Hi sounddad.
You ask this question at a really interesting time in
console (
mixer) technology...
I'm assuming you purchased a Venice Hybrid model (VeniceU or VeniceF). If you could share exactly which model, that would help us greatly in making suggestions that meet your requirements. For example: A VeniceF 32 weighs 82 lbs. While a MidasU 32 is 30 lbs. lighter at 52 lbs. Remember that a
road case will add approximately 50 lbs to the final carry weight.
At your upper price range, is a Midas Pro1 at 47 lbs. and just under $10k. To record with it, you'll have to spend an additional $900 for a PCIe Lynx AES50 interface for DESKTOP computer (PC, MacPro or MacMini with a $1400 interface). My theater has a Midas Pro2 ($22k) and I can't say enough good things about it. The Pro1 shares the same basic technology.
Midas Consoles | PRO1
At around $3k, 45 lbs, and perhaps the best bang for your buck, is the Behringer X32. Behringer just announced the X32 Compact. But it has not actually been released yet. And, although smaller than the X32, I have yet to see actual size and weight specs. Even the web brochure excludes this info. I have used the X32. It is an incredible
mixer for the money. It probably has everything your daughter will need
built-in. The word on durability is still out. I know several sound contractors that have been running X32s for over 6 months now, trying to
beat them into the
ground. I have yet to hear of one failing yet. I am replacing my old Venice 320 with an X32.
BEHRINGER: Mixers
What I think is most important is the functionality of the
console:
-How many Aux Sends/Busses/Outs does your daughter need? How many
monitor mixes,
etc.
-What is the primary purpose of the
console? Live reinforcement, recording, playback,
etc? A compromise on size might be fine for a recording
console. But for live reinforcement, the extra surface space and faders can be priceless. Example - A Midas Pro2 is a very nice
FOH console for small to medium size venues/acts. The Pro2c (compact version) makes mixing a rock band or musical theater show much more difficult as it has 8 fewer faders for control. The Pro2c is a great
monitor mixer though.
-Do you need multi-track out of the computer or just in, like the Venice Hybrids? The X32's Firewire interface allows a simultaneous 32 channels in each direction (32x32).
-How many inputs do you need at the
console? Example: The X32 has 32
mono mic inputs on the
console. The X32 Compact only has 16. You'll have to spend another $1k on a S16 digital
stage box to increase it to 32. And your daughter will have to carry an additional piece of equipment mounted in a rack case to her gigs.
-The ability to record scenes is awesome. This pretty much limits you to a full digital
console. Hybrids do not record scenes. This leaves practically all sub-$3000 consoles out of the running.
Besides Midas and Behringer; PreSonus, Soundcraft, Allen & Heath and
Yamaha make affordable, reasonable sounding digital mixers. Ask 10 different designers/engineers which sounds best and you'll get 7 different answers...
-The Soundcraft Si Compact series you mention are great sounding consoles. Personally, I hate the surface and would not want to mix anything live on it, especially on the fly. it also doesn't have built-in recording abilities. An additional MADI interface would be required. There are others here better able to explain what is needed.
-The
Yamaha LS9 series... I don't want to start an argument here. I don't like the sound of Yamahas. I think their mic pres are terrible. Others love them. I also don't like the LS9 interface. If you're considering an LS9-32, please look at the Pro1 as well.
-As for the Rolands... Read the forums here and elsewhere. Most of us would not recommend Roland for professional
level gear. Of course, prior to the X32, none of us would have recommended Behringer either.
-The PreSonus StudioLive 24.4.2 at 30 lbs and $3k is another option. Also a great bang-for-your-buck
console. I would personally recommend it over the three above series. At 50 lbs and $4k, the 32.4.2AI is also a good choice but probably too heavy for your daughter.
PreSonus | Products - Mixers
-Allen & Heath have the GLD-80 at 35 lbs and $9k. It only has 4 mic inputs on-board. So the GLD-AR2412 stagebox is required for an additional $2200. It sounds great. Beyond a stereo interface, optional recording interfaces are required.
GLD-80 | ALLEN & HEATH // WORLD CLASS MIXING
In my humble opinion, you have the Behringer X32 or PreSonus 24.4.2, both at around $3k. The X32 probably gets the nod here as a more complete, versatile solution.
I do not see things getting significantly better until you reach the Midas Pro1 or A&H GLD-80. With recording solutions, the Midas falls around $10-11k while the A&H falls at $12-13k.
There are distinct advantages at $10k+ over $3k. Will a far majority of people be able to tell the difference in sound during live situations? Unless your daughter is using $60k worth of speakers, amps and processors, probably not. Differences in recording? The Behringer and PreSonus will only record at 48KHz sample rates. The Midas and A&H
network and record at 96KHz. If your daughter is using
SM58/SM57 microphones, little difference will be heard. What ten grand gets you is: better
microphone pre-amps, better built-in effects, 96 KHz sample rate.
Personally, I'd go with the Behringer and spend the remaining $7000 on better speakers and mics (the MOST important parts of a sound
system).
Your daughter will have to decide if the size/weight advantages of a compact
console outweigh the increased functionality of it's slightly larger brethren. 50 lbs is not that heavy and allows for some really good choices and fewer compromises.
Hope this helps.
~Alden
Alden Fulcomer
Associate
Production Manager
Audio Supervisor
Bucks County Playhouse