Behringer MX400 4-Channel Line Mixer - www.zzounds.com/item--BEHMX400

[unet]

Okay so i know this is a VERY cheap mixer but i want to know, can this type of mixer be used to record guitars and vocals?

I'm at a very basic level in recording...i just want to give it a try.
So far, ive been using my pc's line in to record guitars but the vocals just don;'t cut it.

Would this mixer be any good?

 

[DonF]

To record vocals, you need to use a microphone. To connect a microphone to a line input, you need a microphone preamp. This line mixer has no microphone preamps in it. Therefore, it's not likely to be especially useful for recording vocals.

This one would do: http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--BEHXENTX502

Not saying that I recommend it, just that I think it would work for you.

Hope this helps,
Don

 

[unet]

Thanks, that does help!

Any idea how that mixer connects to a pc?
If its analog, can i somehow convert the output to usb so i can get good quality recordings?

And also, what mixer would YOU recommend?

Rasik

And can the Behringer UCA202 USB Interface be used to convert the output?
item--BEHUCA202 on zzounds

 

[DonF]

That mixer would connect to a PC sound card using a "Y" cable that has two RCA plugs on one end and a stereo 1/8" plug on the other end. Very simple.

Yes, it looks like the UCA202 would work. Whether it would be better depends on the sound card you already have in your computer. But I'd say as a guess it would very likely sound better. In this case, of course, you'd have to use a regular stereo RCA patch cord to connect the mixer, rather than the "Y" cable.

The reasons I wouldn't use the word "recommend" in connection with Behringer are two: (1) I have some doubts about the longterm viability of their equipment, because of perceived deficiencies in their build quality; and (2) I have some concerns about their design process (i.e., it's been alleged that they "rip off" designs from Mackie and others.) Think of Behringer as the Ikea of audio, and you'll have it just about right, in my opinion.

So, if budget is not an issue, I'd recommend the equivalent Mackie product over a Behringer. http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MAC402VLZ3 (see what I mean?)

Don