really to familiar with Peavey mixers but the feature set looks great.  Not sure how good the automix feature is.

Anyone have any experience with those two or have any other options?
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Cailen Waddell on August 28, 2014, 12:32:18 AM
Shure has a couple half rack space mixers we really like.  We use them at ballparks and for small sound on a stick events.  They mate well with a single wireless receiver as well which is an added bonus for us.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Robert Piascik on August 28, 2014, 01:16:36 AM
I've used the Rolls RM65: six channels, one mon mix, fx loop, phantom power, one rack space
Decent for the money
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Mike Pyle on August 28, 2014, 01:40:44 AM
APB ProSpec 1U4M4S.

http://apbdynasonics.com/downloads/ProSpec/ProSpec_1U_2012_with_Specs.pdf
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Chris Edwards on August 28, 2014, 09:45:18 AM
Mike,

Have you worked with this unit or other gear from APB before? How's the quality compared to Rane?

APB ProSpec 1U4M4S.

http://apbdynasonics.com/downloads/ProSpec/ProSpec_1U_2012_with_Specs.pdf
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Steve Payne on August 28, 2014, 10:06:24 AM
Mike,

Have you worked with this unit or other gear from APB before? How's the quality compared to Rane?

Chris - If I may jump in.  We own 6 APB consoles of different sizes and models as well as a Mix Switch.  We had a beta version of the Pro Spec in our shop under evaluation for APB.  The sound quality and feature set of all APB products is top shelf.  I wanted to buy a Pro Spec just because it was so awesome, but I just had no need for it.  :-) APB is in a different league from Rane, I think.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: John Roberts {JR} on August 28, 2014, 10:19:33 AM
Both Rane and APB are well respected brands. APB probably has a slight edge for sound quality reputation, but Rane should not be bad (IMO).

JR
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Joseph D. Macry on August 28, 2014, 11:44:11 AM

Consider Crown 14M.
http://www.crownaudio.com/usa/commercial-audio/pre-amplifier-mixer/14m-28m.html
Meant for installs, the inputs/outputs are not XLR, but Phoenix or Dual RCA.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Steven Barnes on August 28, 2014, 11:58:31 AM
I'll add Ashly LX-308B and MX-206 to the mix, only difference is number of mic vs line level inputs.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Chris Edwards on August 28, 2014, 12:06:59 PM
Thanks for all the responses so far everyone.  Quick question...how do you deal with any feedback issues with units such as these given the lack of eq?
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Greg_Cameron on August 28, 2014, 12:14:56 PM
Thanks for all the responses so far everyone.  Quick question...how do you deal with any feedback issues with units such as these given the lack of eq?

Looks like a few options:

1) turn the level down
2) use an EQ on the channel inserts (if the model has them)
3) use an EQ on the main outputs

If you absolutely can't have anything else connected, turning down is your only option.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Chris Edwards on August 28, 2014, 01:01:42 PM
Greg,

Thanks for the responses.  They are what I assumed.  I guess my main things was to keep things as compact as possible.  Looking at the price of some of the suggested units and the need to possibly add eq or other outboard effects it almost makes more sense to go the route of the x32 rack. 

Looks like a few options:

1) turn the level down
2) use an EQ on the channel inserts (if the model has them)
3) use an EQ on the main outputs

If you absolutely can't have anything else connected, turning down is your only option.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Thomas Le on August 28, 2014, 01:06:41 PM
Used Shure SCM810 comes to mind after seeing the marked down prices posted online... can I just say wow...
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on August 28, 2014, 01:08:17 PM
Greg,

Thanks for the responses.  They are what I assumed.  I guess my main things was to keep things as compact as possible.  Looking at the price of some of the suggested units and the need to possibly add eq or other outboard effects it almost makes more sense to go the route of the x32 rack.

Digital, yes. Behringer, no.

Look at the QSC Touchmix 8 coming out this fall.

Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: John Roberts {JR} on August 28, 2014, 01:49:27 PM
I'm looking for a single space rack mixer for a compact ceremony sound systems at weddings.  Most of the events consist of 2-3 lav wireless mics and an ipod for music. 

The units I have stumbled upon so far are:

Rane MLM42S.  Seems like a solid option.

Peavey Sanctuary Series S-4.  Not really to familiar with Peavey mixers but the feature set looks great.  Not sure how good the automix feature is.

Anyone have any experience with those two or have any other options?

I do not have any first hand experience with recent Peavey products, the Sanctuary series was created after I left, but I designed Peavey's first automatic mixer while I was working there ('85-2000) and that Peavey AM used the Dugan gain sharing algorithm (Dan's patent had recently expired).

So I suspect AM from Peavey since then to also use the good gain sharing algorithm.

JR
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Brian Jojade on August 28, 2014, 01:57:49 PM
Digital, yes. Behringer, no.

Look at the QSC Touchmix 8 coming out this fall.

That doesn't fit in the 1U rack space requirement very well at all, although it is nice and lightweight.

The X32 rack and a few wireless receivers in a rack makes for an extremely compact and solid system.  For 2-3 lavs, you can easily control it from the screen.  Add an iPad for more detailed control if you want.  Put a piece of tape over the name badge if you don't like it.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on August 28, 2014, 02:04:35 PM
That doesn't fit in the 1U rack space requirement very well at all, although it is nice and lightweight.

So tell me...

How do you fit a 3- rack space X-32 Rack into a single rack space?
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Greg_Cameron on August 28, 2014, 02:59:07 PM
So tell me...

How do you fit a 3- rack space X-32 Rack into a single rack space?

Easy! Hydraulic press.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on August 28, 2014, 03:11:52 PM
Easy! Hydraulic press.

Well, considering the OP said:

"I'm looking for a single space rack mixer for a compact ceremony sound systems at weddings.  Most of the events consist of 2-3 lav wireless mics and an ipod for music. "

You could just throw out all the excess capacity of the X32 and the remainder would fit in half a rack space.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Brian Jojade on August 28, 2014, 04:57:07 PM
So tell me...

How do you fit a 3- rack space X-32 Rack into a single rack space?

It doesn't.  However, the OP mentioned adding external devices for EQ, etc. and mentioned the X32 as an option.  Didn't mean to say it would fit in a single space, but it's a rack mount solution.

By staying in standard rack mount form, you can create a very tidy box of gear with very few visible connections.  Going with a non rack mount solution means finding a way to create a secure transportable box.

I'll be avoiding the QSC touch mix because of their choice of using a proprietary power connection.  For a portable, non racked piece of gear, that power supply is sure to be a source of frustration.  Had they built the power supply inside and had an IEC connection for power, I'd be all over it for the quick and dirty shows.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: JohnGarlick on August 29, 2014, 01:54:28 AM

If its worth anything, the Behringer Ultrazone ZMX8210 is a pretty outfitted unit for the price. I has cascade outputs and a record bus. Hasn't failed yet..
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Bob Leonard on August 29, 2014, 06:39:11 AM
He'll need two spaces for the Behringer gear. One for the working unit, and one for the backup he uses when the first one fails.

OP, I can say from first hand experience that the APB quality is as high as any manufacture you'll find today. I'll also say that the Rane quality is high, but if my choice was made on quality and sonic capability, the APB would win every time. That being said I own a couple of one (1) U Rane mixers that are quite old and have never let me down.

I would think the MLM82S would be perfect for your needs.

http://www.rane.com/mlm82s.html

 
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: g'bye, Dick Rees on August 29, 2014, 06:48:09 AM
Shure makes some half rack space units, a four channel mixer and an EQ like the OP mentioned...old model DFR11.  That gets everything he wanted in one space.

But you'd have to dig up the control software for the EQ and carry a net book...
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Tommy Peel on August 29, 2014, 04:21:13 PM
Shure makes some half rack space units, a four channel mixer and an EQ like the OP mentioned...old model DFR11.  That gets everything he wanted in one space.

But you'd have to dig up the control software for the EQ and carry a net book...

I've got a DFR11 in my rack case; decent little unit but the editor is a bit of a PITA. You should note that to use the editor you'll need a 32bit version of Windows as it's an old 16bit program. I run a 32bit Windows 7 VM on my MacBook and use that to run the DRF11 editor. You also need a Serial to USB adapter to connect to it; with my setup I only run vocals through it and have the DFR bypassed and only the parametric EQ active to ring out the room.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Alfredo Prada on August 29, 2014, 04:51:32 PM
I've got a DFR11 in my rack case; decent little unit but the editor is a bit of a PITA. You should note that to use the editor you'll need a 32bit version of Windows as it's an old 16bit program. I run a 32bit Windows 7 VM on my MacBook and use that to run the DRF11 editor. You also need a Serial to USB adapter to connect to it; with my setup I only run vocals through it and have the DFR bypassed and only the parametric EQ active to ring out the room.

 a bit of topic,
Another way is use the DFR11eq with Windows 7 64bit, professional version and use virtual XP mode. Shure's control software runs fine. Shure wont update the app. I requested but NO.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Tommy Peel on August 29, 2014, 04:58:22 PM

 a bit of topic,
Another way is use the DFR11eq with Windows 7 64bit, professional version and use virtual XP mode. Shure's control software runs fine. Shure wont update the app. I requested but NO.
Yeah, I forgot about that and have done it before on my previous laptop.

Sent from my Moto X (XT1053) using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Casey McDonald on September 13, 2014, 03:52:59 PM
Easy! Hydraulic press.

Another way to keep things compact is to put a normal small mixer into a rack mount drawer, strap it down inside.  Mount a Furman power panel with the lights above it, they extend perfectly lighting the mixer in the open drawer.  You may need to get 90 degree XLR connectors depending on drawer height and mixer thickness.  This is what I've done with a small Yamaha mixer for years and works great.  However my arrangement takes up 3U.  But then again you get the full features of whatever you can fit in the drawer.

Edit: The aforementioned Touchmix looks like it would need 3U (2U might barely not work).  It also has a power supply like the Yamaha I have - what I did was bolt the power supply to the outside back of the drawer, all the pieces are then secure and racked, easy to move around.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Justice C. Bigler on September 13, 2014, 09:55:37 PM
I have one of the APB 1U4M4S mixers in my system rack in the booth. I use it to route various show program feeds and announce mics to FOH and backstage program speakers. It works very well and have had no issues with it in the three or four years we have had it installed. Very high quality gear and I will be specing APB rack mount mixers for another project I am working on.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Jason Lavoie on September 15, 2014, 08:37:53 AM
Used Shure SCM810 comes to mind after seeing the marked down prices posted online... can I just say wow...
Just have to be careful running music through the 810 because of the automixing. got caught with someone wanting so sing along with the anthem and the results were disastrous.
And to defeat the gating on a channel requires an internal modification, so you have to plan ahead.

Other than that, you can't beat the 810 for quality and simplicity.
Jason
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Jordan Wolf on September 15, 2014, 02:27:26 PM
Used Shure SCM810 comes to mind after seeing the marked down prices posted online... can I just say wow...
Thomas,

The Shure SCM820 (the new, DSP version of their ever-popular automixer) is much more flexible and capable than its predecessor.

Jason - you may want to consider it if the features fit.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Kevin C Burke on September 30, 2014, 01:27:01 PM
I'm personally a fan of the Peavey/Architectural Acoustics SMR 821a. Has an AUX output, stereo outputs, plus an EQ, for less than the price of a new SCM800.
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Craig Hauber on September 30, 2014, 09:31:24 PM
I'm looking for a single space rack mixer for a compact ceremony sound systems at weddings.  Most of the events consist of 2-3 lav wireless mics and an ipod for music. 

The units I have stumbled upon so far are:

Rane MLM42S.  Seems like a solid option.

Peavey Sanctuary Series S-4.  Not really to familiar with Peavey mixers but the feature set looks great.  Not sure how good the automix feature is.

Anyone have any experience with those two or have any other options?

I've been using an old Shure P4800 install DSP for exactly this purpose.  I had to make a custom jack-panel for the back of it but it too fits within the 1U space -just makes the unit 2" deeper.  I use an ebay toshiba tablet PC with it ($85!) that never sees the internet so XP just sits there happily never complaining about upgrades.
And yes, I do have 2 of everything for when something dies (and no real hopes of ever getting it repaired as it and the PC are quite old)
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Darin Ulmer on October 01, 2014, 03:31:24 PM
If you want just a basic one space mixer I would suggest this from Audiopile.  No frills, very basic, but built solidly and works well.  And for $137.50 there is nothing to complain about.

http://www.audiopile.net/products/Electronics/ML620E/ML-620E_cutsheet.shtml
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Mike Pyle on October 01, 2014, 04:42:08 PM
One feature the APB mixer has that most others lack is individual channel cueing (solo).
Title: Re: Single space rackmount mixer?
Post by: Luke Robinson on October 12, 2014, 07:01:06 AM
I have been running. Sound for ceremony for quite so me time now and my rig is quite simply a mackie 1202, and either lavs, or a podium mic on a straight stand right between the bride and groom and the officiant. The lavs are shure wl185 they have excellent gain before feedback. If you are using something else and are having any issue with feedback I would strongly suggest you look at these elements. With minimal eq, and good speaker placement they work quite well. I don't need any other outboard gear, the 3 band on the 1202 is enough. I don't see that spending much more makes seance for the application.
The new behringer x-air stuff that was just announced seems like the perfect thing for this, but I am not holding my breath for a release date. I will probably be picking up a few to replace the 1202s that normally go out for ceremonies and small talking heads gigs.