Real Noob Q about mixers

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Bobby55

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I have a few keyboards, too many to fit into a soundcard so I'm looking at picking up a small mixer to accomodate everything. My question is, some channels are single, others are stereo. Does it matter whether I plug a keyboard into Ch1, Ch2 and pan hard left/right or is it better to plug a keyboard into 5/6 and keep the balance knob centred? Or does it make a difference at all? :p TIA.
 
The advantage of going into two single channel strips is full independent control of L/R pan and 'balance' vs. just a 'balance' control on ganged L/R inputs on single volume and pan pots. A 'balance' control (it may still be labeled 'pan') for example won't do 'narrow/wide'. The stereo strips mostly add convenience and save space.
 
mixsit said:
The advantage of going into two single channel strips is full independent control of L/R pan and 'balance' vs. just a 'balance' control on ganged L/R inputs on single volume and pan pots. A 'balance' control (it may still be labeled 'pan') for example won't do 'narrow/wide'. The stereo strips mostly add convenience and save space.
Click to expand...

Just want to add that the Eq and fader is also ganged. Another thing to consider is how aux sends are handled on the stereo channels, which can be different on various mixers.

For keyboards, I find the stereo channels are usually the best way to go most of the time. If there are certain patches that don't want to be panned that wide, I'll adjust the panning in the patch editor.
 
Thanks for the responses, this sure helps. I'd only use it as a path to get to the PC for recording; all the processing is done on the software side. I'll start poking around for something small this weekend.
 
GOOD question.

You're in a similar way to me. I use a few synth modules (hardware) that I route into my soundcard via my Mackie 1402 VLZ3 mixer. It has 4 stereo channels, which I use for my synths. But I also have an old PC which I use for the odd bit of video editing routed to 2 mono channels.

I guess it comes down to personal preference. I prefer to save space and use a stereo fader instead of two mono ones. I'm not bothered about separate control over the left and right channels - and any panning is done on the synth itself.

Unfortunately there's not a whole lot out there for people who use lots of hardware synths and just use stereo channels. Most mixers seem to be geared towards people who need to record lots if mics. Although I remember a Soundcraft (ES?) on that had about 10 stereo channels on it, for synth users.

As for my mixer:

http://www.mackie.com/products/1402vlz3/
 
I'd love to pick up a Mackie but a little rich for me right now, trying to snag some monitors, too. Probably going to pick up a smaller Tapco mixer.
 
Thanks for the offer but I was thinking something a little younger than me! :D
 
Bobby55 said:
Thanks for the offer but I was thinking something a little younger than me! :D
Click to expand...
That's cool. As I recall the goo' G.M. put in the pots to make them 'smooooth' dried up years ago. ;)
 
OK, another Q. I'm close to picking up the mixer but wanted to get some input. What's the more intelligent way to wire this stuff up?

Keys ---¬
Keys ---- Ch 1 - 4 IN -> Mixer Main Out -> PC -> Monitors

OR

Keys ---¬
Keys ---- Ch 1 - 4 IN -> Mixer CD Out -> PC -> Mixer CD IN -> Monitors

I'd like to run the outs direct from the mixer to the monitors, if possible. TIA.
 
Bobby55 said:
...I'd like to run the outs direct from the mixer to the monitors, if possible. TIA.
Click to expand...
Outs' as in the pc playback? Like in the 2nd example, I found having 'master and playback ('CR/Tape) on separate volume controls a handy feature.
Record send could also be 'CD out or 'master.
PC direct to monitors can be done too. It's direct and clean for sure. Personally I'm not keen on the idea of having software control only on power up'. :)Might be fine.
 
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