Choosing between A&H Zed14 vs Soundcraft EPM6

lightice · April 10th, 2008, 12:51 AM

Hi Guys,

Due to the extremely loud volumes that guitar amps are run, I have decided to build an iso box that is basically a sound proof box that the speaker cabinet can reside in.

The box will be made of MDF in the following config:-

Each side will be made of 2 x 25mm sheets of MDF

110cm (L) x 80 cm (W) x 90cm (H) is the exterior dimensions

Acoustic foam 1.5" thick will be used to line the interior of the iso box to hopefully reduce standing waves.

The system itself should be pretty much sound proof due to the thickness of the MDF used.

And as such, I'd need to eventually listen to what I play through the amp.

Thus I have the following, 2x SM57 to record 2 speaker cabs loaded with different speakers.

A mixer ( haven't got this yet, and I'd need recommendation of this )

I don't really plan to do much recording, although its a good function to have.

Effects processor : Lexicon MX200 to add a touch of reverb if required to both the mic ins.

I plan to play around with the reverb a little.

E.g

Channel 1 Mic - > Send -> return 100% dry into channel 3 Line
Channel 2 Mic - > Send -> return 100% dry into channel 4 Line

This is more to play around with the eventual sound because the iso box may eventually be replicated into my church setting where the guitars are currently not miced up and just dimed all day. (not good)

I have considered the following mixers:-

Soundcraft EPM6 - approx $500 locally in Singapore (USD357)
Allen and Heath Zed 14 - approx $800 locally in Singapore (USD571)

I'm mostly going to use headphones to monitor as I play, so I can crank the amp up without having my ears blasted out.

What is important is that I need at least 4 mic in, and 2 additional line in channels. I originally was considering the compact 4 from soundcraft, but due to its not too good headphone out and the lack of mic ins, i ditched that idea.

If anyone can chime in on what other mixers I can look out for, it'd be great.
Because maybe the EPM6 and Zed14 is a bit overkill. And for what I require, may not be a wise move to spend the extra money.

The real crappy thing is the A&H stuff here is way overpriced. If it were more realistically priced like the EPM6 , I'd just get the A&H.

Exchange rate = USD1 : SGD1.4 if anyone wants an idea.

April 10th, 2008, 12:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
lightice Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Malaysia Posts: 462	Choosing between A&H Zed14 vs Soundcraft EPM6 Hi Guys, Due to the extremely loud volumes that guitar amps are run, I have decided to build an iso box that is basically a sound proof box that the speaker cabinet can reside in. The box will be made of MDF in the following config:- Each side will be made of 2 x 25mm sheets of MDF 110cm (L) x 80 cm (W) x 90cm (H) is the exterior dimensions Acoustic foam 1.5" thick will be used to line the interior of the iso box to hopefully reduce standing waves. The system itself should be pretty much sound proof due to the thickness of the MDF used. And as such, I'd need to eventually listen to what I play through the amp. Thus I have the following, 2x SM57 to record 2 speaker cabs loaded with different speakers. A mixer ( haven't got this yet, and I'd need recommendation of this ) I don't really plan to do much recording, although its a good function to have. Effects processor : Lexicon MX200 to add a touch of reverb if required to both the mic ins. I plan to play around with the reverb a little. E.g Channel 1 Mic - > Send -> return 100% dry into channel 3 Line Channel 2 Mic - > Send -> return 100% dry into channel 4 Line This is more to play around with the eventual sound because the iso box may eventually be replicated into my church setting where the guitars are currently not miced up and just dimed all day. (not good) I have considered the following mixers:- Soundcraft EPM6 - approx $500 locally in Singapore (USD357) Allen and Heath Zed 14 - approx $800 locally in Singapore (USD571) I'm mostly going to use headphones to monitor as I play, so I can crank the amp up without having my ears blasted out. What is important is that I need at least 4 mic in, and 2 additional line in channels. I originally was considering the compact 4 from soundcraft, but due to its not too good headphone out and the lack of mic ins, i ditched that idea. If anyone can chime in on what other mixers I can look out for, it'd be great. Because maybe the EPM6 and Zed14 is a bit overkill. And for what I require, may not be a wise move to spend the extra money. The real crappy thing is the A&H stuff here is way overpriced. If it were more realistically priced like the EPM6 , I'd just get the A&H. Exchange rate = USD1 : SGD1.4 if anyone wants an idea.