BST Activ 40

(Originally written by A gipi/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Its true that this Activ 40 is not exactly a battle mixer! But if you are a beginner or if you have a tight budget and you want an easy-to-use and sturdy mixer try this small BST!

I've been using mine for over 14 years and it still works perfectly. It keeps on surprising me year after year because it's always ready when I need it. I've bought other mixers with a better performance, but I never sold this one and I'm always happy to use it again from time to time.

In spite of its compact dimensions, this rack-mounting mixer has everything a big mixer has. You can connect four mics, three turntables, four CD players and one video player, or five line signal sources, one effects processor for the four mic channels and the video/CD channel. The manufacturer actually advertised 13 channels! It's quite exceptional for a "small" mixer.

I would like to have more outputs (XLR and jack) in addition to the RCA outputs to have more versatility but the rear panel is too small.

I give it 7/10 because it offers a lot of value in a compact housing.

UTILIZATION

My Activ 40 followed me everywhere during almost 15 years: DJ events, small folk and rock bands (up to four musicians), karaoke nights, video projections, etc. and it was always successful.

You obviously can't connect a drum kit to it but with an additional group mixer it was perfect for small locations (pubs) and small "events" where organizers had a very small budget.

The small EQ has only 5 bands for each side of the stereo out and the mic channels only have a 2-band EQ. It's better to add an EQ to improve the integrated one... For a band you'll have to use adapter connectors for the RCA line inputs since only the mic inputs have four XLR or 1/4" jacks! An advantage: the B output allows you to feed a monitoring system... Although you don't have any control possibility except a volume setting, it's very convenient in small locations to make a simple monitor mix for the musicians on stage! (I know it's not the best solution but it can be helpful!)

The mixer is also ok for DJ applications: the sound is ok and the mixer doesn't alter the music that much even with high operating levels. It only adds a slight noise. The VU-meters are reliable and the controls are smooth and effective. Don't forget it's a budget product for beginners so don't try to show off... But it does have a talkover function in the DJ mic channel (some mixers don't have it!), an auto-start in the two first line channels, an average croosfader (even if the respective channel buttons are not ergonomic) and a "scratch" effect... which is more annoying than useful!

The 12-volt BNC connector for a gooseneck comes in very handy. Once again it's a feature which some mixers don't have!

I personally never read the user's manual (I'm not sure there was ever one) but the handling is simple and intuitive. It's great for people who want to learn by doing. One hour (max.) will be enough to know how to use the mixer!

I give it 6/10 because it was always useful!

SOUNDS

I already said everything about the sound... But don't be too demanding with this small mixer, and don't expect more than what it has to offer. Even if it's not a top-level tool, it doesn't sound so bad and I've heard more expensive mixers sound worse!!! And the sound also depends on the P.A. system.

I give it 5/10 because I miss many control options, but it has enough functions to get an average mark.

OVERALL OPINION

As a summary, if you see a secondhand Activ 40 in a good condition and you're a beginner, buy it. You won't pay a lot of money and it will allow you to learn pretty easily.

Some people might say it's not trendy or that it's obsolete but that's a mistake! It's true it has not as many auxiliaries as modern mixers, but I've seen lots of people having problems with these new mixers so I think it's better to learn with this one... once you master it you can buy something more complex.

Excellent value for money if you can be happy with simple things. Don't forget that the mixer is not the only tool you need. You have to keep some money for speakers, power amps, mics, etc.

Note: It seems BST's online customer support doesn't answer anymore when you inquire about their gear... or perhaps you have to remind them several times... or find a dealer that loves this brand (which isn't easy).

I give it 7/10 as final mark. Perhaps it's a bit too high, but trust me, it's really surprising and extremely convenient.

MIXER RACK 19U
13 TOTAL ENTRIES
MICROS 4, 3 phono and 6 lines
1 ENTRY AND EXIT FOR 1 BOX EFFECTS
CONNECTIONS:
XLR MICROPHONE AND JACK
RCA TO PHONO, LINE, AND EFFECT MASTERS
5 BAND EQUALIZER 2 STANDARD TIME
1 BUTTON SCRACH

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use, ACESSIBILITEES VISUAL FUNCTIONS IN VERY SIMPLE AND MANUAL STILL IN THE BOX THIS CAR THAT EASY

SOUNDS

The ACTIV 40 DOES NOT RING AND IT NOT BREATH LOT TO TIP OF EQUIPMENT CAR I HAVE SEEN AND HEARD WORSE HAND VERY STRONG
The equalizer works well for SE LITTLE THING

OVERALL OPINION

PURCHASE DATA March 1996
I HAVE LIKE: 19U 13 ENTRIES
AT THE TIME THE COURT BUT WAS MAINTENENT BUDGET BUDGET IS NOT EVEN MUCH BIGGER
THIS CHOICE I would do if my budget was less AND THAT THE PRICE FOR HIS AND HER WALK HARD

- Is the rack?

Yes on 19''

- How many lanes, bus attendant, departures, returns ...)?

Oula lot: 4 mic inputs, 6 line input, 3 phono, 2 master outputs, an output / input and send eff eff return to mono RCA input jack 6.35ø (to connect with another machine, no doubt ..).

- What is the type of connectors (RCA, Jack, XLR ...)?

RCA for everything, except for the pickups that are RCA and XLR.

- The parametric equalizer is it?

10-band equalizer (5 for the left, 5 for the right) with Bypass

- The effects section is it integrated?

Yes! Scratch effects: D, ok it is good but very rarely and in moderation ^ ^
I put 10 of 10 for the number of connectors (13 inputs and a send / return eff) of a table also inexpensive: it's really rare to have so many options and possibilities at this price.

UTILIZATION

- The general configuration is it simple?

For someone who starts in the mix, sincerely, it will be completely lost with this table if it does not receive the advice of people knowing. Bon ok in terms of co crossfader and the configuration is simple, but if you want to start connecting a box effect (RCA mono then need an adapter) you must enter a maximum (this was my case ... ^ ^). Same for the preview at the beginning you could see the buttons that were useless .. ah bah to the fact that for the preview ... ditto for the 6.35 rear that serves just about anything but can still offer an additional option if you ask
- The usual functions are they easily accessible?

Yes, everything comes together perfectly when you mix, but does he first know all the functions of the table ...
- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

I could never have even contacting bst internet which referred me a sheet-_-As I said above, it is better to know people who know the configuration bst, or you'll spend some time to explore fully the table ...
I put 8 out of 10 for its use, although it is hard to understand, once understood, everything comes together perfectly

SOUNDS

- The console is transparent?

Ie? Physically? NO lol, in my humble opinion it is visible to over 200 m ^ ^
If that's the sound, I do not detect parasite especially when I mix (well have to go on earnings molo equalizer and if of course it can saturate)

- Introduced she breath?

When I push all the gains and faders to the bottom as well as equalize means a lot of blows (are there any tables that do analog entroduisent not in this case?). But when the noise level is set normally, you definitely need the headset for quite some time to realize that this is a slight buzz.
- The equalizer is effective?

Me he's fine, but be taken lightly if you do not want to saturate some dominant frequencies.

I put 8 out of 10 because its level is far from being the best, but at that price I can not complain.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?

This will soon be 4 months with regular use.

- What is so special that you like most and least?

The +: the send / return eff, through the preview and microphone input, setting the eff send and return on each mic input and output master, the four main entrances to the crossfader configurable, and finally the price!
The - I'm still not exactly what is behind the jack 6.35ø, eff and send / return RCA mono are so very annoying for connections that requires dual RCA adapter => RCA mono

Note the small plug to plug a lamp dj, bein useful if you're really in the dark

- Have you tried many other models before buying it?

No.

- How would you rate the quality / price?

Personally, for about 170 euros, compared to existing tables, I think it has more channels and opportunities (eff, PFL ...). Of course if you aim a Pioneer DJM-800 as the base table, the 40 Activ is crappy, but the budjet is not the same: - /

- With experience, you do again this choice?

For the price when I bought it no problem! Recommended for beginners who want plenty of options for reasonably priced, or for an additional table in semi-pro. However do not expect to keep more than 2 years if you're really into the djing: the presence of non-digital effects eventually tiring at times (luckily caught it by the connection of an effects box).

I put 9 out of 10 in general, because I find that table really not bad. Fortunately bst has a bad reputation, so I think this table would be easy now new 250-300 euros (marked with "tehcnics" it would be worth over 500 XD, but it's good technics technics, quality is quality ^ ^)