Well… This time we have quite the pair. We will be trying to destroy a Crest X20R and X20RM. I got the call for this month's review and thought I was reviewing amps, but was surprised to open boxes and see that they contained X Racks.
I know I mentioned destruction earlier, but I'm pretty sure that you couldn't break one of these if you tried. I will most definitely hand it to Crest on the X series, these little suckers are tough. The construction on the Xs are second to none. The frame size on all the X series is the same so that they all fit into a standard rack. It also comes in four different configurations. You can get a 20×6 or 18×6 for FOH and a 20×12 or 18×12 for monitors.
The Gear
For this review, we focus on the 20-channel versions. The 18 channels versions are the same, but have two additional mono channels and two fewer stereo channels. The layout on the 20 channels is 12 mono inputs and 4 stereo inputs. Same goes for the monitor version. They offer a nice complement of features – each channel has its own 48V supply, 4-band EQ with sweepable high & low mids, the aforementioned 6 auxes and 4 groups. Auxes 1-2 are set up as a stereo out, and each input/output also has an insert point.
If we take a look at the M version, it lays out in a very similar way. The two main differences are the addition of another six auxes for a total of 12, and on the M, we forego the fader in favor of a rotary pot – mainly for the saving of space. Every input channel is paired with an XLR output for feeding the house console. If you slide this bad boy in the top of a slant rack and load it up with some ear mixes, you have a rocking, easy-to-carry and affordable IEM rig for a small band. Pair it with a similar rack for the FOH console, and you're ready for rock ‘n' roll.
The Gigs
The "gig" for this go-round is once again at my church. I run far too many inputs at the church to use the X for a service – but Crest Audio says two units can be linked together, if there is a need for more channels, using the "Solo Link" and a MIDI cable. In any case, I had my guys play several instruments for me to listen. I ran a few channels through the FOH console just to get a feel for it. Everything on the console works as designed. For a smaller, less-expensive console, the pre amp and the EQ sound surprisingly nice. Which is always a nice place to start.
All the rotaries and faders feel nice and hearty. Again, the construction is top-notch. With some smaller consoles, they can have tendency to feel cheesy; not the case with the X.
Now on to the XR20M. I'm far more familiar with the M version than the FOH. I've used the M on several gigs prior to this test, so I was already well aware of what I was getting into. I grouped several inputs down and fed them to my drummer and let him use the M to mix his ears for the service. He was in love because he was able to mix and hear everything that he wanted.
With my past experience with the M, it's a great console as long as your band fits within the confines of the console. I'm actually going to make mention of these products to my pastor. We just purchased a building to start another smaller congregation, and I feel that the X series is the ticket.
In conclusion, I have nothing but good things to say about the X series. Whether you're a small up-and-coming band or a smaller church that wants to start out the "right" way having a FOH and monitor console, you can't go wrong here.
Crest X Series Mixers
What They Are: 18 and 20 input rackable house and monitor mixers
Who They're For: Smaller bands and houses of worship that can get by on 20 inputs – although two units can be linked together, if there is a need for more channels, using the "Solo Link" and a MIDI cable.
Pros: Built to take some serious abuse – nice for that newbie volunteer. Sounds good. Easy to use.
Cons: Only the channel count.
How Much: X18R – $2,850; X20R – $2,980; X18RM – $3,130; X20RM – $3,260.
