Digital mixer, again.

[Arpangel]

I didn’t want to hijack another current thread about digital mixers, so here’s this one.
I still need to check this out, as an alternative, possibly better, way of working than with my current analogue mixer set-up.
But a few things still leave me uncertain, and questions unanswered.
Views on the Behringer X32? It seems assumed that the actual "sound quality " of digital mixers is a given, and it doesn’t get talked about much, the X32 seems very popular, is this the price? the features? ease of operation? sound quality? id like to know.
Also, is there a worthwhile difference in sound quality between something like the X32 and a digital desk costing say £10,000 or more? or is the higher price more to do with facilities on offer, I/O etc?
My situation is this, I need lots of inputs, the most I can get in a reasonably sized package, the X32 has XLR only, that tends to put me off. It needs to have good effects, what desks are best in this respect?
And do certain digital desks have a signature sound, because if they all sound more or less the same, why choose one over another?

[adamburgess]

I've had an X32 rack for years. It sounds fine. Just does it's job really well, IMO.

Unfortunately, it died two days ago. Well known issue with the power supplies and this one will be getting it's third soon if I can't find one or do a quick fix. But, it has been on 24/7 for around 8 years. First in a smoky club then at home for the past 3.

It's silent in normal operation - no hiss or buzzes, even up as loud as I dare turn up my little Yammy monitors. The iPad and Mac apps works fine. MIDI implementation is a bit sparse, though OSC control is supposed to be great - but I've never took the time to learn the syntax. FX work for sure, but it would be better if tempo based stuff, for example, could be locked to MIDI. OSC can probably do it - maybe I'll learn one day!

The routing with the latest firmware is dead flexible. I've got 16 analogue XLR ins from a patchbay (just with a balanced jack to XLR loom) and returns from the Mac in channels 17-25 onwards over USB for monitors and headphone amps. Then they're sent out of the 8 XLR outs. But, you could use these for any outboard units…

With the full size X32, you do get 32 analogue ins and more outs, too.

You've also got 6 AUX in and outs on Jacks that can go anywhere.

An XR18 isn't that far behind if you don't need a ton of returns from a DAW. Sounds pretty similar to my fried ears. Although, I do like the basic control you get with the X32 Rack. Full size desk, is a bit limited in DAW control, but if it's mostly hardware, I think it's great.

[Arpangel]

Thanks a lot Adam, yes, a rack would be ideal, but I really do need those 32 inputs, it’s the main reason for doing this, and having a more compact set-up, less hardware, and more flexible effects routing.
I’ve been looking at the standard X32, and it doesn’t look too bad, on an operational level, even I think I could work it out!

[AdriaanPop]

Thanks a lot Adam, yes, a rack would be ideal, but I really do need those 32 inputs, it’s the main reason for doing this, and having a more compact set-up, less hardware, and more flexible effects routing.
I’ve been looking at the standard X32, and it doesn’t look too bad, on an operational level, even I think I could work it out!

X32 is a great mixer for the price. Has great onboard effects, routing options, expansion options, etc.

[Arpangel]

Thanks a lot Adam, yes, a rack would be ideal, but I really do need those 32 inputs, it’s the main reason for doing this, and having a more compact set-up, less hardware, and more flexible effects routing.
I’ve been looking at the standard X32, and it doesn’t look too bad, on an operational level, even I think I could work it out!

X32 is a great mixer for the price. Has great onboard effects, routing options, expansion options, etc.

I think I’m going to give this a go, I can rent one for a few days, I have a friend who can help me with that, I’ll just have to see how it goes.

[MarkOne]

Not sure what the price difference is these days but we've been using an Allen and Heath SQ5 for a few years now. 96Khz processing, some nice effects onboard and more you can buy From A&H, very easy to transition to from an analog background.

I really don't think digital desks have a signature sound in the same way that we think of analogue ones having. Think of them as computers with a Built in audio interface and a control surface. You don't expect a vastly different sound from a Focusrite or an RME, or a PreSounus, etc... Jut clean sampling and low noise conversion.

I mean, sure you have the mic preamps, but I think we're at the point now that it's not hard to build a very linear preamp with a noise floor well below that of human hearing, and pretty much everyone can do one that is more than good enough for mere mortals.

Just my 0.02 monetary units.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Groundhog day...

[Music Wolf]

Groundhog day...

Still, better than Groudloop Day

[Hugh Robjohns]

hmmmm....

[patrick.boulmier]

I bought a QSC TouchMix-30 Pro 32 channel mixer.
Simple for what I'am doing as a musician, DJ, sound engineer for small band.
6 Effects included, 10 Aux outs, NO FADERS, can be used with a tablet via Wifi.
A lot of usable presets for channel. usefull cut & paste.
Light and not so big.
I use it for 4 years now, love it.
Thanks and regards
Patrick

[forumuser840717]

Still, better than Groudloop Day

Except that once that's fixed one doesn't have to keep going through it!

[Hugh Robjohns]

[Arpangel]

I’m picking up an X32 this Friday, but I won’t be able to use it until next week, I’ll keep you posted.

[Hugh Robjohns]

I await with baited breath....

[The Elf]

And I await with an open book...

[Drew Stephenson]

I’m picking up an X32 this Friday, but I won’t be able to use it until next week, I’ll keep you posted.

All I'm going to say is, "Give yourself time". It's a different paradigm, don't expect to switch it seamlessly into your set-up.
Patience grasshopper...

[forumuser840717]

I await with baited breath....

Oooh! What are you hoping to catch?

[Folderol]

I await with baited breath....

Oooh! What are you hoping to catch?

{snigger} I wonder how we can abate this sort of thing.

[Arpangel]

I don’t know where it’s going to go, I haven’t even got room to get into my chair at the moment without knocking something over, not music stuff, my partner has her art materials down there, easels and stuff, it’s getting really bad.
I’m looking forward more than anything else, to having the extra inputs, as for the rest, my mind is open, I think.

[Music Wolf]

I’m looking forward more than anything else, to having the extra inputs, as for the rest, my mind is open, I think.

Please tell us that you are going to 'start slowly' and not fill up all of the inputs before you've got your head around how the new desk functions?

[Arpangel]

I’m looking forward more than anything else, to having the extra inputs, as for the rest, my mind is open, I think.

Please tell us that you are going to 'start slowly' and not fill up all of the inputs before you've got your head around how the new desk functions?

"I’mmmmmm goooiiinngg tooooo sssttttaaarrt sssslloooowwllly"

[shufflebeat]

I wonder what'll happen if you find yourself with more inputs than required.

(Question rhetorical, we know exactly what'll happen, I believe you can supplement your channel count with digital i/o box[es]).

[Arpangel]

I wonder what'll happen if you find yourself with more inputs than required.

(Question rhetorical, we know exactly what'll happen, I believe you can supplement your channel count with digital i/o box[es]).

You’ve spotted that one.
Yes, I’m worried about having more of everything, not just inputs, and whether it’ll be a bit OTT.

[Sam Spoons]

I wonder what'll happen if you find yourself with more inputs than required.

(Question rhetorical, we know exactly what'll happen, I believe you can supplement your channel count with digital i/o box[es]).

You’ve spotted that one.
Yes, I’m worried about having more of everything, not just inputs, and whether it’ll be a bit OTT.

It depends which X32 you are getting, The full sized X32 has physical inputs and outputs for every available channel*, the Compact, Producer and Rack have the same processing engine but fewer inputs and outputs so have spare channels to which remote I/O can be routed.

[Dave Rowles]

Wow...late to the party on this thread, but I really like my X32 Rack for sound and processing at the cost.

I noticed the question as to whether the sound quality goes up for the expense on live focused digital desks. The answer is yes, buuutttt...depends on what you're going to do with it.

The preamps are usually better and cleaner, but aside from the "midas" touch I wouldn't say there is a sound or a colour to the sound as you go up. What you do get is better effects, greater routing options, and...generally...greater reliability.

Until you get up to the big desks such as yamaha rivage, digico sd5/7 etc. Then you get a high grade portable studio in a desk.

But for us mere mortals on a budget, the X32 is good