Maybe the SSL six. It has 2 mono channels, 2 stereo channels, then 2 sets of stereo send and returns. With lots of routing flexibility.
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People rave about these!
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I should have said that I need 6 channels for Digitakt, Analog Rytm Mk2 and SP-404A (for long stereo samples). The reason stereo is important is that I also want to record and share videos of live performances at home. The Xone: 96 only has 4 inputs. The only DJ mixer I could find with 6 inputs is the Pioneer DJM-V10, but that’s over $3000, so it’s getting crazy expensive.
The SSL SiX looks perfect for my 6 channel analog needs, even a compressor for live, also love the form factor, think I’ll be getting this, thanks!
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I highly recommend the SSL Six but if you want a more affordable / compact solution, the BlueBox has 3 stereo configurable outputs and 6 stereo (or 12 mono) inputs. The eighth inch jacks are a bit of a pain but once you have the necessary cabling it’s a pretty great unit. I have both the SSL and the BlueBox and they are both the best mixers I’ve ever used (for different purposes).
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I looked at the Blue Box, but prefer the SSL Six because I want analogue. Can I use all 6 channels on the Six (for 3 stereo instruments) at the same time as using 2 stereo effects sends/returns? Seems that the fold back cue outs are used for sends, but seems to be no returns…1 example online shows one of the stereo channels being used as a return, but that wouldn’t work for me. Could I use the DB25 connections somehow?
The Xone:96 has 6 stereo inputs. Channels 1 - 4 plus the A and B channels. Dedicated send returns. Master inserts. It’s a deadly beast of a mixer.
If its price is a concern, check out the Allen & Heath PX5. Four stereo channels plus a fifth stereo line in. Stereo send/return. Master inserts. Very good, externally clockable (via USB MIDI) effects. 10 in 10 out soundcard. It’s about $1000 less than the Xone:96. Mine should be in this week.
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I just remembered that I also use the Moog Minitaur for bass, so I need 7 channels as well as 2 stereo aux sends/returns. 
Mid size A&H Zed range has 2x pre fader axes that function as stereo sends on stereo channels.
Smallest model is Zed 12fx which has 3x stereo sends
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I just use mono aux’es for my delay and reverb effects. Very little difference in the end for those types of effects.
Analog heat i connected to a Group Bus. Same with my compressor. Typical through type effects is more used on bus’es or inserts than with aux’es.
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Thanks so much for the graphics man! This would be perfect except I need analog. I’m using an old Peavey Unity Series 500 mixer at the moment and even though it’s not a high end mixer, it just softens, warms and gels the overall sound in a way that I really like and my ears don’t tire easily.
Thanks a lot, the Zed-12FX looks like just what I need and the price is great! Have you used it? Just wondering how it sounds. I know it’s not going to sound like an SSL at this price but as I said I’m my previous message, even an analog mixer that isn’t high end can soften the sound just enough.
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Out of interest, is there a reason why the Xone:92 wouldn’t do about as good a job as the 96 in this instance? From looking at the specs (I’m out of the loop with DJ mixers so apologies) you lose the built in soundcard and some EQ capability on the aux returns (plus some general tweaks and revisions). Am I missing anything else?
Me too, Space and Particle 2, both stereo returns which gives the width.
Not the 12fx but I have a zed 14 on loan from a friend which has the same stereo channels. I like it a lot. I’m no engineer or audiophile but the eq sounds good to me, and build quality is solid.
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Sure, if you don t need the extra features then the 92 would do.
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I was just about to suggest this! If the SiX isn’t big enough, a Zed is probably your next best option.
They’re great analog desks at a good price. Often you can find well priced second hand ones on eBay etc. too.
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Yeah, I’m also really happy with my Zed14. Feels really nice, nice long faders, eqs are usable (I like them). It actually has everything I’d want from a small mixer.
You get 2x mono sends post fader and switchable 2x mono sends/stereo send pre fader. The pre fader sends can function as a stereo send, but since they’re pre fader, I wouldn’t want to use them for effects, they are great for sending stuff to OT for sampling or for recording a stereo mix.
The 2x dual stereo inputs are nice, you can send both stereo ins to the channel (maybe you have two stereo sources, that don’t need eq treatment) or one stereo in to the channel and one to the main mix (like a normal return works).
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Yes you can use it like that. That is essentially how I use it and I am very happy with it. Yea the foldback cue outs are used as the sends. The ext inputs 1 and 2 can be used as stereo returns or as 2 additional stereo channels that get mixed and summed before the compressor.
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Great to hear that. Thinking now that I should just sample the Minitaur bass into Digitakt/Rytm/SP-404 so that 6 channels would be enough. So I’m thinking now it’s between the SSL Six and Xone: 96. Do you think the SSL Six has much analog warmth/mojo? For example, if you played a drum machine straight through the speakers vs through the SSL, would you hear much difference? I think that would be the factor that would make me decide between the 2. SSL Six looks better in terms of portability and I imagine the sound is great, so I’m leaning toward this at the moment.