New mixing desk and multicore

For some time now, we've been thinking about the best option for a new mixing desk and multicore. Our requirement is simple: increase our fun in playing. Since fun is a bit vague, I can break this down into smaller requirements:

• we like each instrument to be amplified, so we need at least 24 inputs (preferable 32).
• we like to have at least 4 monitor groups
• we like to have compressors and full 4-band PEQ available on each channel
• we like to have some nice effects (at least short reverb, long reverb and tap-delay)
• we like to have a tablet control option, so Frank and Gijs can walk around changing things
• we do not like to spend much time setting up the system (building the FOH, running the snake)
• we do not like to spend much time non-quality time on the soundcheck (for example by spending minutes tweaking the setting of one violin, this is really no fun)
• we do not like to bring extra cars or vans for all the new gear we like to buy
• we do not like to claim much space on the dancing floor for our FOH
• we like computers, but do not like windows
• we like a reliable system 
• we do not like to go to a renting company every time we want to use the system, this wastes time and probably a lot of space (renting companies make sure their systems are protected by very big flightcases
• we like a digital system with complete recall of every setting (also gains)

 There are some things we decided we do not care about

• we do not care about rider compatibility. We are not a renting company, we do not provide sound for festivals, etc. When we do decide to provide sound (because we like the festival, or the bands playing there), the people hiring us will know exactly what we'll bring and how we work.
• we do not care enough about having a very big mixing desk. Of course we would like one that has 48 faders, dedicated knobs for each function and still be fully digital. But we do not like the bring an extra van, we do not like to spend time setting it up, we do not like to run a multicore from stage to the mixer (even when it is just one cat5 cable). 
• we do not care for Return Of Investment. We will use the system perhaps 15 times a year, so this will no way be a sound investment when comparing this to renting. As long as we are having fun, and the costs are not too much, it will be ok.

In our budget (up to around 7000 euro), there are three brands that offer digital systems that are recalling all settings (including gains): Roland, Allen & Heath and Yamaha. I've spend much time contemplating mixing using only a tablet, inspired by the videos of Steve Pattison (part 1, part 2). This would be a very nice solution, as it would bring down the amount of stuff to fit in the cars and would bring down the time to set everything up.

About us

photo by Martin Bosker / Slightly-tilted

This blog will document our journey in the wonderful world of sound engineering. We are a folk band name The Gonnagles and are with 12 people playing (current count) cajons, other percussion, bass, cello, guitar, harp, accordion, button accordion, clarinet, trumpet, flugelhorn, saxophone, flute, violins, alto-violin and four vocals. We only play for fun, since there is no real money to be made with so many people. This means that we spend the money we make on things that increase our fun.

Sound engineering is an important aspect of our fun. With good sound, we have nice gigs and everybody is happy. Also, Gijs, Edwin, Jan and Frank are (part-time) sound engineers, which gives us many options. First, Gijs and Frank will be doing Front of House sound by alternating each other, so they also get to play some songs wit the band. Second, we have the ability to invest in sound equipment that allows us to play gigs we think are fun to do without any problems with the equipment that is or is not available.




We've recently invested in many nice microphones (the violins now play with DPA 4099 for example), and invested in a very cool speaker system (I'll write about this some other time). However, the cabling, multicore, mixer and outboard are of bad quality and can no longer meet our expectations. This means that we are now thinking really hard on a quality replacement that gives us the most fun in playing and using. We are also thinking really hard on new cabling for the stage, using a mixture of stage snakes and new XLR cables.

This blog will document our attempts, failures and successes in our journey to good sound and fun gigs. It might contain some information that is useful to other bands and engineers. It will certainly help us to keep track of what we are trying to do.