Technology within the last decade or so, has really taken a leap forward. This technology leap has really changed the functions and options, when it comes to audio mixing consoles. What you can do with using a digital console these days, would have only been available in high end rigs that toured the world a few years back. Those rigs would have racks of gear to accomplish what now can be done in a single 24-strip platform.
Remember when answering these questions; always think more about your current needs.
The market has really dug into this technology boom, and every manufacturer is in high competition mode. Each of them is trying to get their product out there. The competition has helped drive prices down with increasing functionality. This is a good thing for the consumer, who is looking for versatility, paired with low costs.
Let's talk about things that I think need to be considered when considering an audio mixing console.
Lay Out Questions to Help in Decision-making
The first thing I think we need to decide on is what are we looking to do with the console? Is this for a youth room at a church, or is this for an overflow room, or elsewhere in the church? These questions might be easily answered, but they will help other important questions to surface. For example, how many inputs do I need, who will be using the console, how easy does it need to be to operate, and so on and so forth.
Just remember when answering these questions; always think more about your current needs. Leave room to grow and decide on a console that will have room for growth. If not, you will, at some point down the road come to realize that you should have planned for more and not just enough.
Once all those questions are answered, then we can dive into all the different consoles that are out there.
Our goal here is to find a console that answers all the questions. What you will come to find out is that there is a lot of manufacturers out there that will fit your situation.
Which poses the question, now what do I do from here? Well I am glad you asked.
Seeking Opinions on Various Consoles? Look to the Web
Social media outlets, such as forums and threads, are great to get people's opinions on different consoles. You can usually get true feedback on what they think, without someone just trying to sell their specific product.
Another source for information on this matter are integrators. They can be a great resource since they are usually dealers of many different brands and have often installed these same units within many different worship facilities. They can even get you connected with those facilities, to get first-hand insight from the end users themselves.
The last thing to consider, of course, is your budget.
This is usually the determining factor in all cases. The budget, in most cases, doesn't get you the console that just previously answered all your questions. This is where you will decide what you are willing to sacrifice to hit that budget number.
Just remember don't decide just out of necessity.
Always leave room for growth, even if that means waiting for that budget number to increase. Don't let the lack of funds hinder or hurt you in the future. I have seen it time and time again where people make a decision out of necessity. Later on, they come to dread their decision, wishing that they would have waited on purchasing the unit. So in the end, remember to answer the many questions you have tied to why you are looking for a new audio mixing console, do your research, and look to your budget, so that it doesn’t have to dictate your choice.