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Hi all
I'm looking for a mixer so I can monitor the outputs of the preamps I'm considering. I'm thinking about John Hardy at the moment, but I want a mixer that will get me as close as possible to plugging the pre directly into the AD converter, but will also allow me to hear what's going on.

I'm not interested in EQ, or anything like that, but I'm sure I'd find a use for it if I had it :)

I've read so many posts here on the forum, but I wonder which mixer will have the greater transparency.

Many thanks
John

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Big_D Tue, 06/21/2005 - 18:33

You might want to check out the Onyx 1220 or 1202 VLZ. They're very transparent! I use the 1620 with my DAW for monitoring and overflow pres and I'm very happy with it. Since I think you record mostly accoustic music a compact mixer like this might be just the ticket. The 1220 goes for around $550 and the 1202 around $300. Good Luck John

moonbaby Wed, 06/22/2005 - 07:53

Speck makes a couple of very nice line-level mixers that might be just the ticket for the application you have. The UltraMix is a nice compact line mixer. A electronica musica artist friend of mine uses one for his mic pre monitor mixing and for all of his synths.It beats the heck out of the Mackie 8-bus he replaced with it; much cleaner and quieter.
Speck Electronics also makes a killer dual-path line mixing DESK called the LiLo...check out their website. I think that baby would be just the ticket for those nice, those VERY nice JH pre's! PEACE...

KurtFoster Wed, 06/22/2005 - 09:14

I second the Lilo. It's very hard to get anything with as many features that sounds any better for less.

You can also look at some summing mixers available at www.boutiqueaudio.com
While you're there, check out the
INWARD CONNECTIONS | MP820

OT ... Mic pres I know .... but I couldn't resist! :lol:

There's a new product available I just read a review on in the 05/05 issue of Mix ... The Nautilus Commander Analog Summing Box whose design and ergonomics was specified by John Vestman and implemented by Steve Firlott of Inward Connections.
http://www.nautiluspro.com

In regards to auditioning mic pres there's an excellent link at the [="http://www.johnhardyco.com"]John Hardy site[/]="http://www.johnhard…"]John Hardy site[/],
[[url=http://="http://www.johnhard…"]"Mic Pre-amp Evaluation Methodology"[/]="http://www.johnhard…"]"Mic Pre-amp Evaluation Methodology"[/], that explains correct the way to evaluate mic pres.

John Stafford Sat, 06/25/2005 - 18:55

Gentlemen
Thanks for the great info! There's a lot of stuff out there.

Bid_D thanks for the Mackie recommendation. I never realised how cheap some of the Mackie gear is. With respectable gear at those prices, I can see why they are so hugely successful. I think I'd find lots of uses for one.

Moonbaby
Some of this gear is very sexy -I'd love the LiLo, but it's very expensive (well I did ask about very transparent :wink: ). It also has lots of functions I have no immediate need for, although this probably goes into the investment for life category. There's lots of Speck gear that I must admit I've never really looked at.

Kurt, I never heard of the Inward Connections gear, but the site is mouthwatering! The same goes for the Nautilus site. Now I've lots of goodies to research.

BTW thanks for the Hardy link :)

Many thanks
John