What is the best mixing console in New Zealand?
Quick answer
The best mixing console depends on your application, but top choices in New Zealand include the Yamaha CL5 for large tours, Allen & Heath dLive for versatility, and DiGiCo SD series for high-end live productions.
New Zealand's live sound scene, from Auckland's Spark Arena to regional festivals, demands consoles that balance reliability, workflow, and support. Yamaha's CL/QL series are widely stocked by local rental houses like Norwest Productions, offering robust Dante integration and familiar layouts. For touring acts, DiGiCo's SD7 or Quantum 338 provides unmatched processing power, though availability may require advance booking.
Allen & Heath's dLive is a strong contender for its flexible architecture and cost-effectiveness, popular in houses of worship and corporate events. The Avid S6L remains a studio-to-stage favorite, but its weight and complexity can be overkill for smaller venues. SSOUNDS recommends auditioning consoles with your typical input count and monitoring needs—New Zealand's diverse venues reward systems that adapt quickly.
Local support is critical: ensure your console brand has certified service partners in NZ (e.g., Yamaha Music NZ, Jands for A&H). For touring, consider redundancy and local backup units. SSOUNDS integrates seamlessly with any of these consoles via AES or analog, so your choice should prioritize workflow and rider acceptance.
Key things to consider
- Yamaha CL5/QL5: Industry standard, strong Dante support, widely available in NZ.
- Allen & Heath dLive: Flexible, cost-effective, great for multi-purpose venues.
- DiGiCo SD/Quantum: Top-tier processing, essential for high-profile tours.
- Avid S6L: Studio integration, but heavy; check local rental stock.
- Prioritize local service and backup availability—NZ's remote location demands reliability.
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