[SML] Upgrading audio mixer

[Jeffrey Kanyuck]

I would suggest you look at PreSonus, also. They are running through the end of April an offer for a free SL-AVB-MIX option card when you fill out a rebate card. The board might not offer everything you need all at once, but, what it does have might be worth it to you.
Jeff Kanyuck
Harford Community College

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Bill Nelson via Stagecraft
Subject: [SML] Upgrading audio mixer
Our local theatre is finally willing to spend a bit of money to get a decent audio mixer - the current one was designed for studio use, not in a theatre, and is a pain to use.
The theatre has 10 wireless mikes and is unlikely to get any more. Sometimes we have a few musical instruments for musicals. We keep two CD players plugged in. Budget appears to be in the $2500 - $3000 range.
I would like to drag the theatre into current gear if possible so am looking at relatively inexpensive digital boards, with all their configuration/patching flexibility. One advantage is the built in processing, since the theatre does not have any.
I want a board where I can set it up and then novices can treat it as a basic analog board (basically push faders and leave most everything else alone).
So far, the best match I have found is the Allen & Heath QU 24. It appears to be fairly easy to configure and I can get it for about $2900.
Any pro/con comments?
Bill