A few questions.

[Grice]

Hey,
I'm pretty much new to recording.
I have some questions.

From my knowledge, [which is most likely wrong..xD] a mixer is a device used to control the EQ and volume and such of different imports, such as different instruments, yes?
Is it absolutely necessary to record with a mixer?
Because I'm pretty sure that if I used one I would get hecka confused.
What would be the pros and cons of using a mixer?
Haha, if I'm totally wrong, please correct me.

Also, if I'm making a beat for a song I'm mixing, would it be easier to get a Pad Controller? [Eh, I'm not sure what to call it.] Like the Akai MPC2500?
Haha well, I don't think I'm going to buy the 2500 because of it's price, but would it be beneficial to get a Controller like that, perhaps the Akai MPD24 since I'm just starting off, rather than just using my keyboard? [It's a Yamaha YPT-400, with drums sets and what not on it.] I'm not sure if it would do the same thing...

I'm pretty confused with MIDI too.
I use Sony Acid Music Studio 7, and I'm still having troubles transferring voices that are on my keyboard. Is that even possible?

Dang. I sound like a clueless idiot.
[Maybe because that's exactly what I am xD]

I haven't really gotten that deep into recording.
It's actually a little intimidating to be, but I think I'm getting it.

Thanks!

 

[Elton Bear]

Put very simply....

Hey, what are Newbie sections for eh?
A mixer does a lot more than EQ and levels.
A mixer has X amount of channels (which are all the same btw, so once you learn how to use one strip you're laughing), each with its own preamp, which brings the level of your microphone up to a decent recording level.

You don't need a mixer, but you DO need preamps of some description, some are standalone, built into your audio card, whatever. The pros of using a mixer include ease of control over a large amount of inputs, financial benefits over getting separate preamps for everything (especially if you need a few - recording drums, for example), and the fact that you can put your mix back through the desk to mix it.

The cons are that they are daunting to look at, and all those fancy buttons can be scary. They're really quite simple to learn though.

As for the MIDI drum pad, I wouldn't worry about it if you're getting the results you want - I program my MIDI with a mouse, but most people ten to use the keyboards.

 

[Grice]

As for the MIDI drum pad, I wouldn't worry about it if you're getting the results you want - I program my MIDI with a mouse, but most people ten to use the keyboards.

Well, I'm not really getting the results I want. xD
I'm having trouble correctly setting up all the MIDI, so I can record my keyboard--with the voice that I need it to be.
I'm not very sure how I can do that.. =/

Like, if I need to record a beat, I need that voice so it's not just the piano voice...I'm guessing the Pad Controller will just clear that up?

 

[Almy]

I guess I would start by saying, no you don't have to have a mixer to get the results you want. There are plenty of options to get you there without having to use one. Plus chances are likely you would never take full advantage of what a mixer would offer. I say that as it seems you aren't going to be doing a lot of instrument tracking, although I may be misunderstanding.

But something I also want to add that a mixer can be nice. With a firewire mixer you can get a lot of the things you WILL need in one device. For instance it can be your soundcard, your converters, your preamps, your outputs for monitoring (both for headphones and monitors,) and your inputs...all in one device. Depending on what you buy.