Soundcraft M12

Rackable course, ideal space for 16 tracks (12 mono, 4 stereo) ... I wanted to direct outputs, I served, we may need subgroups but for the price, you have to choose.
10mm faders, they lack a bit of resistance, but the race offers good accuracy.

UTILIZATION

Setup could not be more clear, very classic

SOUNDS

I'm no expert but to me, not really coloring rather slight warming.
The preamps are very quiet and if you choose to saturate, the sound is singing, musical ...

OVERALL OPINION

I've had two weeks and I want to remix my old songs, or new
Some will want a digital audio interface instead of spdif or subgroups but in my opinion this table does little but very beautiful way then test it if you have the opportunity

- Is the rack?
Yes, and without additional accessories: you must remove the "cheeks" on the sides and bottom, which reveals a strip on each side part of the aluminum chassis and drilled 4 holes for the screws on each side of the rack .
Note that it is hair cell (to the nearest cm) on top of my flightcase / rack "Thon L-Rack 4U 45" https://www.thomann.de/fr/thon_lrack_4he_mit_aufsteller.htm provided only to only 3 screws on each side, and leave 1cm space at the top so that it can still tilt / fold and move your fingers to the chopper.

- What is the type of connectors (RCA, Jack, XLR ...)?
On every mono: XLR mic input, line input TRS (= symmetric), direct output out TRS (= balanced), 1 Jack insert send and return 3 points in the same connector connection (= asymmetric) classic small mixers.
On each slice Stereo: starting with TRS, line inputs in 2xJack TRS inputs 2xRCA
For the rest:
Main output 2xXLR
TRS monitor output 2xJack
Mono Sum Output TRS 1xJack
SPDIF output (main mix)
Playback 2xRCA entry
2x inserts on the main mix in 3 points Jack (send and return asymmetrical in the same connector as the inserts slices)
Stereo Headphone Jack

- What is the accuracy of the sampling (bits / kHz)?
44.1 KHz to the SPDIF output.

- How many lanes, bus attendant, departures, returns ...)?
12 slices with mono XLR mic inputs and preamp, 4 stereo channels with TRS line inputs 2xJack without preamp, 4 aux buses (2 pre and 2 post), 4 mono aux send, returns to making input the 4 stereo channels, attention: group no.

- The equalizer is it parametric?
For single slices: 3 band EQ with semi-parametric MID, like the vast majority of such Mixers, classic anything.
For stereo channels: 2-band EQ, nonparametric.

- The effects section is it integrated?
No, that's good, I think.

Note that on every single one also has a low cut at 100Hz and a selection switch PRE / POST for direct output OUT.

Construction of all solid air. the frame of the console is entirely metallic. Faders on a long run and are very fluid. By the different knobs are against plastic, it has the air of a solid acceptable remains to be seen whether they will over time.

UTILIZATION

- The general configuration is it simple?
Yes, it is a small mixer, anyone who has a few basics to find it quickly.

- The usual functions are they easily accessible?
No problem.

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
It is comprehensive, relevant technical data are present.

SOUNDS

- The console is transparent?
I think, yes.

- Introduced she breath?
No, no worries on this side here.

- The equalizer is effective? ...
He does his job, nothing transcendent either, but that's okay.

In general, it is clean, nothing to say.
The preamps do not blow, it does not particularly lack of gain (never had a problem), they are not particularly colorful, but not great either: for the live largely enough. For the (home course) studio, they may be a bit dull, depending on your requirements.

EQs are good, no more.

The set is quite honorable, not sound sick (for the price, do not dream!) But not its not rotten, which is not bad.

OVERALL OPINION

Personally, one of the main reasons for my choice is the number of slices (12) and the direct out. Indeed, as I have a sound card 12IN/12Outs without preamp, the two complement each other perfectly:
- I live manages its front and back and normally I send 12 tracks (or less if I did not need all but up to 12 tracks) from Direct outs to the inputs of the sound card. And in case of computer problems, the concert is not affected.
- At home (home studio) as my sound card to direct monitoring, I connect my various devices and instruments to inputs of my soundcard, and 12 outputs of the sound card to the line inputs on the 12 console. That way I can save time on the computer (or not), and I want to send in the console, manage returns mixes for the musicians I record etc ... see - why not - totally in analog mix up to 12 tracks recorded digitally on the computer. And all this without having to hack the connections permanently.
In short, this is very flexible, very practical and complementary, that is happiness!


- How long have you been using?
2 years

- Did you try many other models before buying it?
I had owned a Behringer mixer low end and I could not see painting (which is why I bought the Soundcraft). Here we are well above level quality, I am very happy, I do not need any more and I think if it is well shot, I would keep the long view for very long.

- What is so special that you like most and least?
The -: only 2 buses AUX PRE is a little short for musicians manage returns with two more, it would have been the top. This is the only thing I blame him, but I knew that by purchasing it.
Pros: reliable, easy to use, good sound, and especially well suited to my needs.

- How would you rate quality / price ratio?
Very good quality for a small mixer, very affordable price ratio = Q / P excellent.

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...
YES!