| Quote: |
we need a 32 channel mixer with all XLR inputs
|
Keeping the above in mind, it is possible to hook two sound boards together. There are a couple of ways to do this by running the output of one soundboard into either a channel or effects return. I've done this before when I was patching into a house system with an outside soundboard (the people with the auditorium monitored level on their own board so that the system didn't peak). Overall, it would be a way to gain more channels. . . BUT (always has to be one) you will loose channels for every send that you put from board to board if you do it by patching outputs to channels. What I mean is something like patching main L board 1 to ch 1 of board 2, Main R to ch2 of board 2, monitor out board 1 to ch 3 board 2. . .etc. . . with the second board then patching out to the house and monitor system. The idea is that you will have to be able to find a way to assign the inputs from the first board to the monitor sends and I would think that you would only be able to do this by giving them their own channels on board 2. So, you might need a 24 channel to go with the 16 but it seems too complicated to be worthwhile on a long term basis.
So, with that complication out of the way, I think your best bet is to find some more money and buy one bigger board. If you have to have 32 XLR inputs then consoles by Allen & Heath (GL2200, GL2400) or Soundcraft (Spirit LX7 ii, GB4) would be more of what I would look to. This will be in the $1800-3000+ range.
In regards to digital, they are going to be much more than the units I mention above in the 32 channel range. I'm not sure what you guys do as far as having multiple technicians, but it might be a bit harder to get people trained to run a digital console as well.
-George
