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[Dave Horo]

I'm looking for a cost-effective console with an integrated automixer that can handle at least 16 channels.  All of the less expensive options seem to be limited to 8 channels for the automixer.

Is the Yamaha QL1 the best option?

I know that I can use a separate Dugan box, but that seems to complicate things unnecessarily.  This system is going to be used by inexperienced operators, so the simpler it is the better.
 - Dave

[Caleb Dueck]

I'm looking for a cost-effective console with an integrated automixer that can handle at least 16 channels.  All of the less expensive options seem to be limited to 8 channels for the automixer.

Is the Yamaha QL1 the best option?

I know that I can use a separate Dugan box, but that seems to complicate things unnecessarily.  This system is going to be used by inexperienced operators, so the simpler it is the better.
 - Dave

How inexperienced?  Is a traditional style mixer even needed, or would this be better served with a DSP?  That's a lot of channels of automixing, especially when you combine it with inexperienced operators. 

[John Roberts {JR}]

+1...  16 channels of AM seems like a lot. I don't know if they still make them Peavey had some modest church market (Sanctuary series) mixers with something like 4 channels of AM built in.

Peavey made stand alone 8 input automatic mixers that could be combined together to effectively automix 16 inputs. I ASSume these are still made.

JR   

[Milt Hathaway]

How much of a console do you need? If you only want the end user to have some simple level control, then I recommend the Shure SCM810. It's not precisely Dugan, but is a very good imitation of it, and once installed there is very little for the end user to screw up. The SCM810 is only 8 channels, but two units can be easily linked together to work as a fully operational 16 channel automixer.

https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/mixers/scm810?variant=SCM810

[Mike Caldwell]

What are you looking to "auto mix" ?

The Allen Heath QU series all have a 16 channel auto mix function that works well.
The Sound Craft Ui24 also has an auto mix function.

[John Roberts {JR}]

The OP said "cost effective" while there are now probably multiple digital consoles that support automatic mixing (and more).

Don't know the OP's budget while digital mixers are getting cheaper.

JR

[brian maddox]

I'm looking for a cost-effective console with an integrated automixer that can handle at least 16 channels.  All of the less expensive options seem to be limited to 8 channels for the automixer.

Is the Yamaha QL1 the best option?

I know that I can use a separate Dugan box, but that seems to complicate things unnecessarily.  This system is going to be used by inexperienced operators, so the simpler it is the better.
 - Dave

The least expensive mixer I know of with a "real" 16-channel automixer is the B-word XR18. iPad/computer control only of course.

[don't shoot the messenger...]

[John Roberts {JR}]

Damn... I'm glad I don't have to compete in that market any more. The XR-18 looks like a remarkable value.

You could probably cobble together a couple analog 8 channel automatic mixers for less, but you wouldn't get the digital mixer for free. 

JR

[brian maddox]

Damn... I'm glad I don't have to compete in that market any more. The XR-18 looks like a remarkable value.

You could probably cobble together a couple analog 8 channel automatic mixers for less, but you wouldn't get the digital mixer for free. 

JR

I use one as the hub for my studio/office. It's a remarkable Swiss army knife. It's usually doing two or three different things at once depending on what I'm working on at the time. I"m just glad I got it right at the top of the pandemic before the prices all went way up....

[Dave Horo]

The least expensive mixer I know of with a "real" 16-channel automixer is the B-word XR18. iPad/computer control only of course.

[don't shoot the messenger...]

A few follow-up comments...

The goal is to "automix" 16 conference table mics.  Or at least keep the levels relatively consistent and avoid feedback.

The XR18 would work except that the client had a bad experience with Behringer and that's what this new mixer is meant to replace.

Inexpensive means as cheap as possible to get the job done, but I know there are limits.  I started this message thinking that a QL1 was the most cost-effective way to get 16 channels, so I consider that the top of the budget.  Would like cheaper of course.

Assume the operators are completely inexperienced and would ideally not have to touch the mixer at all during standard meetings besides turning the ipod input up and down and possibly adjusting the overall balance of the 16 mics with the playback.

The Shure, A&H and Soundcraft all sounds like good options worth exploring.

One other option the client would like, but isn't a hard requirement, is support for a remote stage box.  This would simplify wiring.  That immediately bumps things up to another price tier.
 - Dave

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