Mixing Consoles > Mixing Consoles For Larger Church Systems
Mixing Consoles For Larger Church Systems
Allen & Heath GL2400 Series Mixers (12 - 32 channels)
The Allen & Heath GL2400-32 is a very good 32 channel, expandable stereo mixer. All of the channels accept microphone and auxiliary inputs with a switch to select between inputs and individual volume controls for main, and auxiliary 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 outputs. The auxiliary controls can be switched to pre or post-fade operation. There is also a 100Hz high pass filter and EQ defeat switch for each channel. The GL2400-32 configuration has 30 mono channels plus two mono/stereo channels. With this you could connect up to 32 microphones, a stereo tape deck and a stereo CD player. Each channel also has its own four band equalizer. Two of the bands on each of the mono channels have sweep. The unit provides separate mixes for main speakers (stereo), and monitors. There are also five other mixes which could be used for other outputs such as tape recording and distribution speakers. In this manner it functions as seven mixers in one.
Each
microphone channel has independent switchable phantom power for
condenser microphones plus a trim control, a four LED VU meter with
a peak indicator, a mute button with an indicator LED and a Pre
Fade Listen button for individual channel monitoring. Each of the
mono channels also has an insert jack for adding a processor or
taking a feed for multi-track recording, etc.
As well as the auxiliary, left, right, and mono outputs, there are four sub-groups. These can be used to mix the instruments separately from the vocals, or as separate sends to other speakers in the building. The GL2400 series has also added a 7 x 4 output matrix. This provides a great deal of output flexibility.
Being a British board, it has world renowned British EQ. Studio
and live sound technicians around the world prefer the British tone
controls because of the way they are tapered. This controls the
sound in a better way than American and other technologies.
The GL2400 series comes in 12, 16, 24 and 32 channel versions. Because it has the SYS-LINK option, you can expand it by bridging it with another GL4200 or any other Allen & Heath mixer which also has this option.
Soundcraft GB4 Series Mixers (12-40 channels)
A step up from the GL2200 series is the new Soundcraft GB4. The Soundcraft GB4 is a sturdy, versatile professional stereo mixer that comes with the option of 12, 16, 24, 32, and 40 channels. Each channel accepts microphone and 1/4" inputs. There are individual volume controls for the main and the auxiliary 1 - 8 outputs. The auxiliary controls 1 - 4 are Pre-Fade and 5 - 8 can be switched between pre- and post-fade operation. There is also a 100Hz High Pass Filter and a four band equalizer section with two frequency sweep dials. This equalizer section can be switched on and off. The signal from each channel can be routed to the L-R mix, the C(mono) bus, and Group(s) 1&2 and 3&4 via the PAN control dial and push buttons. The GB4 configuration also includes two mono/stereo channels. With this you could connect up to 38 microphones, a stereo tape deck, and a stereo CD player. Each stereo channel also has its own four band equalizer. The unit provides separate mixes for main speakers (stereo), and monitors. There is also an output matrix which routes the Groups, Main L, R, and C(mono) signal to remote locations. Each Matrix level can feed to four separate outputs controlled by rotary dials.
The GB4 also has 4 programmable mutes to help make live mixing easier and smoother. Simply program any combination of channels you may want muted such as certain instruments or microphones.
Each microphone channel has independently switchable phantom power for condenser microphones plus a trim control, peak indicator LED, mute button with indicator LED, and Pre Fade Listen button with indicator LED for individual channel monitoring. Each of the mono channels also has an insert jack for adding a processor or taking a feed for multi- track recording, etc.
There are four sub-groups which can be used to mix the instruments separately from the vocals, or as separate sends to other speakers in the building. The unit is simple to operate but has the flexibility required to do professional theatre quality sound.
The GB4 uses high quality pre-amps which deliver extremely open frequency response and phase linearity. The equalizer also allows you to specifically tailor your sound to the exact way you want and the dials and faders have smooth response.
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