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I really liked the sound of my GB8, which is the biggest reason I stayed with Soundcraft when I switched to digital. I like the sound of the expression, was just looking for a little more functionality, but I might can get some more mileage if I start running a separate monitor console like I said, as that would free up some busses that are currently on monitor duty and let me convert them to subgroups.

I just upgraded my subwoofers to the active JTR captivator 212 pro’s. Need to do a little system tuning, but their first show will be in a few weeks. Need to rebuild the bank account for my next big purchase. My current mains are Yorkville U15’s.

Very interested in your opinion on those suns too please.  Maybe in another thread.  Lots of anecdotal posts never a full gig review. It would be much appreciated.


I think a seperate monitor console is way too much complexity.  My gosh the rack mounted Behringer (I prefer the midas branded stuff) has the same matrix as the console.  If you don't want the physical surface you still can have 16 mix's going on L&R kill 2 and subs kill 1 (has built in crossover if wanted) that leaves 11 monitor or fill mixes.  More than I have ever needed for clubs, small festivals and lawn chair gigs. 


We even use the M32 with the DL231 a unique stagebox with 2 preamps and a/d converters per channel with the Midas Pro.  Pro is FOH with 96Khz and M32 is monitor at 48Khz.  All with one stagebox!  Midas Pro is going for cheap on the used market  and they are incredible mixers.  If you go that path I have two of the DL231 stage boxes for sale.  Those are the pro preamps.  You would have a helluva rig.  Add a Midas 1U core mixer if you ever do want separate monitor mixes and for $1000 the monitor engineer is on glass or of course they can use the full size M32 or the M32R a 16  fader desk. 


So many options.  Here is the link to those DL231's my A1 has them for sale.  https://reverb.com/item/81640749-midas-dl231-2010s-blue 2 gives you 48 mixes.  They sound amazing and all setup is done on front panel no software.  Much better for the field.


I have 2 in my stage rack and a 4 link Cat snake on a reel. 

As others have said, if you are looking to make your show sound better, start with the FOH speakers.  The Expression is not a bad sounding desk IMO.

If it is a workflow thing, then you might be looking at a different desk as the Expression is among the lowest functionality digital desks in its class.

Let us know what you end up with!

I really liked the sound of my GB8, which is the biggest reason I stayed with Soundcraft when I switched to digital. I like the sound of the expression, was just looking for a little more functionality, but I might can get some more mileage if I start running a separate monitor console like I said, as that would free up some busses that are currently on monitor duty and let me convert them to subgroups.

I just upgraded my subwoofers to the active JTR captivator 212 pro’s. Need to do a little system tuning, but their first show will be in a few weeks. Need to rebuild the bank account for my next big purchase. My current mains are Yorkville U15’s.

If your trying to figure out a selling price it will be be pennies on the dollar.

The solution that I have found to work best with lav mics is to put them on presenters that speak loudly   Try coaching your users that they need to ignore the sound coming back at them from the PA and to speak like they need to reach the 10th row.  If you users can't or won't speak up, and insist on not holding a "stick" mic, then I think you should look into getting a headset mic.

I have found "coaching" is 50 / 50 at best to really helping, handing someone a handheld mic is 50 / 50 that they will hold it somewhere near their mouth and keep it there, headset mics again 50 / 50 if they will use one at all.

Hi friends,
Looking for recommendations on a lavalier mic. Ugh… I know I know.   It’s not my choice but need it because the person using it has dexterity issues due to a stroke and it’s stressful for her to use headset and adjust it and move it etc.,   I haven’t used a lavalier in years as other pastor and presenters wear headsets.  I’m thinking Omni and budget is $300.   She projects well so that helps.  Sanctuary is 45x45 and we don’t have worship band etc..  Someone mentioned Shure UniPlex to me.  I need to get it in place by Wednesday. Recommend?
Thanks
Eileen

Look at a DPA headset microphone they are very light.  Tape it into place with a little bit of medical tape.

Hi friends,
Looking for recommendations on a lavalier mic. Ugh… I know I know.   It’s not my choice but need it because the person using it has dexterity issues due to a stroke and it’s stressful for her to use headset and adjust it and move it etc.,   I haven’t used a lavalier in years as other pastor and presenters wear headsets.  I’m thinking Omni and budget is $300.   She projects well so that helps.  Sanctuary is 45x45 and we don’t have worship band etc..  Someone mentioned Shure UniPlex to me.  I need to get it in place by Wednesday. Recommend?
Thanks
Eileen

Thanks again for all the suggestions! Truly appreciated!

We had the event this week and all went well. The first day was in the smaller space with my gear previously outlined (QSC CP8s) and I went with all handheld mics. 3 wireless BLX and one wired. No issues. The other two days were at a hotel and we had an events production company with a couple lavs and 6 handhelds. The lavs sounded ok which I believe is attributed to the Soundcraft Expression mixer dialing in the right frequencies and settings and the speakers were also more powerful than my QSC CP10s. I will continue to do more testing and research in this area for future events. Lavs (or possible headset mics) are definitely more helpful for presenters doing demos from their laptop to have both hands free (as was the case here).

I agree, the x32 is a workhorse for sure whether you like it or not. I’ve got some time with the X32 and M32, but I’m not ready to buy something right now. I do have a spare console right now, a second expression, so I’m considering just adding a card to that one and using it as a monitor console with the stagebox. That would be the cheapest option and free up some busses that I’m currently using for monitors to use for subgroups on the foh console but still give me the monitor flexibility I need. I’m not sure why I didn’t think of this sooner. I still wouldn’t have DCA’s, but I would gain some available buses for subgroups, and for now that would help. I’ll have to think this one through and decide if this option is worth the extra work.

David

With several reports of the Expressions just deciding to die recently, it might not be a horrible time to make a change.  There's still good resale value in the board if it's working.  You could probably be pretty close to an even swap with an X32.

Easy enough to borrow/rent sub(s) for a little testing.  Doesn't work, no harm no foul.

Yep.  In the order of "cost of being wrong", this is among the cheapest.

As others have said, if you are looking to make your show sound better, start with the FOH speakers.  The Expression is not a bad sounding desk IMO.

If it is a workflow thing, then you might be looking at a different desk as the Expression is among the lowest functionality digital desks in its class.

Let us know what you end up with!

I've always liked the sound of the preamps in Soundcraft boards, they just have a certain fullness/warmth to them that Behringer/Midas/Mackie/Presonus/etc. don't have. A&H and Yamaha definitely are in the same ballpark, haven't had really any experience on the higher end stuff.