With a few shows under our belt on the MH2, I think I've got enough to write a first review. The first show on it was Dr. John, the New Orleans Jazz Pianist. His BE put together a nice sounding mix and had no qualms about the console or system.
Initial Impressions:
- Build Quality is very solid.
- It's a very "pretty" console
- The raked layout is a nice touch, and all the controls are laid out sensibly.
- For the feature set, the console seems very small to me. For the application we've got (theater) a compact size is a consideration, when seating is in jeopardy.
- Balanced Inserts =
- VCA's =
- High Quality Fader "Feel"
- I like the fact that they printed VCA assign instructions on the desk (even though some visiting BE's still either 1)ask or 2)just punch buttons until they get frustrated, then ask.)
- Built in PSU = Nice (we are using the DPS4, but it's nice to have an internal one too.)
- 4 Band Sweep EQ = Excellent
- Sweepable HPF = Excellent
The most important considerations to me are (in order of preference): VCA's, 4 Band Sweep EQ, Sweepable HPF, Balanced Inserts, 10 Auxes.
Sound quality wise, the console sounds excellent. I have experience with the MH3 and MH4 (and love them both) and this seems to be a legitimate shrunken down version of them. I was expecting the console to feel "lesser" but the guys at Soundcraft have done a very nice job with this one. The feature set is impressive, and I think this is a very viable board, especially for a regional soundco looking for an affodable VCA desk. I would consider the MH2 to be a direct competition with the APB Spectra-T and the Yamaha M7, the three consoles on my consideration "to purchase soon" list.
Will post more as we use it more. Stay tuned for a big show where we're going to use the MH2 as a 10-Mix monitor console at a festival for around 8 national acts.
-JB