How many knobs are too many? The battle rages on in the creation of the perfect personal monitor mixer. An important feature is usability because when it comes to musicians, they want something easy to use. Enter the Aviom 320.
Users of the Aviom A-16II and the newer A360 know these units provide a lot of control, especially the A360. The A320 is a step back in features with an increase in simplicity and this can be a good thing.
Two knobs. Instead of using single-use encoders, the A320 uses only two knobs; one for master volume and a multi-use knob combined with selectors for channel volume, channel stereo placement, and a selector for picking the master EQ controls of bass, treble, and “Enhance.”
I wish there was a separate knob for channel pan control. During my days on a worship band, I would regularly use the channel volume and pan control. And I wish it had a few other features but all of those are available on the A360. More features - that's the techie part of me shining through.
Compared to the A360, it lacks the features of channel tone and reverb control. It also lacks the option of stereo spread, on-board ambience mic, and advanced features of multiple quick-recall settings.
Use of the A320 with the older Aviom systems enables it to run in Pro16 mode, with 16 channels like the A-16II. For the newer Aviom systems with more channels, it uses the Pro16e mode and the 32-channel mix engine for any combination of 16 mono or stereo sources. But let's get to the real question.
Reduced functionality is not something techies like to hear. What if I mentioned reduced cost? What if I said it shouldn't be up to the techie? For now, I'll put away my multi-purpose tool, my SPL meter, and strap on my guitar. From techie to musicians in just three steps.
As a former worship musician, I've used the older Avion A-16II's. I've even demoed the newer A360 unit. Thinking about the A320, I have to ask myself the question, is it worth the $399 price-tag? This is not an easy answer. From the multi-faceted myMix system to the unique Livemix system to the more straight-forward EliteCore system, every product is different and every price is different.
A church with an existing Aviom system looking for more mixing units should certainly consider the A320's. For the musician who wants only a few controls, the A320 is perfect. Even a combination of A360's and A320's for a new installation could be right for musicians who don't deal well with technology – and there are more than you might think.
A church interested in buying an older used Aviom A-16II-based system should consider going with a newer Aviom system with the 320's because of the improved sound quality. But this leads me to ask myself one big question; would I recommend a church buy a new aviom system with only the A320s units?
Remember when I mentioned purchasing an in-ear system shouldn't be up to the techie? It's the musicians who are spending their time with these units. But, because this is audio equipment, it does help if we techies can be their guide.
There are a variety of personal monitor systems at a variety of price points. Work with musicians in evaluating the different systems. Find a church that uses an in-ear system and find out what it is, what they like about it, and what they don't like. See if you can demo a system for your church.
The A320 is half the A360 price for a reason. It doesn't mean the A320 is half as good. It's a reminder that functionality comes at a steep cost and sometimes musicians don't want more functionality. They want simple and that's not a bad thing.
