Soundcraft Ui16

I purchased this mixer specifically because of the ability to control it from my tablet or phone. That feature alone makes sound checks a one-person operation when adjusting levels.Before purchasing I carefully read reviews of this and the larger UI16 model and was well aware of potential WiFi problems. This model has some range issues that are easily resolved by connecting an external router or a booster antenna. I tested mine with a HomeScreen Dual Band TouchScreen Wireless Router just to see if it worked, and the manual also addresses the issue by recommending a booster antenna. For me it was range only and not dropouts, which is not nearly as bad as some reviews portrayed this mixer.The idiosyncrasies can be a little irritating, though. For example, navigating almost always leads you back to the bootup screen. That makes it clumsy when you are getting accustomed to it, but is not a show stopper for me. Also, the manual has some errors. The URL for the mixer given in the manual is incorrect. Fortunately when connecting to it with my phone or tablet and a Chrome browser I got a message that led me right to the mixer and I bookmarked it. The URL of my mixer is h.fb dot com, which resolved to facebook dot com if I join the mixer's router to my home network. That can be irritating. However, I prefer to use this as a standalone network that uses the mixer as the only router and network. That eliminates that issue, but I did want to mention it if you are using this in a studio and want to integrate it into a larger network.One final note about WiFi. I prefer to do a sound check, set levels and then don't mess with the mixer during a performance. I do the same with conventional mixers, so the potential WiFi drop out may actually be occurring, but I am unaware of it because of my approach to sound. In fact, after setting levels I shut down my tablet or phone, and often switch back to my main network router. If, on the other hand, you are the sort who is constantly tweaking levels (or have a sound engineer managing it during your performances), the WiFi issues others complain about may be a showstopper for you. Do heed the complaints and factor them in. Just because I have not experienced them does not mean they do not exist. However, if you are like me the possible WiFi issues are not as important. Plus there are workarounds that can eliminate them that apply to all WiFi routers and repeaters.If you are still with me, the features of this mixer are incredible. I'm still learning what this mixer can do and each step become more impressed. One very nice feature is channels 1 and 2 are Hi-Z and have amp modeling. That means this mixer, a pair of 12" powered speakers, and a pair of Mackie SRM150s or a pair of BEHRINGER EUROLIVE B205Ds as monitors , and mics are all you need for a coffeehouse or small venue gig.It took me a good day to get familiar with most of of the capabilities thanks to the well written manual. I am not saying that I have mastered them, but I am now aware of and can use them in rudimentary ways. You can shape your sound is a plethora of ways that boggle the mind.Do be aware that the screens displayed on a tablet are a lot richer and better laid out than on a phone. In some cases if you access this from a phone it will take multiple screens to display what a tablet can on a single screen. I tested the displays on both a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 phone and a Samsung Tab Pro 12.2, and there is no comparison. I highly recommend using this with a tablet!Although this is supposed to have cross-platform access, I was unable to connect to it from an old Windows XP machine using the recommended Chrome browser. The manual lists some limitations with respect to browsers and operating systems so if you have old gear you may need to upgrade to get the best results. For my phone and tablet both were running the Lollipop version of Android, so there were no problems.Bottom line: if you are dynamically managing sound in a studio or live setting this may not be the ideal mixer because of possible WiFi issues and other idiosyncrasies. On the other hand, if you are the sort who sets levels and then leaves them alone for the duration of a performance this mixer may be a dream come true. Honestly, the way you use this can make the difference between perceiving it as a one or a five star mixer. Please ask questions in comments if you need additional information because for me this is a keeper and I am gaining experience with it daily.

Thought it was time to move into the world of digital mixing so I did some research and decided on the Ui12. The name Ui12 is a bit misleading, but almost all mixers these days count every input in their channel count. This unit has 8 channels with 4 having combo jacks for xlr and 1/4" input. there are 2 rca jacks that act as a stereo pair (channels 9 and 10) and a usb jack for plugging in a flash drive for break music or backing tracks (channels 11 and 12). unit has 2 aux outs for monitors, 4 if you assign the 2 headphone jacks as aux outs (cool feature). Channels 1-8 all have gain control, 4 band eq, dynamics including compressor, de-ess , and an rta! Effects include several reverbs, delays, and choruses.All very usable. Also has built in feedback suppression which I have not used yet but nice to know it is there if you need it. Channels 1 and 2 have digitech guitar modelling built in so you can gig without an amp if you choose, super nice feature!!!Can be used wirelessly with just about any device that has a web browser and can read htlm5. I have used this with a windows laptop, android tablet, Ipad, and my Samsung smartphone and all worked flawlessly. Some have had problems with connectivity,but I replaced the tiny antenna that came with unit with an 8 db aftermarket antenna I bought here on amazon and get great signal out past 50 feet from the mixer. Far enough for any gig I use this mixer for.I use this mixer mainly for acoustic groups I play with, duos and trios mainly, so I have no problems with lack of channels. If you have a full band I might step up to the Ui16 which has 4 more inputs and recording capabilities. I run this mixer into a LD systems maui 28 and the sound we get is outstanding! Clear and articulate with little or no background artifacts, as long as you have clear idea of how to properly set gain structure.Overall I am more than pleased with my purchase, Soundcraft has stuffed a whole bunch of cool and useful items into this mixer for about the same scratch as a decent 12 channel analog board, but the Ui12 will do things an analog board can only dream of. If you are looking to step into the world of digital mixing and don't have a few grand lying around to throw down on a mackie, qsc, or yamaha, then you should have a look at the Soundcraft Ui series. These mixers are awesome!

Love this thing. A little complicated if you don't understand how to operate it but it can be learned. Sturdy, great sound, easy to read, great option for music.