Where to start with Digital Mixing Consoles

Where to start with Digital Mixing Consoles

Allen & Heath SQ Mixers

When it comes to small compact digital mixers, the Allen & Heath SQ-5 continues to be extremely popular with professional users in both the corporate and events world. The audio quality, and processing power plus the fact that the SQ-5 has a 19” rack-mount width, but it’s capable of processing 48 channels, makes it a real win-win console for sound engineers.

Midas M Series Mixers

A mainstay on the market is Midas’ M32R LIVE console, which continues to be extremely popular with its straightforward “analogue style” layout appealing to many users. Plus, with so many Midas M32 and M32R consoles out there, working hard in the field, almost every freelance engineer knows how to use them. The console is a great choice for venues that have a lot of travelling engineers passing through regularly.

Allen & Heath Avantis Console

The demands of the theatre world and the festival-scale gigs often dictate a need for a greater feature set and a large work surface, that smaller digital consoles can’t offer. However, as budgets don’t always allow for touring-grade consoles, Allen & Heath’s superb Avantis solves this issue. Offering up to 64 input channels, two gorgeous looking 15.6” full HD touchscreens and many Pro-Grade features, it’s a very affordable console for its class. The Avantis is now becoming the go-to for both theatres and live event companies.

Midas HD96-24 Console

For larger scale and mission-critical events where compromises can’t be made, few consoles can match Midas’ stunning, flagship HD96 console. Arguably one of the best-sounding digital consoles ever developed, the HD96 offers 144 input channels, 123 Mix Busses and up to 96 effects. Sporting a massive 21” touchscreen, it’s possibly got one of the best-looking displays you’re likely to see on a digital console.

Allen & Heath dLive Consoles

Another great choice for larger-scale or pro-end events is Allen & Heath’s dLive series. It’s been out in the field for over 8 years now and continues to grow in popularity. A robust feature set, great workflow and ultra-flexible architecture make dLive a highly requested console, suited to everything from rigorous touring, festivals and installations in prestigious live venues.

Yamaha DM Mixers

In addition, Yamaha’s high-end DM range of digital consoles is expected to make a big impact. The DM7 offers 120 channels, 48 mix busses, 32 local analogue inputs, and 28 faders. The DM7C COMPACT version can handle 72 channels with 16 faders and local inputs. Both models boast impressive processing power, with powerful channel strips and a wide range of plug-ins and effects for various applications. For added functionality and tactile controls, an innovative DM7 Control expansion controller can be purchased separately and attached to the end of a DM7 console.

The Yamaha DM3 digital mixer is a highly compact and versatile mixer that packs a punch. Despite its small size, it is equipped with professional-grade features, making it ideal for smaller corporate events and similar occasions.

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Additional Reading

Audio Resource Page – Here you’ll find resources for the audio equipment we sell and distribute.

*Please note, in certain countries these products may not be available from A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd (AC-ET). The rights and ownership of all trademarks are recognised. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct, AC-ET accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Technical specifications and data are provided for guidance only. Because manufacturers constantly aim to improve their products, they reserve the right to amend or alter at any time and without prior notice, the specifications of any product. E&OE.