Bernie, I have not used a mixer for the last 20 years I was working, regardless of the size of the venue - it just was unnecessary. I fire my headset mic through the keyboard and used all the tools on the keyboard for effects, EQ, mic, etc... Just one more thing an OMB entertainer doesn't need. As for headroom, I rarely turned my L1 Compact above the 1-O'clock position with audiences of 80 to 100 ppl, even in a large venue. Keep in mind that unlike traditional PA systems, the falloff with the Bose L1 Compact at 50 feet is less than 10 percent, where a conventional sound system usually experiences a falloff of nearly 50 percent at 50 feet. And, of course, the Bose L1 and L1 Compact eliminated the need for an external monitor as well. Sure made my life a lot easier, especially when you are doing lots of doubles and a few triples every day of the week.

Good luck,

Gary