Monzerelli
New member
Recorders have level switches just like mixers, so whats the difference other than recording on one and not the other? Basically, if I get a recorder (digital), do I need a mixer? Any help would be appreciated. Thanx!
H
Hawking
New member
The mixer simply gives you more options. It lets you, for example, plug 16 different sources into an 8 track recorder. You can still only record 8 tracks at a time, but at least you don't have to constantly plug/unplug cables. Most recorders also do not have mic preamps in them. Usually they only accept line level sources (either balanced or unbalanced). Of course you can use a stand alone preamp if you have no mixer, or even if you do have a mixer and simply want a better/different sound. A mixer also may have the options for effects sends/returns, headphone output(s), and other various routing features that can minimize the constant repatching of cables.
When mixdown time comes, you need something with faders to adjust levels and combine the tracks together to get a stereo signal. With just a digital recorder, you have no way to do this.
Computer based recording is a different story. The software does the mixing and routing. The mixer becomes an accessory since it still allows you to leave all of your gear plugged in all the time even if your sound card doesn't have enough inputs (same as the stand-alone digital recorder). You can also premix tracks if needed. If you only have 2 sound card inputs and want to record a drum kit, you can run all of the mics through the mixer and combine them into 2 tracks to output to the computer. Obviously, there is the disadvantage of not being able to make changes after the fact.
Personally, I don't use a mixer any more. I do use a few patchbays to avoid crawling around behind the rack when I do have to repatch though. Really, the only thing I miss is having real faders to lay my greay little fingers on while mixing, but with computer based automation being so easy, even that isn't a big deal to me any more.
When mixdown time comes, you need something with faders to adjust levels and combine the tracks together to get a stereo signal. With just a digital recorder, you have no way to do this.
Computer based recording is a different story. The software does the mixing and routing. The mixer becomes an accessory since it still allows you to leave all of your gear plugged in all the time even if your sound card doesn't have enough inputs (same as the stand-alone digital recorder). You can also premix tracks if needed. If you only have 2 sound card inputs and want to record a drum kit, you can run all of the mics through the mixer and combine them into 2 tracks to output to the computer. Obviously, there is the disadvantage of not being able to make changes after the fact.
Personally, I don't use a mixer any more. I do use a few patchbays to avoid crawling around behind the rack when I do have to repatch though. Really, the only thing I miss is having real faders to lay my greay little fingers on while mixing, but with computer based automation being so easy, even that isn't a big deal to me any more.
T
Toker41
Better Than You
I would be lost without my mixer. Really nice to be able to tweek tone and level before going into the pc.
Freudian Slip
New member
With out a doubt for larger gigs a nice mixer is a must. A recording console will not even come close to cutting it.
(I know
this is the recording board)
As far as recording goes. If I have a great mixer I can upgrade my recording power by maybe buying something for as cheap $100.00 maybe. With an all-in-wonder you are talking about rebuying a mixer & recording hardware to upgrade. The way things are pumping along I may be able to go to a 5Ghz processor iin a year or so. I can buy a mother board & chip
I can record 8 tracks at a time now, but later I will be abe to record 16 or 24 and still use what I have already bought. That's a nice thing.
F.S.
(I know
this is the recording board)As far as recording goes. If I have a great mixer I can upgrade my recording power by maybe buying something for as cheap $100.00 maybe. With an all-in-wonder you are talking about rebuying a mixer & recording hardware to upgrade. The way things are pumping along I may be able to go to a 5Ghz processor iin a year or so. I can buy a mother board & chip
I can record 8 tracks at a time now, but later I will be abe to record 16 or 24 and still use what I have already bought. That's a nice thing.
F.S.