Help picking out a mixer

[darins]

I'm looking for an inexpensive way to record on to my PC, and I need some assistance in finding an appropriate mixer. I will be playing/recording everything myself, so I can get away with a smaller number of inputs if I understand correctly.

Since one of the things I'll be recording is a drum kit, I would like a mixer that has 4-6 Mic preamps, along with either a direct out or channel insert for each preamp channel - if I understand correctly this is needed to record each channel to a separate track on the PC (dependant on the sound card in the PC as well).

I've been looking and have found plenty of options that either don't have the outs/inserts, or are way too extravagent for what I need. I'm looking for something under $250 if at all possible. If there are other hardware options, I'd be open to those as well.

Thanks!

-Darin

 

[chessrock]

In terms of best quality for the dollar / bang-buck ratio, I'd have to say this one is your best bet . . . and would be worth the extra $$ if you can manage it :

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--SPIRW5650



If all you need are four decent mic pres, then this one will do just fine:

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MAC1202VLZPRO

 

[jake-owa]

It's mind-numbing what you can find on ebay these days..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2560636871&category=23785

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3048332117&category=21166

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3049483163&category=21166

Don't let the look of these mixers fool you, they have more headroom and nicer preamps than the Mackies. The most you might have to do is use some Caiglube on the pots and faders that sound scratchy.

 

[Middleman]

Used Soundcraft or Tascam is your best bet.

Any of the Spirit Live boards by Soundcraft generally have a good sound.

 

[darins]

Ooo, great stuff. This type of hardware generally stands the test of time pretty well? Some great potential deals here, thanks for the tip.

 

[Bulls Hit]

I just purchased a Yamaha MG12/4, $199 at musiciansfriend.com

Fo the price it's great value imo. 4 mono ins, 4 stereo ins, 6 preamps; mains out, group buss out, & 4 inserts give you upto 8 mono outs, plus control room and monitor mixes.

The pres are really quiet & the faders are smooth but not too slippery

 

[darins]

Good suggestions all, but I'm kinda going nuts here. Trying so hard to find just the right thing, and I'm not finding it.

One detail I left out - I really don't need the mixer to mix - I'll be doing that on a PC. Really all I need is something with pre-amps for 4-6 mics, line-level inputs for keys and bass, and outs for each channel. Is there some rack-mountable thing along those lines I haven't found yet?

 

[SmattyG]

Ok, so you don't need a mixer, you need 4-6 preamps... Correct? For $250, your best bet would be to get 2 of these Audiobuddies:
http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=10658&Category=Audio_Processors.

Of course... you're going to want to monitor in real time, so a mixer could be helpful..