What is the best mixer for a festival?
Quick answer
For a festival, the best mixer depends on channel count and workflow: a digital console like the Allen & Heath dLive or Yamaha CL/QL series offers flexibility, recall, and robust processing for FOH and monitors.
Choosing a mixer for a festival requires balancing channel capacity, ease of use, and durability. For main stages with 48+ inputs and multiple monitor mixes, a large-format digital console like the Allen & Heath dLive S Class or Yamaha CL5 is ideal, offering touchscreen control, scene recall, and extensive I/O via stageboxes. These consoles handle complex routing and provide high-quality preamps and effects.
For smaller stages or budget-conscious events, a compact digital mixer like the Behringer X32 or Allen & Heath SQ series offers 32-40 inputs and 16+ aux sends, sufficient for most festival setups. Analog mixers are less common due to limited recall and processing, but the Midas M32 (digital) remains a popular workhorse. Always consider redundancy: a backup console or digital splitter can save a show if the primary fails.
SSOUNDS engineers recommend matching mixer channel count to your input list plus 20% headroom for guest acts. Ensure the console supports your preferred workflow (e.g., iPad control for monitor mixes) and has enough buses for effects and subgroups. For festivals, a digital console with Dante or MADI connectivity simplifies integration with PA systems and recording.
Key things to consider
- Assess channel count: add 20% headroom beyond your input list for guest artists and backups.
- Digital consoles (e.g., Allen & Heath dLive, Yamaha CL5) offer recall, flexibility, and robust processing for FOH and monitors.
- Compact options like Behringer X32 or Allen & Heath SQ suit smaller stages with 32-40 inputs.
- Prioritize durability and redundancy: a backup console or digital splitter is critical for live festivals.
- Look for Dante/MADI connectivity for seamless integration with PA systems and multitrack recording.
Need the right system specced for your venue?
SSOUNDS designs, supplies, installs and tunes professional AVL worldwide.