Powered Mixers

[Alien]

So here's the story. I'm getting fed up with my current PA setup. I currently carry mixer, power amp, Alesis Nanoverb, patch leads etc. and I'm looking to replace it with an all in one unit. Nothing fancy required, as it's just used for vocals most of the time, with keys, drums and background music sometimes. Here's what I'm after spec-wise:

Desk style, [b]not[/b] mixer amp/pod style.
At least 6 mic inputs (preferably more) plus a couple of stereo channels.
2x300 Watt RMS @ 4 Ohms minimum - again more is better.
Built in effects - nothing fancy needed here, just some reverb and maybe a bit of chorus, but if there's more that's OK.
At least 2 Aux sends (in addition to any internal FX sends), more is better, switchable pre/post fader is good too.
Protective cover.
19" rack mountable might be useful, though not immediately.
And finally - the budget. Gotta be less than £400, preferably considerably less.

Can anyone recommend anything that fits the bill? I've got a couple in mind at the moment, but I don't want to influence anyone, so I'm keeping quiet - hopefully one or more of you might confirm that I'm thinking along the right lines.

Thanks in advance

Andy

[stingrayfan]

I wouldn't buy their bass stuff, but Behringer's pretty good for this sort of thing. We've gigged one of their mixers for a few years now and it's been good. This one [url="http://www.bluearan.co.uk/menu/index.php?id=BEHPMP3000&product=Behringer_Europower_PMP3000_Powered_Mixer_(PMH3000)&browsemode=category"]here[/url] could fit the bill.

[Alun]

I'll check what we're using in my local jazz club, I know it's a Yamaha powered desk but not sure on the model. Am playing there on Wednesday so will try and find out.

Cheers,
Alun

[obbm]

I used to have a Soundcraft Powerstation 600. Excellent and "British EQ" to boot. They can be got for a reasonable wedge.

[Alien]

Good stuff guys - keep those suggestions coming!

Andy

[Alien]

OK, so I've pretty much got it down to a shortlist of one.

Having looked at Behringer (cheap, but not flexible enough), Samson (quite expensive for what you get, and not a brilliant rep), Yamaha (built like a tank, but you pay for it), and Peavey (used one before - it was always OK, but never anything special, and really heavy), I've pretty much decided on the Phonic Powerpod 1860 Plus.
It's got the Aux sends, onboard FX, plenty of power (measured at sensible levels of distortion too, none of this peak power lark!), 8 mic inputs, and the amp stage can be switched between Main L/R, Mono Main/Aux 1, Aux 1/Aux 2 and Bridged Mono. And it's under £400 [url="http://www.stagebeat.co.uk/P/8559/POWERPOD+1860+PLUS+POWERED+MIXER"]here[/url].

Anyone had any experience of this fella? I've used Phonic stuff before and it's always sounded OK, if not outstanding, and has been pretty reliable in the past - anyone had any bad experience with them?

Andy

[colda]

Never used Phonic stuff myself but a Sound Reinforcement list that I'm on all concur that it's a big pile of doggy do do's - but as I said, never touched the stuff myself although have heard enough to make me not want to.

I understand where you're coming from with a need to minimise, I put on gigs at a local venue and have to bring the PA rig with me each week, bass bins, tops, 10u rack for FOH amps and other rack gear, 3u rack for monitor amp, eq and feedback killer, 5 monitors, 16-8-16 studiomaster mixer plus all stands, mics, cables etc, etc. Filling a Toyota Previa (and the boot of an Escort).

[chris_b]

A lot of guys I play with use Dynacord Powermate powered mixers. They are a seriously good one box solution!