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Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | The girls will be playing a bookstore gig (Bogart's Books, Millville NJ) in 12 days. They have a small amp with one mic input and one instrument input. The girls will have two guitars and two mics, plus a keyboard on some songs.
Rentals are outrageously expensive. So, the thought is to buy an inexpensive mixer that will run everything into the one amp.
Just wanted to run this past the experienced members to see if there are any hidden problems making this a terrible idea. The only other option is to buy a small amp, like a micro-cube, and use that for two guitars. |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Perfectly viable solution, assuming that you know how to operate a mixer correctly, specifically in setting up the gain structure to zero dB (unity gain) You'd need to experiment with which input to use, though the line (instrument) input will probably be the best bet. Also, run the amp master volume flat-out and control levels from the mixer channel faders. |
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September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | Either solution is viable. A small mixer can be had relatively cheap, or if you watch, you can find a keyboard or combo amp with 4 or 5 inputs (like the Carvin AG100D for example) that will allow for the hookups and still provide decent sound. Another alternative is to watch for an older 4 or 6 channel powered mixer by Peavey or Sunn. For what you are describing, they would be adequate and cheap and there really isn't much set up to them.
If you get a Mackie, Yamaha or something fancy, then the learning curve goes up. Sometimes simple is better (i.e. the Bose L1 I just went to...expensive, but easy). |
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November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | A small mixer may be the cheapest solution, but another small amp with two inputs would be the most flexible solution....of those two.
I would choose 2 or three more amps, but I'm always expecting something to break down. |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | The small mixer would be perfect, and good practice for when they play more gigs. So might as well start now.
You'll a need a mixer with an xlr input for the vox, and three instrument inputs. You'll be able to find one for less than $125. I like Alesis.
The four inputs would be good because you can be all set up. Output would of course go to whatever amp your using. Practice at home a couple of times using it and setting the levels, then ask if you could come in the day before to test your levels.
Only problem I foresee is do you have enough time to get the mixer and be comfortable with it?
Might as well get the mixer and the micro cube. You'll need the mixer eventually.
It'll be fun. |
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October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Watch Craigslist locally. I am constantly seeing Mixers and PA's for sale. Back in March I picked up an 8 year old Yorkville system 8 channel 320 watt 2 speakers with stands a Monitor and 3 50 ft cables for $400.00. Works perfectly!! I think I got a real good deal. |
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October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | Update, I bought a Behringer 6 input mixer at the local GC for the crazy price of $59. It seems to be just what we'll need, except that one of the LED meters is fubar'd. The sales lady pretty much said that if I bought one of the made in China mixers of any manufacturer that I'd be back to return it.
The sound quality is really very good running all our different instruments through it into an acoustic amp. Low noise and adequate eq control. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | ". . assuming that you know how to operate a mixer correctly, specifically in setting up the gain structure to zero dB (unity gain) . ."
Paul I can't TELL you how much that little min-seminar that you did at the FrickinMermaid has helped me!! (in both live applications, and recording) ThanksAgain!!
Is it possible to post an "overview" (either here or in StephenT's "Recording" Group on the OtherSide)??
I think a lot of people here could benefit from it . . . |
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October 2005
Posts: 5332
Location: Bluffton, SC | That's a GREAT idea! |
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Posts: 4413
| Yeh! Post it or I'm bringing JW round to your island. |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Josh White is living with you? And all these years I thought he was dead.
...course, threatening Temp with a dead guy would be a more credible threat... |
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Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Will do. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | being that Paul's neighbor is the island's undertaker (and the "embalming shed" is out back), there's dead guy's stacked like cord-wood . . .
they make EXcellent "wheel chocks" in the driveway! . . . |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Originally posted by cliff:
Is it possible to post an "overview" (either here or in StephenT's "Recording" Group on the OtherSide)??
I think a lot of people here could benefit from it . . . Your wish is my command. Done. On the Ning.
Susan's gone to visit her mom, I'm bored and I forgot to go to the liquor store. |
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October 2005
Posts: 5332
Location: Bluffton, SC | Cool. Just for that I'll run for you, Paul.
'Course, knowing your taste in Merlot, I'm gonna drink it too.
Seriously, many thanks for all the tips you contribute. They're priceless to hacks like me. |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | That's excellent, Paul. Thanks. |
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November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Just read it. Excellent (as expected) and thanks so much Paul. |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Great stuff Paul and a perfect example of how we can start compiling some great information into a single area both for immediate use and archival retrieval! |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | WellDone!! |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Where's the link? |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | (That was sarcasm)
. . .
(join the group) |
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A quick check on using a mixer