external preamp vs mixer

  • Thread starter Thread starter paw1
  • Start date Start date
P

paw1

New member
Hi people. My first post on this forum. The question is pretty noobish, so I decided to put it here.

I'm planning to buy a new computer which will be used mainly for recording. I will buy an external preamp or a mixer (I have a MBox2 now but want something with more mic inputs). I have two questions:

1. Does an external preamp and a mixer do the exact same thing apart from the fact that you (obviously) can mix externally with the mixing console?

2. Planning to buy a computer intended for recording use, do I have to take the internal sound card into consideration when I'm going to use a mixer or external preamp?
 
Do some reading before buying anything.

A "mixer" takes multiple inputs and combines (mixes) them together for fewer outputs. There are some mixers that have outputs for each channel, but not all of them.

A pre-amp boosts the incoming signal, as well as 'coloring' it (as in a tube pre-amp'). It can also supply phantom power to a condensor mic, but most mixers or interfaces do that.

Don't worry about the internal soundcard when you buy a computer. Plan on getting an audio interface (USB or Firewire) with as many channels as you will want to record simultaneously.
 
Last edited:
The first thing you want to purchase is a better interface. It basically replaces your internal sound card completely. There is really no need for an external mixer unless you plan on using a bunch of outboard (expensive) gear.

1. Well, not necessarily. A preamp is a necessity for any mic, to bring it's output to line level. Your Mbox has two preamps. The main purpose of the interface is to convert your analog to digital. It is only capable of doing 2 channels of this. The s/pdif allow connection of a device that already has it's own converter or is a digital source to begin with. If you want more channels of input for separate recording to individual tracks, buy an interface with more inputs.

2. No, You could care less what the internal sound card is. You will likely be completely disabling it anyway. Your external interface will be the only connection point between your mic's/instruments and your DAW. It is also resposible for converting you digitally recorded signal, back to analog, to your monitors.

Welcome to the forum paw!!

Some great reading here. Just run through the classes that you feel you may need info about. :)
 
The only way I'd go with external pres would be if I fell into a pot of money or I really really needed a 'gold' channel for vocals. Integrated pres... the kind you get in mixers etc., may or may not suit, and the only way you're going to be able to tell is if you demo them with your mics. I know a lot of people get religious with mics and pres but where I ran into problems was the nasty shock that my old Mackie board couldn't drive my new Shure SM7B. Generally speaking you'll have to have a damn fine set of ears to tell two decent pres apart.
 
wheelema said:
The only way I'd go with external pres would be if I fell into a pot of money or I really really needed a 'gold' channel for vocals. Integrated pres... the kind you get in mixers etc., may or may not suit, and the only way you're going to be able to tell is if you demo them with your mics. I know a lot of people get religious with mics and pres but where I ran into problems was the nasty shock that my old Mackie board couldn't drive my new Shure SM7B. Generally speaking you'll have to have a damn fine set of ears to tell two decent pres apart.
Click to expand...

This is the first time I've seen you post outside the cave :eek:

But he does have a point. If you're only starting out you probably won't need an external preamp. I mainly play drums, and I prefer to have a prepamp for my OHs, that's what my DMP3 is for.
 
Thank you very much for your advice and welcomes:) I'll check out the links you guys posted!
 
Another option other than a basic mic preamp is a harmonizer. For a bit more cash you get a nice, clean preamp channel plus the added functionality of harmony generation, effects, and pitch correction. I have completely abandoned my Behringer preamp for vocals in favor of a TC Helicon Voiceworks and love it!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top