Mixers For Guitar Signal - Opinions/Suggestions Please

[Michael Clark <mcl451@airmail.net>]

Hi,

I've been experimenting with running a guitar signal from the amp's pre amp
out into a mixer and using the sends for the effects.

My problem is that the guitar signal (thru the mixer) sounds very different
from the signal that would be produced by the amp.  I know that I'm just
getting just the pre amp signal rather than both the pre and power amp
signal.  I'm using the guitar signal to feed the sends on the mixer.

But, the rack mount mixers I've tried so far, an early Mackie CR 1604 (not
the VLZ or Pro), and an Allen & Heath WZ 16:2  seem to color the sound in a
non musical way, IMO - at least in a non guitar friendly way.  My guess is
that it is the mixer channel pre amps.  Even the reverbs and delays sound
different than if I just threw them into the amp's effects loop - very
different - sort of harder, not as lush or as full.

Additionally, once I set unity gain in the mixer, the volume is Way louder
than it would be if just running straight from the amp(s).

Any ideas on mixers than are fairly true to the guitar tone, or are really
musical sounding?

And yes, I use an Oberheim EDP and a Repeater!  Love them both for
different reasons.  

Thanks!

M...