Technology Showcase: Powered Mixers

Sep 2, 2009 12:00 PM, By Bennett Liles

Flexible all-in-one mixers are ready to tour.

Samson TXM20

The TXM20 from Samson has an internal amplifier that can be operated in several modes delivering 500W per channel into mains, 500W each into main and monitor, or it can be run in bridged mono mode with 1000W at the output. The unit has separate 9-band graphic equalizers, one for mains and the other for monitors. The board's 100 digital effects include delays, chorus, flanging, and reverbs using the onboard 24-bit effects processor and the dedicated stereo effects returns. Each of the 12 mono input channels has a clipping LED, input attenuator, 3-band EQ with selectable mids, four auxiliary outputs, a stereo pan pot, and mute and PFL buttons. These channels are accompanied by two stereo inputs. The output channels have a fairly unusual feature where the output gain on each is controlled by a fader rather than a rotary knob. There is also a subwoofer frequency control and a double-LED output-level indicator.

Soundcraft GigRac 1000st

Designed to combine easy portability with the maximum in versatile configuration options, the Soundcraft GigRac 1000st is an 8-channel mixer with combination XLR and 1/4in. connectors and switchable 20dB pads at the mic inputs along with switchable 48V phantom power on inputs 1 through 4. Additional RCA inputs allow the mix of CD, Sony MiniDisk, or MP3 players, and the board has the capability of doing separate mixes for audience and band monitors. Output audio can be further refined with dual 7-band graphic equalizers. The effects section allows the selection of 10 built-in effects programs, and these can be mixed in different amounts into the main and monitor outputs. There are also amplifier overload warning LEDs and an LED ladder meter for watching output levels.

Tapco Mix10FXP

The Mix10FXP from Tapco offers two 500W amplifiers that can be operated in stereo mains mode or in mono main and monitor mode. Their output is fed through both Speakon and 1/4in. connections. There are also line-level inputs to the amps for connection of additional mixers if necessary. All 10 input channels have XLR mic connections, and channels 1 through 6 have line-level TRS jacks. Channels 7 and 8 are provided with stereo input jacks. There are two auxiliary sends for monitor and effects. An internal digital effects processor and 7-band graphic EQ enable more sound-shaping features.