I am looking to upgrade, but a progeny who has expertise with mixing sound says - "dad, stay away from the cheap boards". Boards that are under a $150, or names like Behringer.
So as of 2024, what kind of board is everyone using for their station? Or are you using anything at all?
Ok, I can ask kiddo, and he's given suggestions, but I'd like to know what already works well for you. Presumably I can buy something decent and used too.
This is the topics I wanted to post a month ago while having trouble logging on!
Haven't bought a new one yet and hope for some advice.
I believe most radio stations would want an imposing looking audio mixer, since it forms kind of a control hub for the atmosphere and kind of says "IMPORTANT RADIO CONTROL CENTER". But at KDX we are cramped for space because we live in a homeless tent under a bridge (hyperbole), so I love this very small ultra compact but very professional mixer which is expandable.
@carl-blare Don't know about imposing. I started out with one of those on loan and it was taken back by its owner. Shopping new at B&H is out of my league. Although your device second hand in good shape would be good. I was thinking 8 - 12 channels. I did see a rack mounted one I really like.
Which, by the way, I have imminent plans to put the gear on a rack for space saving purposes.
I think I found my RDL Mixer on Amazon for a much reduced price. It may have been used, but in perfect condition.
At the risk of not sounding professional, I use a Steinberg DAC (a CL something or other, I believe, not in front of it right now) combined with my computer. 2 1/4 inch microphone inputs with phantom power, 2 1/4 inch outputs, XLR inputs & outputs, RCA In & Out. I also use microphone preamps (that plug directly into the microphone & are powered by the phantom power) when necessary (although usually not, as there is some amplification in the DAC).
I also have a Behringer USB desktop microphone that sounds better than most other microphones I've tried. It's my go to. So you can't always discount off name brands.
Edit: It's a CI1, I also have a traditional 2 microphone mixer as well. Both were picked up at thrift shops, seemingly brand new. You don't have to pay big bucks to get something decent (although I suppose everyone's definition of 'decent' is different).