What else...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ashura
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Ashura

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I am about to buy a Layla24 soundcard. I have a friend setting up a PC for me (I'll be running Cubase) and I was curious as to what type of monitors and mixer would you guys recommend I invest in?

So far, my list consists of SM58s, the PC, Layla24, the monitors and the mixers. Anything else I might be missing? As far as the mixer is concerned, I am still somewhat confused why I will need it, but from an earlier thread I was told it will be used to power the mics (I'm not sure if this an important detail regarding this, but I am planning on recording one track at a time). Thanks!!!!
 
The Layla has line level inputs. If you want to record with any mics, you need to get them up to line level. In addition, if the mic is a condenser type, it will need a source of so-called phantom power. Some condenser mics have batteries but most rely on external power. A mixer is one solution. Anything but the smallest, cheapest ones will have two or more mic preamps with phantom power. You might be able to use stand-alone mic preamps as well, but a mixer is a mighty useful gadget in general. If you always expect to be recording just one track at a time, and the computer is the only piece of gear that you have that you'll be routing to your monitors, a stand-alone preamp might be all you really need.
 
Mackie makes some relatively good quality small mixers with decent preamps.

As for monitor speakers, you're probably best to go listen to them yourself. Very subjective decision. Event makes some decent ones, but you should really decide this for yourself by listening.
 
With this mixer, will this also work along with Cubase and Layla? Meaning, I've seen studios where the computer screen becomes automated, like the faders on the screen can be controlled by the mixer, instead of using a mouse to move the faders and knobs. With this in mind, is there any specific software/hardware/type of mixer I should look into? Thanx for all the help!
 
No, those are digital mixers or fancy analog mixers that have MIDI automation features built-in. There are cheap mixers with this feature (that are really just control panels for the software, and perhaps offer some audio I/O and a MIDI interface as well), but to get a good mixer with good preamps that also is automatable via MIDI is pretty big bucks.
 
So, would you recommend that I just go with a basic mixer? I think I saw a 12 channel Yamaha for around $650. Would that be overkill---I don't think I'll need that many channels, maybe tops of 8 or so, but it seemed like a good unit. Thanks again...
 
To answer your original question. No you don’t need a mixer (although it would work). To complete your system you would need a preamp to boost the mic levels to line levels as previously explained.

For a basic 2 channel preamp go with the Midiman Audio Buddy for $69. For better quality buy the single channel Joe Meek SC3Q for $199. Although I’ve been told the latter would be overkill for the SM58s.

You don’t need phantom power since your SM58s are dynamic and not condenser mics, but any mixer/preamp will probably have this anyway (good feature for later).

-Drew
 
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