ISO small mixer (vocal & keys) w/ FX loop

[PianoMan51]

I’m looking for a new mixer. Basically it would replace a Mackie 402-VLZ3 but add an ext FX loop.
 

The rationale is to add some unique FX to melodica and accordion in a live performance. I’m currently doing this in the studio via Aux send on my studio mixer into an iRig into an iPhone running Eventide MicroPitch plug-in. Sounds great. Think turning a single reed melodica into a variety of 3 reed musettes. (The melodica is a Hammond44 with built in mic. A low impedance, low output level , unbalanced (??) 1/4 inch connection which needs loads of preamp gain.)

 

I can do the mixing I need with my Motu Ultralite. But it requires an on-stage laptop to effectively run, which is awkward for setup and for quick control during a song. Oh, and since it’s a FireWire version, it requires an obsolete version of Mac OS. Grrr.
 

I could also do this by purchasing an Eventide MixingLink (mic preamp with FX loop). Or something similar. This would definitely work. But I’d prefer a more general purpose solution, which I think is a new mixer.

Must have:

1. Stage use only. Good to great sound, but not necessarily for high-end recording.

2. Small physical format. The Mackie sits on top of my keyboard.

3. 2 good quality mic inputs.

4. 2 stereo line inputs.

5. 2-band EQ on mic inputs.

6. Aux send - receive for mic inputs. (Ext FX loop).

7. Stereo outputs.

8. Phantom power.

9. Headphone output with independent volume control.

 

Yes (Dad) I’ve googled the hell out of this, lol, but haven’t found any solution yet. Ideas?

 

 

 

 

 

[Sam Mullins]

I’ve been using the soundcraft Notepad -12FX in my duo for a couple years and been happy with it. The 8FX would save you space but only $30 less. 

[PianoMan51]

Thanks Sam.  I’m laughing at myself because my studio mixer is a Soundcraft Signature. Should have dug deeper into their whole product line.

 

Now let me download the manual and see what’s what!

[Sam Mullins]

Yeah oddly enough i was using a soundcraft signature in the duo and my old mackie home studio mixer died.  So put the signature in the home studio and bought the Notepad to use live. Just enough quality and flexibility for my duo.   (Two keys, two mics, guitar and occasionally a couple percussion mics)

[Mighty Motif Max]

A Yamaha MG10XU should do it, as long as you don’t need a stereo send to the fx. There’s a mono FX Send output which you then bring back in on any of the available channels. It bypasses the internal effects and you can control send level per individual channel with the regular “fx” level knob in the channel strip.

[PianoMan51]

Another capable choice. Thanks.

[drawback]

I have the same little Mackie mixer and would probably replace it with that Soundcraft Notepad. Important to me are dedicated headphone volume and footprint.

[Delaware Dave]

Alto L6 (discontinued).  Meets all of your requirements, actually exceeds as it has a 3 band EQ on all channels.

 

https://www.altoprofessional.com/products/l-6

 

I have one that I no longer use..  

 

another one to consider that also meets your needs is an Alto ZMX862 (also has a 3 band EQ on all channels)

 

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/alto-zephyr-series-zmx862-6-channel-compact-mixer/h80274000000000?cntry=US&cur=USD&utm_content=H80274000000000--Alto+Zephyr+Series+ZMX862+6-Channel+Compact+Mixer&source=3WWRWXGS&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8_qRBhCXARIsAE2AtRbK_X3mKJjSvFGK9uREO4GWJadb2fGSby6JfvJy8vio9tLJIHy3ZncaAo1BEALw_wcB

[Mighty Motif Max]

The MX10XU also has 3-band EQ on the mic/combo inputs, 2-band on line ins.