Did I buy the wrong Mixer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Codeseven
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Codeseven

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I originally bought my mixer to just plug multiple mic's in from my drum set and listen to myself play/practice. Now I'd like to start recording. However, after reading a few articles from the excellent Tweak Guide I thinking that my mixer has severely limited my recording capabilities, that is, unless I spend allot more money.

I would like to record multiple tracks into a DAW on my MacBook Pro from my mixer but, my mixer is only USB 1.1! So two channel recording only. From what I understand, in order to do multitrack recording I now also have to buy an Audio Interface, is that true? (or sell the mixer and buy one with USB 2.0 or Firewire).

Even with an AI would I be able to listen to a live mixed sound from my mixer while sending a an un-mixed multitrack signal to my DAW for mixing on that later? Very confused! Thanks


Mike
 
Yeah, you're right. Your mixer is most likely limited to recording in stereo.

You would want to look at either a usb/firewire mixer with multitrack capabilities,

Or maybe an 8 channel interface like the presonus firepod.

Unless you're doing live performance stuff, there's not really much need for a mixer.

I'm not sure what your last question means.
If you mean "can i listen to a song and record multiple tracks at the same time, then yes :)

You may run into issues with latency, but a lot of interfaces have direct hardware monitoring to compensate for that.(you hear what your mics pick up before it goes through the pc)


Look at the exact specs if you're shopping around. USB2 doesn't necessarily mean more than two channels.
There are plenty of two channel usb2/firewire interfaces about.
 
Thanks Steenamaroo!

What I meant that last question to mean was...With my IEM's plugged into my mixer could I be listening to an 'EQ'd' (not sure how to say it) sound of me playing while at the same time sending a non-EQ'd sound to a DAW from the Audio Interface? I doubt it :)

I think I might just be better off selling my USB 1.1 mixer (Yamaha MG166CXUSB) and buying one with Firewire. It sure would be nice to just plug a firewire cable from a mixer to the laptop and get multichannel recording without any other equipment!
 
Basically, you wanna record your drums, put eq on it in the software, and hear that eq in your headphones as you play?

Yes, you can do that.

It's the same as a singer wanting to hear reverb in the headphones.

Like i say though, you might get a bit of latency on it, but that can usually be brought down to almost unnoticeable levels.
 
Ok, I think I get it now. When you mentioned 'latency' it reminded me. I would be listen to the mix from the DAW on my laptop and thats where my IEM's would be plugged into. Thanks
 
Boy, I would think latency would drive a drummer NUTS! :eek: Would he keep slowing his playing tempo down, thinking he was actually speeding up?:confused:
 
stevieb said:
Boy, I would think latency would drive a drummer NUTS! :eek: Would he keep slowing his playing tempo down, thinking he was actually speeding up?:confused:
Click to expand...

lol Ya, Stevie, I'm a little worried about the playability of going that route. I think I should just get a Firewire mixer and get it over with. Only problem is finding an 'affordable' mixer with Firewire and at least 8 mic inputs.
 
To prove whether or not latency is going to be an issue, just set up your current mixer, and listen to yourself through the daw.

Set your buffer setting to the lowest possible, stick on a reverb or something (so you know for sure it's coming through the daw), and [lay the drums with the headphones on.
You'll know straight away if there's a problem.

If there's no problem, then you can buy any interface/mixer that allows multitracking, and use it that way.
 
Yeah sell the mixer on Gumtree or Loot and put the cash towards a new one! :)
 
Spex said:
Yeah sell the mixer on Gumtree or Loot and put the cash towards a new one! :)
Click to expand...

Hi Spex.

Ya, I probably didn't really need a mixer to begin with but with a good Firewire mixer I do like the possibility of having the ability to listen to an EQ'd signal through my IEM's while playing at the same time sending a non-EQ'd multichannel signal to a DAW on my laptop for recording that I can EQ/mix later. Sounds like that would avoid dealing with any latency issues by avoiding monitoring live through the laptop.
 
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