How to Choose the Best Mixer-Amp for your Needs.
How to choose a mixer amp (powered mixer), what they do, how to use one, what users say about particular models, and how to buy one at great online prices from the most trusted online seller.
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A mixer amp can be thought of as either a mixer with a built-in power amplifier or a power amplifier with a built-in mixer. Indeed the design of these items will usually look like one or other of those concepts, and can be known as powered mixers.
The two main factors in choosing a mixer amp are the number of mixer channels and the wattage of the power amp(s). Other factors include various details about the mixer section such as EQ, effects etc.
The number of channels on the mixer determines how many different audio signals you can mix together. However you should be aware that not all channels are the same . . . some include a microphone input (with a suitable pre-amp) and some channels are mono while some are stereo (although two mono channels can be used as one stereo). So when choosing a mixer amp you need to think carefully how many microphones, how many microphones you will be using, and how many other inputs you need. It is always wise to have a few extra mixer channels for unexpected changes.
The power of the power amp needs to be matched with the PA speakers you are going to be using. Power amps rated significantly higher than the speakers can damage both speakers and amps if not used very carefully. To determine the wattage of amps and speakers you need to know what spaces they need to fill, whether indoors or outdoors (outdoor amplification needs to be about twice as many watts to sound about the same volume) and how loud the sound needs to be. Also the types of sounds need to be considered . . . a PA for just vocals and acoustic guitar for example won’t need as much bass-end power as PA for a full band with bass instruments or keyboard.
Once you know how many channels and how much power you need, you can compare suitable amps while considering what additional features some might offer, as well as quality and the character of the sound (different mixers sound a bit different, and the sound is usually similar to the character of how they look).
Have a look at our reports on various mixer amps (see the links on the right), and find out what users really think of particular models.