Which small PA desk ? A+H Zed series, PA series ? other ?

[essexbasscat]

Hi all

I'm sizing up the market for a smaller dimension PA desk, one that would be suitable for those smaller to micro -size stages that we sometimes get lumbered with.
Something with 8 XLR inputs + four phono channels (making up a 12 channel desk) would be ideal, along with at least two outputs for monitors.

I already own a 16;2 Allen and Heath MixWizard desk which sounds just fine, especially with it's four band EQ. However, its' case is definately on the larger side, which just makes it physically too big for small stages.

Thinking around the smaller Allen and Heath desks, I've heard the Zed series are warm sounding, but only have three band EQ's. The PA series have the four band EQ that I like, but I haven't heard much about them in use.

I've heard a 12 channel Mackie desk with my speakers and frankly, it just demonstrated how much better the A +H desks are. The Mackie just sucked the quality out of the sound, while the MixWizard made the rig sound top quality.

My question is, can anyone recommend a relatively small sized desk of good quality ? doesn't have to be A+H, I'm keen to hear people's opinons of other makes too. Quality is definately a key factor however.

Thanks everyone

[essexbasscat]

Update;
- I've discovered Dynacord desks which a few people recommend, but we're talking £800.00 (ish) secondhand ! they would have to be substanially better than practically everything else to justify that many beer tokens.

Soundcraft any good ?

[nottswarwick]

How about a different case for the mix wiz?

We have one where it can be stood vertically in the floor if space is tight.

[essexbasscat]

[quote name='nottswarwick' timestamp='1387705124' post='2314617']
How about a different case for the mix wiz?

We have one where it can be stood vertically in the floor if space is tight.
[/quote]

Thanks for replying NW. Any piccys or links for the case ? I'm using a gator case at the moment, which allows tilting of the desk for connection

[nottswarwick]

We had it built. Basically it is a full flight case, where the long side comes off along with the end where the connectors are. We have the connector block at right angles to the desk. So, it can be stood vertically if laid flat.

[essexbasscat]

Y'know that's not a bad idea NW, it would make the mizward more user friendly.

Still wouldn't mind hearing about other decent quality small (ish) desks though .....

Anyone ?

[nottswarwick]

Yamaha MG series are good too. But I'd prefer the A and H route.

[bertbass]

Another vote for the Yamaha. Great mixer with a small footprint.