sdauditorium
Active Member
We are in the process of purchasing a new sound console and will be doing so within the next month or two. I've done ample reading and researching but would like input specific to our situation.
We primarily do musical theatre but have a number of one-offs, concerts, pageants and some touring events. We are looking to expand the number of touring events in the near future as well.
Currently, we have 17 wireless mic units, 2 CD player inputs, 1 computer input, 1 projection system input, 10 wired mic inputs on stage, and 10 mic inputs for an ambient recording system (2 SM81s in stereo config and 8 choral mics) that need to be accomodated. Output wise, we have 1 monitor feed, 1 (mono) to the mains.
Also, we're planning for a replacement of our existing sound system in the next 2 years (new speaker clusters, processing, and roughly 12-16 more wired mic inputs and 2-3 additional monitor feeds). I can also see purchasing 2-3 more wireless mic systems within the next 5 years. We don't have feeds going to the lobby or other spaces at this point (video system which reaches the band, choir and dressing rooms has audio from the camera). However, I would like the new console to easily accomodate feeds to these areas; we plan to do this in the near future. Also, we will be doing simple ambient recordings for concerts and other events. I honestly don't know how much more complicated recordings we'd want to do in the future but it could be a remote possibility.
The primary user of this system is myself, and secondary users (for simple events) would be my co-auditorium director, a few other adult staff members and student tech crew members.
My ideal (and first choice) was the LS9-32, but due to budget constraints we're a few thousand short and not quite sure if we'll be able to swing it yet. If we can't go digital, I'm debating between the Allen & Heath GL2800-40 channel version and the Soundcraft GB8-48. From the vendor we'll be going with on this purchase, the A&H is approximately $700 more than the Soundcraft. Apart from the differences in inputs and matrices, I've seen great things about both.
Are there any noticeable differences, personal experiences or recommendations for one or the other. What I'm specifically curious on is whether the $700 difference is worth it for the A&H while having 8 less inputs.
We primarily do musical theatre but have a number of one-offs, concerts, pageants and some touring events. We are looking to expand the number of touring events in the near future as well.
Currently, we have 17 wireless mic units, 2 CD player inputs, 1 computer input, 1 projection system input, 10 wired mic inputs on stage, and 10 mic inputs for an ambient recording system (2 SM81s in stereo config and 8 choral mics) that need to be accomodated. Output wise, we have 1 monitor feed, 1 (mono) to the mains.
Also, we're planning for a replacement of our existing sound system in the next 2 years (new speaker clusters, processing, and roughly 12-16 more wired mic inputs and 2-3 additional monitor feeds). I can also see purchasing 2-3 more wireless mic systems within the next 5 years. We don't have feeds going to the lobby or other spaces at this point (video system which reaches the band, choir and dressing rooms has audio from the camera). However, I would like the new console to easily accomodate feeds to these areas; we plan to do this in the near future. Also, we will be doing simple ambient recordings for concerts and other events. I honestly don't know how much more complicated recordings we'd want to do in the future but it could be a remote possibility.
The primary user of this system is myself, and secondary users (for simple events) would be my co-auditorium director, a few other adult staff members and student tech crew members.
My ideal (and first choice) was the LS9-32, but due to budget constraints we're a few thousand short and not quite sure if we'll be able to swing it yet. If we can't go digital, I'm debating between the Allen & Heath GL2800-40 channel version and the Soundcraft GB8-48. From the vendor we'll be going with on this purchase, the A&H is approximately $700 more than the Soundcraft. Apart from the differences in inputs and matrices, I've seen great things about both.
Are there any noticeable differences, personal experiences or recommendations for one or the other. What I'm specifically curious on is whether the $700 difference is worth it for the A&H while having 8 less inputs.
