Well my lil' 4 channel mixer finally died. I am thinking about getting another smaller board (maybe 8 channel)since I don't really have a use for the bigger ones at this time....
Just wondering if there is much differences in the models that are out there now... I know alot of people around here say go mackie but the smaller mixers just look cheaply made...
just trying to get some opinions from others and what they feel is the best bargain

I think you should just go for a cheap and cheerful Behringer or Tapco (Mackie manufactured) - my 4 channel desk died recently and I bought a 12 channel stereo mixer - then I had to ask myself why?? I only ever record one thing at a time :) So unless you are using a drum machine and keys midi'ed up and playing/singing you are not going to need too much in the way of extra inputs that can only be used live.

My last mixer was a Soundcraft Spirit which had dedicated in/out's on each channel strip - that WAS useful because I could set up each one for a different purpose and feed it back into my 8in/8out soundcard. It also had 4 stereo ins which made it ideal to connect my CG-88 to one, The Toneport to another and route vsti's to another. Still leaving me a dedicated vocal channel with the B2 Pro connected. although I never used any more than 1 or 2 channels at a time I could leave the board set up as it was and never have to worry about patching the right unit to the right input. Unfortunately it died and will cost over £160 (~$300) to get fixed or buy a new one at £200 (~$400)

I guess it all depends on what you want from the desk. but in my experience the Behringers are pretty solid little mixers and the Tapco ones seem fine too.

I've had good experience with the Mackie 1604 (16 channel 4 bus) though to be honest I've wore out a couple of them but those used to be in a smoky rehearsal space and weren't taken care of - but they are great for the $ imo - the mic pre's on it are excellent - I have an 8 bus 24 ch Mackie now but I think you can get the 1604 relatively cheap though I'd be wary of buying used.

Thanks for the input.... I am looking at a few 8 channel Behringers because they are cheap enough and will serve the purpose. I wont use all of the channels but they are there in case others show up to do a jam or something.:thumb:

alesis makes a nice board too. i personally have had good luck with anything from behringer i bought. the alesis might be a bit more expensive but will be better quality