When I first bought this, I had no idea how I wanted to use this mixer. I had no obvious need for a small FOH mixer, but I was curious to get to know the potential of this device.
Well, let's get the negative observations out of the way:
- It's not designed to be attached to a rack, so you either have to create a DIY case or buy Thomann's case, which costs a lot when considering the worth of this mixer.
- You can't use this mixer as an audio interface, which could be really handy at some situations. The more expensive versions of this mixer can do multitrack recordings, but this one can only record the stereo sum on a USB stick. Well, it could be worse!
- The wifi connection is not faultless, but that depends a lot on the space you operate in. If there are many networks in the area where you're using the mixer via wifi, be prepared to get some dropouts. Get an external router or just attach an CAT5-cable between the mixer and your computer, and you'll be fine.
Pros:
- The amount of tools for signal processing in this mixer is ridiculous for its price. Of course you need some time to get to know all its features, but you can actually do a lot of very decent signal processing if you know what you are doing.
- You also get a few effects, I especially like the reverb a lot.
- The interface is logical, view- and mute groups are very handy features. Remember to use 'Mute FX' and 'Mute all' when needed!
- The interface is probably at its best when used via a 10" tablet, but it's not completely out of question to use your phone with this mixer.
- There hasn't been any technical problems with any of the Ui-series mixers which I have used for the past two years, and this device isn't an exception. Ui12 seems very solid.
- The media player-function is great. Just plug your music filled USB stick in this, and you can easily manage the music via your device.
Would I buy this mixer again if I had to? Yes! It's a brilliant device for its price. If you can't get your mixes to sound good on this, I'd spend some time practicing mixing.