new mixer query

[ian_king]

We are an 8 piece ceilidh band currently using a Soundcraft Spirit Powerstation 1200 with Yamaha speakers.

The current system is heavy and cumbersome and we are contemplating the purchase of a Bose compact powered speaker system and an Allen & Heath PA20 Stereo Live Mixer

Can anyone advise on the benefits of using the Allen & Heath PA20 Stereo Live Mixer over the Powerstation (other than the weight of course)? The Allen & Heath is quite costly and doesn't seem to offer much extra as far as controls are concerned. We are unlikely to be able to sell the Powerstation for much and we will need to keep the flight case anyway.

I'm tempted to keep the Powerstation and just sell the Yamaha speakers. Other members of the band are keen on purchasing the new mixer.

Can anyone advise? Has mixer technology moved on in the last 10 years?

[Maccy]

If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it!

On a more serious note, if there's no beneficial features and it's just weight that is the difference then I personally couldn't justify it at all.

[Tifstorey]

Welcome to the forums Ian,

I've never used the Powerstation before, but i'm assuming it's not going to be as good a build as the A&H. So, in that regard, you'll be getting a better quality sound (or in theory...). Everything else in terms of inputs/auxs etc looks more or less similar. If it's just a case of upgrading, and you can afford it, then why not. But if it's just because of the weight issue, i'd just invest in a trolley to lug it about. As Maccy says - if it aint broke, don't fix it.

Mixer technology has moved on in the last 10 years (or at least in lower budget mixers) Better builds, circuits = better sound. I use the A&H GL2800 at work and it's a really nice desk. By the looks of things, they use the same design on the PA20.

If you can afford to do it, then i say go for it.