How many watts per
channel do you need? Do you want
portable packs or a rack-mount
system that can be wired in permanently?
In the 7-channel-plus range, I've seen mostly rack-mounts, except for some low-power stuff (I have three 8-channel "DIM-BAR" units from James Lighting, but they're only 300 watts per
channel and
microplex, not
DMX).
I seem to recall you mentioning, in another post, that the budget for your school is pretty tight and that you set up a
portable stage in the gym. For something like that,
portable packs would probably be best. They usually come in 4-channel, 600 watts/
channel flavors. Three of them would give you your 12 channels.
I do a little design work, off and on, for James Lighting. Right now I'm working on what will be their first
DMX dimmer pack (everything up to now has been
microplex) - 4 channels at 1200 watts/
channel. It's still a few months away from production, but if you're not in a huge hurry, maybe I can convince them to make you a good price on a couple of them.
Otherwise, there are several good units on the market. Some of the lighting dealers have taken to selling on eBay - browse musical instruments/pro audio/Dj equipment/lighting... I've been selling some of my
DMX/
microplex translators there. Unless you're really into electronics and can repair stuff yourself, I'd stay away from the used stuff, but there's a lot of new stuff on there, too, from reputable dealers and at lower prices than they can do "over-the-counter"... because there's less cost selling on-line from a warehouse than there is in operating a retail store.
Check some of the lighting manufacturers' websites to get more information on exactly what they offer. On a limited budget, NSI,
Leprecon and Lightronics all have fairly decent low-budget products. I'd stay away from American DJ and Chauvet - for the most part, their product lines are aimed toward the entry-level DJ market - extremely low prices, but questionable quality and reliability.
Once you have a couple specific
dimmer packs in mind, check for dealers in your area - manufacturers often have lists of dealers posted on their websites. Find a dealer actually in your school district and
pitch him the idea of giving you a discount in exchange for prominent mention in your programs - he may not buy into it, but it can't hurt to try.
John