A couple of additional points about the Behringer 1002b.
I use EBL rechargeable 9V batteries. I have done 3 hour gigs with this mixer and the batteries still had sufficient charge to go longer. I carry an extra set of three charged batteries but haven't yet had to use them.
Another interesting feature is that input channels 3, 4 and 5 can accept a microphone (XLR) input AND a 1/4" input as each of those channels has a separate parallel trimmer for each input so as long as the same EQ settings work for both inputs to that channel, you actually have an 8 channel mixer.
If they'd made the same mixer with decent efx (at least a nice reverb) built in I'd call it the perfect battery powered mixer.
PS: The small Swiss Army Knife that I always carry with me (with screwdriver/nail file) is perfect for removing the battery cover on the Behringer 1002b (along with many other things).
Thanks for the ideas about a mixer. For this application - I don't want to add a piece of gear that we would have to share. It adds to the choreography of avoidance and distancing.
I've already got ToneMatch mixers (a T1 would probably do the job), and for about the same money as the Behringer 1002b, I can probably get a unit with a battery with pure sine wave inverter built-in. Then the creeping incrementalism sets in. If I was going to go that route (ToneMatch mixer), I'd be tempted to take an L1 Compact. And then with AC power available, I'd run a different guitar rig, and it goes on from there.
Nope. Rather than use a mixer, I'd prefer that every performer bring whatever they need with them, take responsibility for their sound and how they sit in the mix. I know musicians can mix themselves especially musicians who are used to playing acoustically in small ensembles.
On another note, we started off with the intention of playing for the shut-ins under lock-down. People are asking for videos and pictures - offering to come and take care of that.
People are asking about our schedule so they can swing by to watch and listen, other musicians want to join in.
In normal times, this would all be great, but we can't afford to draw attention to what we're doing, and we certainly can't draw a crowd. We'd be shut down in a heartbeat.
The attached photo was from March of 2019. We had to play an engagement party, but were surprised to find the power tap was dead. So...We pulled out the S1s and plugged a vocal/guitar in each. The percussionist played without amplification. He also got out front and helped adjust the levels. We missed a few effect pedals, but no one was the wiser! It worked well, was plenty loud, and we got nothing but good reviews!
Chet, thanks for the real-world notes on rechargeables. Maybe use a Boss reverb pedal or something?
And folks, if you do use the 1/4" and the XLR, remember to use only 1/4" ins for the same side if you're going in mono.
-Dave
I'm going to be trying the reverb on a TC Helicon Mic Mechanic 2 tomorrow that I bought to help out a pitch challenged vocalist I occasionally work with.
If they'd made the same mixer with decent efx (at least a nice reverb) built in I'd call it the perfect battery powered mixer.
I feel the same way about my Peavey RQ200, which Berhinger based the 1002b on. They do both have FX sends, though, so you could throw a reverb unit with a DC-jack on there or a battery powered vocal stompbox on there.
And even though I play electric guitar most of the time, I've been spending more time with my classical guitars to work on fundamentals. They are much less forgiving, and it's great for my hands to be alternating back and forth between nut/neck widths, scale-lengths, neck profiles, and different playing postures.
In case you're curious, this is one of the last of the Chet Atkins CEC guitars made in Bozeman, Montana (October 2005). It has a 2" nut, ebony fingerboard. Click the picture for more details.
I practice my Martin D-35 with my Keytron SD90 using bass pedals and switches. My feet are programed to follow my hands on guitar. However, I find it more difficult to use my feet with my banjos. My solution is I just record the tracks for the banjo stuff and play along with the tracks. I am anxious to perform with this set-up. The good news about the stay-at-home thing is it forced me to get proficient before taking it live. I'm ready to take it out to the public now. My wife is ready for me to do that, too!
I practice my Martin D-35 with my Keytron SD90 using bass pedals and switches. My feet are programed to follow my hands on guitar. However, I find it more difficult to use my feet with my banjos. My solution is I just record the tracks for the banjo stuff and play along with the tracks. I am anxious to perform with this set-up. The good news about the stay-at-home thing is it forced me to get proficient before taking it live. I'm ready to take it out to the public now. My wife is ready for me to do that, too!
I've learned when my wife says, "could you do that one more time", she really doesn't mean it.
Like many of us, had about 150 gigs cancelled.I started selling equipment that I thought was not essential - kept for sentimental reasons - but not essential.I gave my beloved L1 Model 1 with 2 B1’s to a church. Soon after, we had some nice fall weather days and I was able to do 4 outdoor gigs - with 2 Compacts.The compacts really didn’t cut it - missed the Model 1 sound. Ergo, I am now awaiting delivery of an L1 Model II with one B1 and a T1.I have an old T-1 that I never used and that will not update.After watching a couple of ST’s vids re: the T-1, I decided to give it a try. So, My spare time will be consumed with learning how to use my ‘new’ equipment as I think that many of the spring and summer gigs will be outdoors until people are comfortable with having groups gather indoors in close proximity.
And, Thanks ST, You’ve given me great guidance for many years …
Do I detect a bit of dry humour here O.. ?