Ideal desktop size analogue mixer (for novice)?

[HenBenTurnerWard]

Good Evening,

In search for a desktop analogue mixer, I have become particularly interested in the Soundcraft EFX8, based on its size and specs.

To give you a bit of background, I'm an audio engineering student based in London- I'd like to have a mixer to practice various signal flow techniques as well as an over all feeling for mixing/ getting to know the console.

If someone out there could let me know; based on the fact I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to consoles, why the EFX8 would be ideal for me, what my pricing options are as a student and how it compares to other brands/competitors and/ or whether you're able to recommend better products for my preference.
All the best!
Henry

[Bob Bickerton]

You're probably on the right track in terms of a cheap and small analogue desk.

You'd need to explore:

Setting of Channel Gain
Difference between Mic Input and Line inputs (and domestic line level)
Using a Low Cut Filter
Hearing what EQ does and how a sweepable mid is useful
Understanding the difference between Pre and Post sends (monitors or effects)
Using Group Sends
Using PFl to set gain.

The Soundcraft does most of this, but does not have a Low Cut filter or groups.

A good alternative might be the Yamaha MG12XU (a little cheaper), which has low-cut and a group setting as well as compression on four channels. The only benefit I can see with the Soundcraft over the Yamaha, is that you have more options in terms of adjusting parameters on the effects, though you still have one parameter option on the Yamaha.

I'd strongly recommend reading the Tech Notes on this page: http://www.performing-musician.com

Bob

[The Elf]

TBH you're going to know everything there is to know about one of those mixers in a very short time. The 'signal flow' is pretty basic, so I'm not sure it's going to teach you a great deal.

So it may be important to hear what other plans you have for the mixer beyond learning how it works.