Behringer MXB1002 Eurorack 10-Channel Mixer

This thing is damn cute. The layout is very original, and having given it a good workout at some acoustic open-mic nights (changing the mix every 10 minutes), I'm very impressed with its versatility and sound quality for the buck. It disregards conventional channel strip formats in favor of cramming what you really need into the smallest package possible, so it takes some getting used to. However, in the case of the tiny pub this one works in, it couldn't be better suited.

The big perks are it's miniscule size, the inserts on the first two strips, the 3 strips with both mic preamps and stereo line inputs, and the stereo line strip instead of just a aux return. Since the pub uses mics that work fine on a flat EQ (Audix OM-3xb's), an electric acoustic guitar can piggy-back on one of the 3 hybrid strips using the guitar's built-in EQ, with separate gain controls on the strip, making it a true 8-input mixer, unlike anything in its size or price range.

But there is trouble in paradise:

The line inputs are configured for a +10dB input. That means all passive unbalanced instruments pretty much need an outboard preamp or DI. I wouldn't be surprised if the only amps in the board are the mic pres and headphone amp.

And speaking of unorthodox, the EQ frequencies are 50Hz, 700Hz, and 6kHz. Might as well roll the bass completely off for any live situation (for lack of a low cut switch), and you'll have trouble getting a screechy female vocal under control.

And although typically only high-end large diaphram mics need full 48V phantom power, this thing only puts out 23V, and 18V under battery power. So best pic your condenser mics accordingly. I'd recommend Audio Technicas, since they tend to be too hot with 48V.

All weirdness aside, it's the only sub-compact board of its kind, easily 3x as versatile as the Samson Mixpad 4. I plan to get one for myself for location recording. All that and battery operation too! I hope it's got a good headphone amp, because it's going to handle my computer audio routing as well.

For the price, this is ideal for small gigs with a vocal or two, and a guitar/keybord/etc.

Stereo w/monitor outs and FX sends makes this a great unit for corporate gigs and solo folks!

Sounds great, light and small, and much more appropriate for small gigs than my 24 channel boards.