Look down a few topics. Click on the one called Soundcraft Ghost.

I live near the Allen and Heath factory (25) miles. I once went there on a day trip .All was very pro . I've never used any of the others but I love my Ghost.

I own a Ghost. And I am very happy with it.

I've used both the Ghost and the GL2400.

I own a GS3000 and a GL2200. I ride a GL3, GL4 and a Soundcraft SeriesTwo for "B" and "C" rig large format live work on a routine basis.

Most of the A&H line of consoles and the Soundcraft Ghost line have nice musical pre's and EQ's. Either choice would be fine. I use a little 32 channel Spirit on a regular briefcase gig basis that I'm not real fond of. Mainly because the EQ does NOT have a variable Q... which I would highly recommend that you look for in a console.

The bus system is important too. I'd look towards consoles that have inserts on the buses and/or groups. (The two consoles you mention meet that requirement with no problem.)

The one thing that a LOT of folks don't to take into consideration is servicability of their console. All mid-line consoles (Ghost's and GL's) are modular only to a point. The channel strips are 8 wide and have to be removed and serviced in groups of 8 to get to the individual strips. The same is true for the master sections... it all comes out at once.

Be sure to find out about parts availability. See if there's a possibility to get some extra faders, insert jacks, pots, etc. at a discount when you get your console... if buying new. Definitley order an extra channel strip! (Most dealers won't do it, but it's worth a shot anyway.) Also, the price of replacement parts should be in your consideration calculations.

I know it's expensive, but try to afford the external power supply option... preferably two. They allow the board to run MUCH cooler, which should extend the life of your board by as much as three or four years IMO. (I see far fewer external powered consoles on my bench than those using the built-in/internal.)

Either way, I'd think you be happy with the results and functionality with either console. For me, it would be (was) a matter of price on the replacement parts...

Max

I own a couple of A&H's and have owned A&H products for over 20 years.
But if you are looking for good mic pres look at Midas consoles. They offer exceptional pres. And they offer models that are in the same price range as the others you listed. Midas will probably be my next choice of desk.