Since Yamaha introduced the first digital mixers in the early 1990's, the world has rapidly embraced the new technology as the standard in live sound. For places of worship, however, the decision to switch from analog to digital mixing can often be a difficult one. Limited funds are often allocated to other areas of ministry, leaving many churches using antiquated sound equipment and unaware of the potential benefits of going digital.
Digital mixers offer many features that analog mixers do not. One of the most useful is programmable sliders, an automation device which allows engineers to keep tabs on more channels than would be possible with their two hands alone. Digital mixers also offer a great variety of EQ effects, many of which are available at the touch of a button and require very little tweaking. In addition, digital mixers are less susceptible than their analog counterparts to interference from outside sources (cell phones, radios, etc.) and produce a practically nonexistent amount of hiss.
Going to digital mixing seriously isn't a resolution you desire to create lightly. It is not for everybody. A lot of the capabilities of a digital mixer might be had without the need of one particular. MIDI sequencers can do quantity fades, results fades, and may automate virtual results sends and returns, pans, even EQ sweeps. When you're preparing to accomplish automation on the sequencer stage, do you actually demand a further layer of automation just after that? I say no!
On the other hand, when you're interfacing on your own multi track recorder that doesn't have an onboard mixer or only includes a very simple one, then you definitely want a digital mixer which will allow you to automate your tough tracks and polish them down to sweetness
This is not to say that digital mixers are perfect. One of their biggest drawbacks is the minuscule delay caused by the digitization of audio input. This delay, although slight, can be disconcerting for performers utilizing in-ear monitors. However, for most churches, the ease and capabilities of digital monitors far outweigh any faults.
Which mixer is right for your church depends very much on your worship needs. If your worship includes no instrumental input (or a very small worship band with few microphones), then a 16-channel mixer would probably be sufficient for your needs. One dependable model is the PreSonus StudioLive, which offers terrific ease of use, rapid computer connectivity and excellent sound quality. This model sells for around $2,000.
If your church has a larger worship band, and must deal with ten or more microphones, it is probably best to get a larger board (one containing at least 24 channels, and preferably 32). A good choice here might be the Tascam DM-3200, a solid mixer sporting 32 channels, flexible bus routing, LED ring encoders and more. The Tascam DM-3200 lists at over $4,000, but many retailers offer this model for around $3,500. Before purchasing one, shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal available.
Digital mixers offer many features that analog mixers do not. One of the most useful is programmable sliders, an automation device which allows engineers to keep tabs on more channels than would be possible with their two hands alone. Digital mixers also offer a great variety of EQ effects, many of which are available at the touch of a button and require very little tweaking. In addition, digital mixers are less susceptible than their analog counterparts to interference from outside sources (cell phones, radios, etc.) and produce a practically nonexistent amount of hiss.
Going to digital mixing seriously isn't a resolution you desire to create lightly. It is not for everybody. A lot of the capabilities of a digital mixer might be had without the need of one particular. MIDI sequencers can do quantity fades, results fades, and may automate virtual results sends and returns, pans, even EQ sweeps. When you're preparing to accomplish automation on the sequencer stage, do you actually demand a further layer of automation just after that? I say no!
On the other hand, when you're interfacing on your own multi track recorder that doesn't have an onboard mixer or only includes a very simple one, then you definitely want a digital mixer which will allow you to automate your tough tracks and polish them down to sweetness
This is not to say that digital mixers are perfect. One of their biggest drawbacks is the minuscule delay caused by the digitization of audio input. This delay, although slight, can be disconcerting for performers utilizing in-ear monitors. However, for most churches, the ease and capabilities of digital monitors far outweigh any faults.
Which mixer is right for your church depends very much on your worship needs. If your worship includes no instrumental input (or a very small worship band with few microphones), then a 16-channel mixer would probably be sufficient for your needs. One dependable model is the PreSonus StudioLive, which offers terrific ease of use, rapid computer connectivity and excellent sound quality. This model sells for around $2,000.
If your church has a larger worship band, and must deal with ten or more microphones, it is probably best to get a larger board (one containing at least 24 channels, and preferably 32). A good choice here might be the Tascam DM-3200, a solid mixer sporting 32 channels, flexible bus routing, LED ring encoders and more. The Tascam DM-3200 lists at over $4,000, but many retailers offer this model for around $3,500. Before purchasing one, shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal available.
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