[BC] Console suggestions

[Glen Kippel]

On Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 6:54 PM, Tom <Radiofreetom at gmail.com> wrote:

> but... but... but... then it wouldn't be RADIO!!!!!!!!
>
> GOTTA have a console!
>
> Besides, using a live console helps eliminate latency when doing a live
> show.
>
> I saw somewhere recently a small, portable mixer that includes a USB
> input/output; mutes the monitor when the mics are open, etc.  Six channels.
>  Less than 12" wide, IIRC, and at or under $1500.
>
> If I find it again, or if someone else knows what this is....
>
> -----------


Perhaps a Dynamax MXA six-channel board at around $3000 would do the trick.
But one question is, just how many channels do you need?  How many busses?
The Audioarts R-60 at KWXY has umpteen input pots on it and 3 stereo busses
plus cue.  We use -- let's see -- five inputs on a regular basis.  And only
one output bus.  OK, explain to me why do we need all those pretty faders
and illuminated buttons?  How to justify the expense?  I like a modular
board for the fact that having a spare module or two on hand is good for
backup, and I like having a bigger mainframe that allows me to put the
modules where they fall most readily to hand.  But we are no longer dealing
with anywhere from 3 to 6 cart machines and a few CD players.  That's why I
say you can have as many mic processors as you need, adjust the levels on
them, use a passive combiner to mix them with the automation output, hang a
couple of VU meters on the output and be done with it.  And that's why I say
that a console is just a tradition and not a necessity.