Mixers - Some kind of group gathering? (Under Construction)

RayW · Mixers - Some kind of group gathering? (Under Construction)

Well, since I agreed to talk about mixers ages ago, a lot of people have chimed-in about their setups. And the issue of software vs. hardware is out there.

I'm only going to mention hardware ... because most software just emulates hardware (you can get a pretty sophisticated software emulator).

You ONLY really need a mixer if you have multiple sources that need to be combined into one. A lot of effects boxes now adays come with a simple mixer built in so you can combine your vocals and your instrument into the one output.

Mixers can be as simple as a set of preamps with level and stereo panning or complicated, with bias and tone adjustments, multiple "Aux" buses with sends and returns, built-in FX bus, selectable signal paths, panning, monitoring, and on and on.

Most people think of the Mixer Board when they think of mixers. But, there are also simple 4-into-1 or 8-into-1 rack mounted units that just assemble all your components into one "submaster" stereo track that you feed into your main mixer. (Note: this is what I will be doing when I get my MIDI guitar setup together - use an 8-to-1 to merge the three synth boxes and two audio processors, panning each to a different spot in the sound field).

So, with the simple mixer .. no problem. Just be sure not to overdrive the preamp, unless distortion is what you were after in the first place.

But, when looking at a board, you have a few more choices. First, do you REALLY need 32 channels? Will 4 do the job (2 mic and 2 line)? And, will you really use the Aux bus, if it's there?

(more coming ...)

Zak Claxton

I'm a music technology writer for my real job. Ray is right; the trend in recording studios both big and small is not having a mixer AT ALL, and having everything done (as we call it) in the box, meaning via software control.

I do use a mixer, but for the reason Ray mentions... I like having hardware control of the multiple mics I use before it gets to my audio interface.

RayW

Yes, and as a side note ... when I'm recording/producing a song, I don't use hardware mixers at all. My 8 channel I/O handles all the inputs. The vitrual instruments all have their own bus. It all gets mixed down in Cubase (or Sonar or Acid ... whichever I'm using) .. all software, and much more flexible than any hardware mixer I could AFFORD.

Gawd ... life is good sometimes Laughing

Distilled1

I use a 12 channel for performance as I dont like using the software e-mu mixer.. I set it once save it as shoutcast setting (what bus, asio, in out etc is on or mute blah blah and go with the pots to adjust levels.) I seem to screew up software stuff. I use the board as well because I run the outs back to it and the ctrl room goes to my studio monitors.

Recording I mix all software as it gives you so many more options.. but live on the fly mixing give me something I can touch and turn and push Very Happy

Zak Claxton

Doubledown Tandino

If you ever get into a bind, or have no money for a mixer, here's an idea:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nD9qub4fJWo

KTravanti

Musician's Friend has some great markdowns on overstocked items. I bought my little Mackie DFX-6 there for under 200 bucks!

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/

Also if you tell them what a competitor's price is they will go lower! I bought my PA equipment there as well.

KT

casemunro

I use a 16 channel Yamaha mixer that has been a workhorse for years, rehearsal, recording, gigging in RL and SL. Only need 5 channels for SL performance- guitar, bass, 2 vocals, and drum tracks burned to CD and run through the mixer. It's got good enough EQ and built in delay/reverb, but it's really a club mixer, I'd like to upgrade to some studio quality gear in the next year.

RayW

Doubledown Tandino

Zak Claxton

KTravanti