8. Power Mixers: An All-in-One Solution
Choosing a mixer for the (home) studio is easier than ever today. Active monitor speakers are widespread and affordable, eliminating the need for a separate power amp alongside a mixer. But when it comes to live music, especially for bands or solo performers in rehearsal spaces or live gigs, needing both a mixer and a PA amplifier, there's a combined solution available. Instead of getting two separate devices, a power mixer fits the bill. Not only does it work on stage and in rehearsal spaces, but it can also double up as a monitor power amp in your own studio.
Item No. 254038 - Dynacord Powermate 1000
For smaller setups with a manageable number of channels and where immense wattage isn’t necessary for sound reinforcement, power mixers can be a suitable tool for those on a tight budget. Especially for gigs at youth centers, cafes, pubs, or similar venues, the power output of these devices might be entirely sufficient. Even under or around the 200 € mark, there's already a wide selection of power mixers, some packing a commendable output of up to 500W.
However, in terms of expandability, sub-bass handling, and distortion-free output at higher volumes, power mixers might fall short compared to a well-tuned setup of a mixer and a separate power amp. Yet, for singer-songwriters or solo performers who know their channel needs and specific power requirements and don’t foresee expanding their setup anytime soon, a 16-channel power mixer like the Behringer PMP4000, boasting two times 800W of power, could be more than enough for just a little over 300€. In comparison, an equivalent system made up of the 16-channel analogue mixer Behringer Xenyx X1622 USB and the Behringer KM1700 power amp might total around 360€. It's a slightly higher price but offers the advantage of modular expandability.
