I am looking at getting a Midas Venice 320 or a Crest Audio HP Eight 32 mono/5 stereo console. I am the singer/writer/producer for a NIN/Marilyn Manson type band and I am looking for the best console to use in the studio and at local venues.

I have opted to get my own mixer so that I can have more options and control over the sound in the club environment. I will be using the board as the main board and to send aux mixes to the band via IEM.

Which board do you think is the better board to purchase? They are very close in price, but the Crest seems to have more features, but there are many more reviews on the Venice. All of them stellar.

Also, I am looking at getting outboard compression, effects, EQ, de-essing, etc... for the vocal. Will the mic preamp's on these board do well? I budgeted for a Focusrite ISA 430 MKII to handle vocal duties, but if the board has good pre's for vocals and a nice EQ, then I thought about just getting an outboard compressor.

Let me know what you all think.

Thanks for any info. it is greatly appreciated.

Jeremy