12 to 14 channel analog mixer options

[ARCADIOS]

Hi
My old analog mixer is dead.
I was searching the internet for buying a new 12 to 14 channel analog mixer.
I see that mackie, soundcraft and allen&heath are considered to be the best.
What about your experience?
In that case I would like to spend max 400 to 500 euros.

ps. from a short browsing I saw that allen&heath z14 does not have control room output??? where are the monitors connected then??

[dawman]

If you see a Crest rackmounted/table top mixer for that price grab it.
They are extremely well built and high quality parts, especially the outputs, they are hot and nasty. I have the XRM 20 and will never sell it as they just don't build mixers this well in that price range anymore. They also make a killer Bass Amp Head.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... n4yjzXf58w

[Liquid EDGE]

Well. I used to have a Mackie 1604vlz pro.
Was very happy with it. But supposedly Allen and heath has a nicer sound some people I knew described the Mackie as a little hard sounding( but this was good for drum and bass ) This was 5-10 years ago so god knows what's going on now.
I'm completely digital now.

[ARCADIOS]

I am close to buying the soundcraft spirit M8 analog mixing desk.
I would like to ask if anybody knows if the pre fade aux sends are capable of sending even when the channel is muted.
I am asking this in general also for other mixers...just to know what is the standard.

the M8 has 2 aux pre fade(..for musicians monitoring) sends and 2 post fade(acclaimed to be best for effects).

If anybody has the knowledge on this mixer...quality etc...... I would be pleased to know.
About its mic pres, soundcraft says that it has a high quality desgin similar to the high models og the company, like "ghost".

Does anybody know the difference from the GB30 mic pres?

So many questions... I know.

whaiting answer for Aux prefade sends first.....