Extron MIX 301 three Channel Line Level Mixer

While stripping a client’s place of his old equipment, I happened to come across two of these Extron MIX 301 three-channel line-level mixers. According to Extron, The Extron MIX 301 Three Channel Audio Mixer combines three line level mono audio sources into a single line level mono output. It accepts balanced or unbalanced input signals, and provides a balanced or unbalanced output. The MIX 301 accommodates input sources with various impedances. Three recessed input gain controls on the front panel enable adjustment of mix levels from -80 dB to +20 dB. This will be very useful if I need to combine three inputs into one…like what I require for my Yamaha MG82cx mixer. There are 4 XLR inputs but after I use two for my stereo input from my DJ controller, use up one for my microphone, there is only one balanced input left to use. This is where this one will come in and I bet that it will work just fine. Plus its small size makes it very portable indeed!

Yamaha Stagepas 1K

As you all probably know, if you have been reading my blog that is, I have the Yamaha Stagepas 500 that I bought almost 10 years ago. It is still going strong and while I do admit that I have not been using it for any shows lately, I still love it. I was always hoping for an improvement to the Stagepas line and not long after I bought my Stagepas 500, Yamaha released the Stagepas 600i. After some years, I asked some Yamaha engineers and sales people in 2016 if there was going to be any new updates to the Stagepas line. They said that they were working on something and it should be out soon. That soon came some time back and this is what came out…the Yamaha Stagepas 1K

When I saw this Stagepas that Yamaha created, I was sick to the stomach. I do not know WHY people think that vertical line-arrays like these are the greatest things ever. According to Yamaha, this new Stagepas is a 1000W PA system with 5 channel mixer, 12” subwoofer, 1.5” x10 line array speaker, a Bluetooth input, SPX digital reverbs and 1knob EQ and multi band comp for master output. Features-wise this is what it has:

• 1000W (HF:190W+LF:810W) power output
• Biggest in the class 12” subwoofer for low frequency
• 1.5” x10 slim line array speaker for high frequency
• Digital mixer (3 mono mic/line + 1 stereo line)
• Multi band comp “mode” for master output
• 1-knob EQ for per channel
• High resolution SPX digital reverbs (4types, parameter control)
• 2x Hi-Z (high impedance) inputs
• Link out and monitor out
• Dedicated cover included
• Optional reverb foot switch
• Optional dolly for more portability

Like I said, I was very disappointed in this release by Yamaha. If Yamaha was releasing this to compete with the Electro-Voice Evolve series, let us just say that they made a big blunder. This thing has got no power and cannot “throw” the sound because it has no horns. Plus it is on the floor and cannot be suspended on stands like the previous iterations. No matter what, you just cannot beat physics. Yes Yamaha, I am disappointed with this release. Your Stagepas systems had so much going for them but this release of yours is just not making it. Bring back the traditional Stagepas please. This design sucks.

Mackie 402VLZ4 analogue mixer

I have not ruled out the possibility of getting this tiny Mackie 402VLZ4 mixer for my arsenal of tools. It is small and it will be very handy for shows. For one, it looks like it is more sturdily built than the Yamaha MG06, it’s almost direct competitor. Also, the stereo inputs look like they can take balanced or unbalanced inputs, which is perfect for those smaller controllers. In any case, it’s most notable features are:

• Amazingly rugged analog mixer with two microphone preamplifiers and one stereo channel
• Onyx mic preamps offer up to 60dB of gain for great performance with any mic
• Ultra-low-noise performance gives you clean, clear sound
• High-resolution stereo meters give you fast, easy visual indication of your signal levels
• Sealed rotary controls resist dust and grime

The thing I like about this are the input knobs. As described in the features above, they are less likely to be contaminated by dust and grime that are the bane of linear faders. But the thing that is a bit of a turn-off for me is the LOW and HI equalization knobs because there are no mids. But then again, this rather inexpensive mixer needs to sacrifice something for cost and real estate space so that is not really much of a choice there. There is no EQ for the solitary stereo input channel either. But what this mixer lacks, it makes up in portability. I am toying with the idea of getting one but I already have my Yamaha MG82cx. And like the MG82cx, the outputs are TRS balanced.

So will I get it? Probably not. But it is a great little mixer and all DJs and emcees should have one of these in their arsenal.

Laney AH210 portable PA system

I happened to come across this yesterday while browsing the Internet. It seems that Laney are also in the portable PA game, with a setup that looks very much like the JBL EON 210p that I wrote about some time back. From the picture, those woofers like like they can really dish out loud volume but then again, looks can be deceiving. So let us get down with what this offering from Laney is

Apparently, The AH210 is Laney’s compact solution (look familiar?) to portable PA. This offering from Laney consists of two speaker enclosures equipped with a 10″ woofer and 1″ compression driver each. These speakers are connected to a clip-off 6 channel mixer with an on-board Digital Media Player capable of taking an SD card or a USB memory stick and Bluetooth to allow audio streaming from any Bluetooth equipped audio device. Now THAT, in my mind, is pretty good. The AH210 6 channel mixer features four XLR mic inputs and two phone-line level inputs. Each channel features Bass, Treble and Echo controls. The mixer section also has RCA inputs, plus a stereo AUX in, a monitor feed and RCA outputs.

Specifications-wise, this is what this AH210 has to offer:

• Integrated 6 channel mixer
• 2 x 400 watts
• 35mm pole stand fitting
• Neat Clip of storage compartment for cables
• Phantom power
• Clip off 6 Channel mixer
• Play music Via USB or Memory Stick
• Lightweight and portable
• Integrated MP3 player
• Item dimensions: 490mm x 315mm x 312mm (HWD)
• Carton dimensions: 555mm x 635mm x 365mm (HWD)
• Item weight: 18.70kg

Remember I said in the beginning that the speakers look beefy? Well, they must be to handle 2 x 400 watts. That is not too bad for this unit. Also, the built-in player is a plus. The Stagepas 500 that I have does not have that and I have to hook it up to a separate sound source for that. All in all, it looks pretty good.

TRS to XLR balanced cable made from leftovers

A couple of days ago, I had half-an-hour to kill before meeting up with a client. So I went through my parts box and found a couple of leftover 1/4″ TRS phone plugs and a couple of male XLR connectors. Also present was some surplus Kramer cable. So I fired up my soldering iron and in 30 minutes, I had a couple of 1.5 metre balanced cables for my Yamaha MG82cx mixer. Not too bad really. Spares cables are always useful!

Soundcraft Notepad 5

This is the Soundcraft Notepad 5. Looks like they took a leaf out of the Yamaha book when it comes to small, personal mixers. This looks exactly like the Yamaha MG06 that I reviewed some time back. Only difference is this one only has one XLR input instead of two like the Yamaha. the rest of the info is all self-explanatory. You can check it out here or watch the video below

Mackie 802VLZ4

I am seriously thinking of getting this mixer to replace my old Yamaha MG82cx. There is nothing wrong with my Yamaha mixer but I feel that this Mackie 802VLZ4 has got more options when it comes to the number of balanced inputs that I require for some shows. I realised that when I did a show fairly recently and I found that the sound was lacking and also the lack of balanced inputs were causing me issues. This Mackie 802VLZ4 has got more options and I think that it will serve me better. I did a post some time back on the previous generation of this mixer and the specs are pretty much the same. This mixer is gonna cost me about $300 but I think it will be worth it

Behringer EUROPORT EPS500MP3

Take a look at this offering from Behringer…the EPS500MP3. Look familiar? It should. I knew that it was only a matter of time before Behringer ripped off the very popular Yamaha Stagepas Series. Then again, isn’t that what Behringer is known for? But no matter. Let us have a look at this offering from Behringer. These are the features:

• Ultra-compact 8-channel PA system with dual speakers and detachable 500 Watt powered mixer
• Enormous power, incredible sonic performance, and super-lightweight
• Mixer can be used either while installed in the speaker or detached for easy positioning and access
• High-performance MP3 player included to play audio files via USB stick
• Studio-grade stereo reverb adds finishing touch to your sound
• “Wireless-ready” for high-quality BEHRINGER digital wireless system (not included)
• Broadcast-like Voice-Over-Priority Function dims music when microphones are used
• Extremely powerful 8” woofers and 1” compression transducers for incredible sound reproduction
• 8-channel mixer section features 4 mic/line and 2 stereo channels
• 4 high-quality mic preamps with switchable +48 V phantom power for condenser microphones
• Effective and extremely musical 2-band EQ on all channels
• Music/Speech switch to set overall system equalization
• Auto limiter prevents overload damage to power amplifier and speakers
• Storage compartment available for microphone, cables and accessories (2 x 6.1m (20′) speaker cables included)
• Integrated stand mounting with 35-mm pole socket
• Switching power supply for maximum flexibility, noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy savings

Therein lies the differences folks. First of all, compared with the 500-watt Yamaha offering with 10″ speakers, these ones come with only 8″ speakers. Also, it comes with a USB in, so it looks like you can play music from an MP3 thumb drive or something like that. But other than that, it has the same protective rails as the Yamaha. It has almost the same mixer layout as the Yamaha. The mixer is detachable, like the Yamaha. One of the speaker cabinets has a compartment in the rear for storing cables, just like the Yamaha. This is the mixer below:

It has been said that a picture paints a thousand words. I will leave it to you all to see if that is true or not.

Price-wise, it will definitely be a lot cheaper than the Stagepas. The Yamaha Stagepas series is not that expensive…but it there is quality in the build. I have not tried out this offering from Behringer so I cannot vouch for its quality. You can read up about this EPS500MP3 here.

Yamaha MG16XU as house mixer for an event

I was doing an event a couple of days back and the lounge that I set up my equipment was using this Yamaha MG16XU as their main house mixer. I am no stranger to the Yamaha MG-series of mixers and this one held the fort very well and I was very pleased with the sound. The lounge has a live band and this mixer is more than sufficient for them to handle the inputs of their equipment as they are an acoustic band. Specifications and features of the mixer are:

• D-PRE mic preamps deliver clean, transparent, and natural sound
• 3-band EQ on all mono channels for sound-shaping
• 1-knob compressors provide straightforward dynamics control
• Class-compliant USB 2.0 for recording and playback with computers and tablets
• SPX effect processors provide you with a comprehensive suite of 24 effects
• Pad switch on mono inputs for managing loud sources
• Metal chassis for durability

Good , reliable and basic analogue mixer that does the job well. What more can you ask for?

QSC GX7 power amplifier

I was using this for an event some time last year. I remember that the event was a success and the sound was loud and punchy. It was partly credited to this lovely QSC GX7 amplifier that were powering the two main speakers. Now in the past, I have never been an advocate, of sorts, to these QSC GX series amplifiers but I am a convert now. I have installed these amplifiers in a couple of places and I can safely say that these amplifiers can really push their power well and handle their jobs with ease. This GX7 for instance. Both channels driven, it can put out 725 watts of power into 8 ohms. Into 4 ohms, it can put out 1000 watts. Not too bad really. As for connectors, there are XLR, 1/4″ TRS for balanced connections, and phono for unbalanced connections. Features-wise? Here you go:

• Power levels matched to the most popular speakers used by entertainers
• Optimized for maximum real-world headroom into 4- and 8-ohm speaker systems
• Inputs: XLR, 1/4″ TRS and phono input connectors for compatibility with any source
• Outputs: Speakon® combo accepts 1/4″ (TS) plugs or Speakon 2- and 4-pole plugs (connects 2 poles only). Binding posts support all other speaker wiring systems
• Minimum depth chassis (10.1″ / 257 mm) fits in compact, inexpensive effects racks
• Lightweight – GX3 and GX5 less than 26 lb (12.5 kg). GX7 only 15.5 lb (7 kg)*
• Detented gain controls for precise setting and matching of sensitivity
• GuardRail™ automatically protects the amplifier and loudspeakers from damage due to temperature rise or overdrive without shutting down the show
• Front panel LEDs monitor power, signal, and clipping
• Subwoofer/satellite crossover built-in

I am still used to the Yamaha amplifiers that I have used for many installs and even Yamaha have come out with some good ones recently. But given the fact that these from QSC are really good, it has been making me think twice about which amp I should be getting.