Mixers
My first mixer was a no name mixer with two phono channels, one line input, one mic input and no crossfader. My second mixer was a Phonic branded MRT 70, but I think the same model was available under the Soundlab name as well. These were not very good mixers and the sound quality was not very high. Despite that I learned to mix with these. Next up were a couple of Numark mixers. These were all pretty good sounding mixers with reasonably smooth faders. I was very satisfied with these and the last one, a DM1720, Is still being used by a friend of mine.Allen & Heath
When I graduated from college and started working full time I decided to buy
a really good mixer that could possibly be the last mixer I would ever buy.
I shopped around for a sturdy mixer with high sound quality.Finally I decided on the Allen & Heath Xone:62. It's a mixer with a high build quality and it's really smooth to mix with and the crunch in the headphone amp and the overall sound quality is just awesome. If you're looking for a high end mixer I truly recommend it and also the newer Xone:92, which is an evolution of the original concept..
Formula Sound
Since the late 80s, when first mixing on a PM80, my favorite mixers have always been the Formula Sound range of mixers. They're truly great mixers, built to studio standards with amazing sound and feel. This means they're not cheap and in my neck of the woods it's hard to come by second hand one, let alone finding one at a good price.
When finding a used Formula Sound System 2000 at a bargain price,
I could not resist buying it. The System 2000 used to be Formula Sound's flagship mixer but has now
been discontinued. As the top of the line mixer it certainly had all you could ask for and then some.
This mixer has 100mm sliding faders, making it ideal for smooth long overlays.
My unit needed a little bit of TLC to get into shape, but once I had replaced some scratchy pots and
some rusty screws it definitely is a joy mixing with.
The PM90 has the same incredible build quality as the System 2000, but in a more compact format
since it uses 60mm faders. I stumbled upon one on ebay at a great price with a buy it now option.
It was an offer I could not say no to, so I grabbed it. It turned out the unit was in near mint condition,
making it one of the best equipment deals I've ever made. Sound wise this is definitely my favorite mixer
and it's now the mixer I take out when I need to bring my own equipment to a gig.Manufacturer links:
Allen & Heath Xone,
Formula Sound