I'm looking at getting a mixer for multi-mic interview shoots I do. The ones I've been looking at have a lot of extra stuff that I don't need but they also have the things that are absolutely essential, which are:

- detailed VU meters
- EQ (preferably 3 band)
- XLR I/O
- phantom power

I found a Shure ENG mixer that had 3 XLR ins, 2 XLR outs and two VU meters but it was over $2,000. The ones I'm looking at are in the $100-150 range.

Here's what I've got my eye on:

Yamaha MG10-2
Info: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=274465&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
Hi-res pic: http://www.umenaka.com/digital/rec.picbig/mg10-4.50.JPG
$99 US

Samson MDR624
Info: http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1730&brandID=2
Hi-res pic: http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAMM04/Content/Samson/PR/MDR624-lg.jpg
$109 US

Tapco Blend 6 (by Mackie)
Info: http://www.tapcoworld.com/products/blend6/index.html
Hi-res pic: http://www.tapcoworld.com/scripts/showimage.html?u=/products/blend6/images/ZOOMED_Blend6.jpg
$99 US

Behringer UB1204 Pro
Info: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=264886&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
Hi-res pic: http://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/e-gakkinet/img10071271894.jpeg
$149


So far, I'm leaning towards the Behringer because it's the only one with XLR outs (they're on the back). My friend says that they aren't the greatest boards but it's fairly basic work I need them for. A little big, though.

All except the Behringer are in the $99-109 range but I have no problem paying the extra cash if it means I'll get a better product.

Has anyone used any of these or anything similar? I've searched the site and found some info but figured this might be a good resource for anyone in the same boat as I am.


-mark

Based on functionality, I would go with the UB1204-Pro because it has sliding faders for the inputs. This is an important function for using more than two mics in close proximity for a multi-person interview. It also has a built-in power supply, which is much more convenient, although could mean more noise inside the mixer if it isn't implemented well. This model is also on sale at some online vendors for $120.
I can't comment on the audio quality of any of these specific units. I do have a Yamaha MG 12/4 and a Peavey PV-6. Both of them have satisfactory sound quality although the preamps aren't as clean as my Mackie mixers.

Thanks for your reply, Jay. I'm still thinking the Behringer so I'll probably pick it up sometime by the end of the month.

I like my Mackie 1202. 4 really high quality mic. channels and so many different ways of conifguring audio connections. I have heard it called the Swiss Army knife of audio...

Cheers.

I'll concur with Geoff - either the Mackie 1202 VLZ or the 1220 Onyx. The 1202 would be a far better value than any on the list even though it's double the cost of the Behringer.

I am always glad to see a Mackie 1206 in the field, There are multiple ways to connect into their output. When you are sharing feeds this is important. They have rather a high s/n ratio, but for the price they are a winner.

I meant 1202.