Karaoke Forums

I've got a question for the collective intelligence assembled here.  

I'm putting together a second rig, and I'm toying with the idea of going with a powered mixer, probably something from Yamaha or Mackie.  Curently I run a passive mixer through a crown CE2000 amplifier.

This second rig will most likely be used in smaller venues by someone without a whole lot of technical expertise.

I'd like to hear from those of you who use or have used a powered mixer.  Tell me what you liked about it, and some of the drawbacks that I may not be seeing as a somewhat ignorant shopper.  If you used one in the past but aren't anymore, tell me why you swapped it out.  

Please feel free to comment on the ease of use as opposed to a regular passive mixer.

Any recommendations as to models to look at/for would also be appreciated.  It's looking like a busy summer is looming on the horizon, so I'm trying to do my homework early in order to be in the right position when the time comes.

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Pros:
Powered boards are great for portability & space related issues.  
Cons:
If you need to service it for any reason, you now lost your mixer, amp & effects.  
Powered boards are generally underpowered (yes this is just my opinion).
They are normally not as expandable if you plan on growing ie adding external processing.  Some do have more options than others.  The Mackie lines are very good in this area.

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I have and use both - Power Amp and Mixer and also a Powered Mixer.
What I like about the powered mixer is that it's LIGHTER and smaller, simplier to hook up and take down and transport, only one power plug required and my JVC player sits perfectly right on top. (but thats just me)

The cons --yes it's not as powerful and I don't have my BBE maximizer hooked up to mine. There are no FADERS but knobs for everything which is just a little inconvience unless you have a CONSOLE typed power mixer.

You'll get as many opions as if you asked PASSIVE SPEAKERS VS POWERED SPEAKERS.. The truth is its up to you.  If you're looking at a 2nd rig for smaller type venues to be hooked up and controlled it may be a little EASIER with a powered mixer.  Not better or worse sounding but maybe just a little simplier....