jkowtko
Well-Known Member
At the small theater I work with we're currently using a Mackie CFX20, 12 wireless mikes, 2 CD players and a Boss SP-303 sampler. I use the four sub-outs on the board to throw sound to speakers at various locations in the theater for the FX when needed. The equipment has served us well except for occasional feedback issues on the mikes and general limits in flexibility on the FX.
I'm looking to upgrade the equipment, maybe buying a PC and using Sound Cue Systems to handle the pre-recorded sounds and music. My question to you guys is, what to do about the board and other processing equipment that I might need, to handle both the pre-recorded and live needs.
Ideally would like:
- at least 24 input channels
- to add gate/compressor abilities on each live mike input channel (12-16 channels total) to deal with ambient noise, volume and feedback issues
- add EQ and feedback suppression if needed
- to add EFX capabilities either on each input channel, or have at least two separate EFX processors available to be used as inserts.
- to have 8 sub-outs (or equivalent) so I can throw or pan sound around to either main theater speakers or one of several FX speakers. I think SCS can output to 8 channels, so mainly the sound board needs to pick up the inputs and send to the various sub-outs.
Any thoughts/suggestions on what I should be looking for here, or the approach I should be taking? Digital board with integrated sound processing and EFX on each channel, or use external devices as inserts? Separate EQ? Should I look for a board with 8 sub-outs, or use the aux outs for all FX "location" speakers?
Thanks. John
I'm looking to upgrade the equipment, maybe buying a PC and using Sound Cue Systems to handle the pre-recorded sounds and music. My question to you guys is, what to do about the board and other processing equipment that I might need, to handle both the pre-recorded and live needs.
Ideally would like:
- at least 24 input channels
- to add gate/compressor abilities on each live mike input channel (12-16 channels total) to deal with ambient noise, volume and feedback issues
- add EQ and feedback suppression if needed
- to add EFX capabilities either on each input channel, or have at least two separate EFX processors available to be used as inserts.
- to have 8 sub-outs (or equivalent) so I can throw or pan sound around to either main theater speakers or one of several FX speakers. I think SCS can output to 8 channels, so mainly the sound board needs to pick up the inputs and send to the various sub-outs.
Any thoughts/suggestions on what I should be looking for here, or the approach I should be taking? Digital board with integrated sound processing and EFX on each channel, or use external devices as inserts? Separate EQ? Should I look for a board with 8 sub-outs, or use the aux outs for all FX "location" speakers?
Thanks. John