Max channel count or max input count? As far as internal signal routing the inputs are 32 mono channels, 8 mono aux returns and 8 stereo effects returns along with an internal oscillator and talkback mic. The X32 itself physically has 32 mono mic/line inputs, 8 mono aux inputs, a stereo USB recorder/player, a 32 channel USB 2.0/FireWire400 card and two 48 channel AES 50 ports. The AES 50 ports are primarily for use with the S16 remote I/O box still in development.Does anyone know what the overall max channel count is?
So a lot of potential I/O but do be aware that one related apparent compromise is that physical inputs are assigned to channels in 8 channel blocks. Many times that will not be a factor but if you want to do something like use the USB/FW card for effects playback from a computer then even if you want just 2 channels of playback that will still require 8 of the input channels. Once the S16 is available that will have a similar situation, if you only use 4 or 6 inputs on an S16 it will still have to be assigned to 8 or 16 channels on the mixer. So some situations may take a little planning to avoid running out of channels with the physical I/O being used.
I think that depends a lot on the application. Of course the most obvious advantage of the X32 is the capability and functionality for the cost. And I personally find functions like the electronic 'scribble strips' of the X32 very useful, but in some applications some may not see that as much of a benefit.Anything else you'd like to share? How do you like it compared to other small digital consoles, such as the LS9?
At least for some time people are probably much more likely to have a Yamaha show file and/or to be familiar with the LS9, but that may change over time. The one place I think Yamaha has everyone else beat is compatibility, their range of optional cards allows interfacing with a multitude of other devices and signals. I believe that also helps in terms of long term viability, if a new audio signal format is introduced chances are good an associated card will be made available to allow the mixer to work with it, however that ability does have a cost and not everyone makes use of it.
But beyond such generalizations a comparison may really depend upon the specific application.