First Mixer.

I am fairly new in the industry and am considering buying my first mixer. i was considering the following:

Mackie ProFX12 Professional Compact Mixer

Allen & Heath ZED-14 USB Mixing Console

Mackie 1202-VLZ3 Premium 12-Channel Compact Mixer

TASCAM M-164UF 16-Input Mixer with Effects and USB 2.0 Interface

Soundcraft EPM8 8-Channel Multi-Format Mixer

i want to use it for live sound as well as in home recording. any experience using these or have any suggestions? i'm looking for at least 5-6 mic in's and 2-3 line, along with a usb connection because i don't have an in box for my computer or a sound card.

Id appreciate your help.

 

once you say recording that narrows it down to A+H or VLZ. or maybe the Soundcraft, but i'm not sure about EPM series.

 

I've heard them all but the Tascam. Really, they're all very decent. But your USB requirement will knock the EPM-8 out of the running. The ZED has a pretty impressive list of features, of the lot that might be the front-runner in my mind.