If you need to substitute the analog mixer with digital mixer for church services or need to upgrade the previous device, there are a lot of options enabling you to acquire the best sound mixer for church. This article is written to make the choice of a sound mixer easier. We all want to derive the best sound to make the services more spiritual and inspiring than ever.
Digital mixer can contribute to it significantly. So, what mixers do people use to attain this goal? What is the best sound mixer for small church? Is there a necessity to acquire 32 channel mixer for small space? Or is too much to use 32 channel device? The customers have a lot of questions on the choice of the best mixer. We will be glad to know if this material clarifies some issues for you and helps to improve the sounding during service.
Aspects To Consider When Buying A Digital Mixer For Church
There are many aspects to regard for consumers who want to acquire the mixer for better sounds in the church. The circumstances in diverse churches differ. There can be different number of musicians and vocalists and it’s important to consider it. It’s also essential to know if the person operating the digital mixer can do it professionally or not. And what is the intended use of the equipment that mixes sounds? Much depends upon the facts if the organizers want to record services for worshippers or they are going to create multi-track recordings.
The necessity to have in-ear monitors at disposal also plays its role. Those who need wireless digital mixer for recording should think about it in advance as well as about other features mentioned above. Because all these details will affect the choice of gear for excellent sound. Discover best equipment for either large building or for small house of worship to achieve the sound of good quality.
Yamaha 01V96I
This is a 16 channel mixer that resembles devices of this brand released before. It has actually the same interface delivering exceptional sound. But what differs the model from the previous ones is its additional USB interface. The model offers a lot of effects and customers highly evaluated this. With USB connection the device becomes very convenient so the person is able to travel with it if necessary. The console is compact in comparison with many models of competing brands.
Features:
- Solid build
- 12 inputs
- 2 stereo line channels
Pros:
- The mixing console features flexibility.
- The device is incredibly simple. Even the beginning user can manage it.
- The sound mixer board is of superb quality.
- The model is durable and will serve you long.
Cons:
- Not all consumers like its aesthetics. The device looks obsolete a little.
- The phantom power switches aren’t easily accessible.
It can be a great sound mixer for your church. There will be no obstacles with recording and editing of sound.
Soundcraft Si Expression 1
This is also a 16 channel mixer device that offers many features other consoles can’t offer. Being a good combination of digital mix convenience and analogue simplicity. There are three models in the range of Si Expression models and apart 1, there are versions 2 and 3 as well. The difference is technical among them. While the model 1 offers 16 analogue inputs, 2 and 3 offer 24 and 32 correspondingly. However, there’s equal number of channels for each model – 66 inputs can be involved to create the soundtrack.
The processors of the device will deliver tons of sounds. It was designed to give an analogue feel to the user and it copes with this task.
Features:
- The device presents the patented system FaderGlow.
- There are 16 inputs and 16 bus outputs in the unit.
- There are 64 input processing channels at your disposal.
- It offers 4 FX, 8 matrix busses.
- The console provides Lexicon effects.
- It’s supplied with LR, Cmix busses
Pros:
- Smooth parameter adjustment;
- Excellent faders working quickly and smoothly
- Quiet running
- High quality build
- Easy to use console
Cons:
- Some consumers complained of bugs and even contacted the company that is aware of them. However, all bugs are fixed fast when discovered.
Behringer X32
If you need the best digital mixer for small church, you should consider this model. It has a comprehensive set of features to be used with this purpose. Besides, the price is reasonable taking into account extensive range of features. If the aspect of price is important, you can acquire excellent sound mixer for church sanctuary without compromising quality.
The specialists recommend to purchase the item only if there are savvy people to operate the device. Those who don’t have enough knowledge to deal with sound, will not be able to take the most even from the best digital mixer though there are models suitable for novices as well.
Features:
- This is 40 input channel console.
- The model has 32 mic preamps that can be programmed for required sound.
- 25 faders are entirely automated enabling the range of functions including overview, control etc.
Pros:
- The console has a highly efficient layout with optimized control lights.
- It’s easy to control the settings parameters.
- The system features fast adjustment and powerful processing of mixed
- The consumers get awesome sound.
Cons:
- It takes time to learn to operate the device and attain excellent sound. The manual provided with it is rather limited.
Behringer 1204USB
Behringer Xenyx 1204USB Review
The Behringer Xenyx 1204USB is a compact, well-built mixer designed…
The lovers of best sound will assess this excellent device. It’s a good option if you need the console for smaller area in comparison with the item described above.
Despite its compactness – the feature that makes the item a suitable mixer for small churches – the sound delivered by it is fantastic!
Features:
- This is 12 input channel
- It’s provided with 4 XENYX mic preamps.
- It has a British channel equalizer.
Pros:
- It includes features that are found in more expensive mixers therefore it’s considered the best mixer for the price.
- Its sound is exceptional.
- It’s suitable even for smallest
- It makes the sound crisp and has enough ports for many singers.
Cons:
- The customers don’t point out significant drawbacks.
Mackie DL1608
If it seems to you that it’s impossible to arrange the show without physical controls, you are mistaken. It’s still possible to do with this powerful device. It can be operated with iPad via Master Fader application.
Features:
- 16 channel mixer includes premium hardware such as Onyx preamps.
- The device is supplied with advanced Cirrus Logic converters.
- There is effortless control of input/output.
Pros:
- The solid build of the device deserves praise.
- It’s easy to use.
- Remote control is available.
- It’s possible to involve up to 20 iOS devices to control the mixing console.
- The users are able to create a fantastic-sounding mix easily using powerful processing capabilities of the item.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have fader.
- Only 2 channels can be used for recording.
- You’ll have to spend money on rackmount kit.
If it’s not enough for you there’s the opportunity to acquire the similar mixer. It’s a 32 channel rackmount model.
In conclusion
It’s great to have a small sized digital desk with powerful features. The number of options in the market is innumerable so it can be challenging to find the best alternative. It’s not that easy to find a clear winner among them. However, when the mixers of excellent quality are gathered into the list and their features are highlighted, this can alleviate the process.
Much depends upon the priorities of the person. Choice of priorities also helps to narrow down the search. Analyze the situation, determine the demands in different categories and start acting! If the one needs the compactness, then Behringer X32 or Mackie DL 1608 should be chosen. Both of them include exceptional features. If simplicity of the device is required first of all, then Soundcraft Si Expression will meet your demands. It copes with its work greatly!