QSC started out only making amps. Very good amps. Eventually, the company branched out into speakers, and I was impressed with how their speakers sounded. Now QSC got a digital mixing board, and I’m beginning to think they’re on a winning streak here. In the case of the recent TouchMix digital mixer line, QSC chose wisely again, this time collaborating with legendary mixing console designers Greg Mackie and Peter Watts.
The TouchMix-16 debuted last year. But the story doesn’t end there. Recently, QSC updated the console firmware to version 2, which adds a bevy of new functions and features. We’ll get into some of those later, but to familiarize you with the TouchMix-16, let me cover some of the features of the original and then we’ll explore what’s been added in version 2.
The Basics
The TouchMix-16 is a compact digital mixer with 20 inputs, 16 mic preamps, two pairs of stereo TRS inputs, eight DCA and eight mute groups. Also standard are 1/3 octave graphic EQ, limiters, delay and notch filters on main and aux outputs. An Advanced Mode provides total control over all parameters or you can opt for a Simple Mode that provides only the most essential controls. The latter is definitely convenient in situations such as when you’ve got that other church using your P.A. and you don’t want them to mess up your global settings. Each channel includes a 4-band, fully parametric EQ, with both variable high- and low-pass filters, compressor, delay, reverb. Even pitch shift, which is a lot more subtle than Auto-Tune. Sorry, no rap effects here.
There are ten aux output channels — six as rear-panel XLR’s and 7/8 and 9/10 as stereo TRS outputs on the top panel. There are effects presets for various instruments you can pull up and apply. If you need a drum reverb quick, and who doesn’t, you call that up right away. You can also store scenes but don’t forget when you power down to do it correctly or you might lose what you’ve saved. It also provides user-programmable channel presets. The quick-start guide that comes with the mixer is actually accurate and quite useful in getting the user started right away. The color touch-screen is clear and easy to use. The TouchMix-16 is also capable of direct recording individual channels to an external USB hard drive in 32-bit broadcast wave format. It also comes in a padded soft carry case for transport.
Lots of New Stuff
Let’s take a look at some of the new features added in version 2. Among these are password-protected, multi-level security access expanded Wi-Fi options and more programmability of User Buttons. Also new is an update to the TouchMix iOS app now with a personal monitor mix application. There are also more options for auxiliary mix pick-off points, which is highly useful, and expanded channel presets. I think the big item is being able to allow people the ability to do their own monitor mix with their iPhone. The iPhone app worked flawlessly, although I didn’t have the opportunity to test it with an iPod Touch because I don’t have one. However, with a street price under $200, the iPod Touch are inexpensive enough that you could conceivably outfit the entire band with them and use them exclusively for monitors.
A nice bonus is that the mixer includes a USB Wi-Fi dongle, or alternatively, you can connect it to a standard wireless router or hardwired network connection. Setting up the network in the mixer is straightforward. From the Network Set Up page, you simply enter the Wi-Fi info for your network. Then go to menu and your iPhone should come up, provided it is logged on to the network. Once here, you can authorize what permissions you want the iPhone to have. The nice thing about having the iPad and iPhones online is that you can have multiple people working on various aspects of the mix and/or monitors at the same time.
I was impressed by this console’s ease of use. The first time I used it, I could figure out about 90 percent of its functionality without having to consult the manual and was up and running in a matter minutes. Speaking of documentation, by simply pressing the “info” button, the entire manual in an easily searchable form comes up on the touch screen. This way, if you are out in the field and want to double-check how to access a feature, the answer is just a pushbutton away — in multiple languages! One well-thought-out aspect is that whenever you bring up any screen — whether an EQ, effect or permissions page — the left side of the touchscreen continues displaying the master fader, so you always have immediate access to that, just in case.
Another nice thing about the TouchMix-16 (shared in the smaller TouchMix-8, which is now shipping) is that you decide how you want to work. Frequently used functions are accessible using hardware buttons. Console parameters can be adjusted on the screen, via iPad or via the physical rotary encoder. The latter is fast, accurate and can function in a standard or fine adjust mode — either way, you can get where you need to be without hassles or getting lost in a convoluted menu structure. Other functions, like holding down a user button while any screen is displayed will automatically set that screen up for “instant recall” the next time that user key is pressed.
One of the things I really like is the talkback mic input is an XLR. No need to dedicate a console channel to TB functions. Also, I like the fact that you can record straight to a USB hard drive — no computer required. All the inputs plus a stereo mix can be stored in 32-bit broadcast wave format. Tracks can also be played back on the mixer or imported into most DAW software for overdubs and post-production.
Wish List
A couple of things I thought could be addressed in a future update include, adding “finger draw” option for adjusting EQ curves. Also, the trims on each channel are analog, which is great. I love it. But it would be nice if you could somehow store the trim settings for the next night’s performance. Also, Android compatibility is supposedly on the way.
That said, the TouchMix-16 presents some advanced features at a seriously affordable price. The audio is surprisingly good — both preamps and effects processing. Operations are fast and intuitive and the iPod/iPhone control apps are sweet. And with a continuing program of updates — I hear another one is planned later this month — this just keeps getting better. Works for me.
At a Glance:
Small but Mighty
Housed in a compact footprint, the TouchMix-16 offers pro-level features — including Wi-Fi control of mains and monitors — in an affordable package that’s easy to use.
PROS: Compact, intuitive, great sound.
CONS: Stereo TRS inputs/outputs require Y-cables for separate connections; no finger-draw for parameter curves.
QSC TouchMix-16
Pricing: $1,299/street, including carry case and Wi-Fi dongle
Manufacturer: QSC Audio
More Info: www.qsc.com
