What is the best mixing console in Australia?
Quick answer
The best mixing console in Australia depends on your application, but top-tier choices include the Yamaha CL5, DiGiCo SD7, and Allen & Heath dLive for live sound, while Avid S6 and SSL consoles lead in studio settings.
In Australia, the professional audio market demands consoles that handle diverse venues from Sydney Opera House to outdoor festivals. For live sound, the Yamaha CL5 is praised for its intuitive workflow and reliability, while DiGiCo SD7 offers unmatched processing power for large-scale tours. Allen & Heath dLive provides flexibility with its modular design, popular in houses of worship and corporate events.
Studio environments often favor Avid S6 for its integration with Pro Tools and SSL consoles for their classic analog sound. For smaller budgets, the Behringer X32 remains a workhorse, though SSOUNDS recommends investing in consoles with robust support networks in Australia, such as those from Yamaha or Allen & Heath, which have strong local distributors.
When choosing, consider factors like channel count, latency, and networking capabilities (e.g., Dante, MADI). SSOUNDS engineers often pair our line arrays with DiGiCo or Yamaha consoles for seamless digital workflows. Always demo consoles with your specific PA system to ensure compatibility.
Key things to consider
- Top live consoles: Yamaha CL5, DiGiCo SD7, Allen & Heath dLive.
- Top studio consoles: Avid S6, SSL (e.g., SSL Live L500).
- Budget-friendly: Behringer X32, Allen & Heath SQ series.
- Consider local support and networking (Dante, MADI) for integration.
- Demo with your PA system (e.g., SSOUNDS arrays) for best results.
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