PROs and CONs of Digital Audio Mixers in Schools and Churches
PROs:
- Digital mixers can usually be controlled with a tablet. You can set monitor levels from the stage or adjust from anywhere in the audience.
- Most have an app that’ll run on a computer so you can setup or modify settings without sitting at the mixer.
- You can save and recall pretty much everything! This is especially valuable in situations where multiple people operate the mixer or when you have to switch between different setups.
- Most have pretty much every kind of effect and processing built in. No more need for external racks full of EQ’s, compressors, gates, reverbs and delays.
- Internal routing is usually much more versatile than cable patch bays.
- There are rack-mounted versions for when space is limited.
- Most offer the ability to send and receive many channels via a single ethernet cable, making overall costs to buy and install much less than analog.
- Many offer an entire ecosystem of compatible devices and apps.
- Digital mixers offer the easiest way (by far) to give performers their own mix.
- There are apps to help you build scenes for theater productions.
CONs:
- The features and menu layouts can be extremely different between models and brands. This can make for a higher learning curve. Added versatility = added complexity.
What pros and cons have you noticed that I didn’t mention?
