what is grouping? do i need a mixing desk?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joao
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Joao

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I'm currently using the PreSonus AudioBox USB but it has only 2 channels and I would like to increase the number of channels
then someone told me about grouping ... but still did not realize what it is or what it has to do with a mixing desk. do I need one?
 
How many channels are you looking to record at once? For what purpose?

Generally, unless you have another use for a mixer, you wouldn't buy one just for recording, you'd buy an interface with sufficient channels for your needs.
 
'Grouping.. basically collecting and combining a bunch of signal paths to a single point of control.
For example your most basic mixer takes all the channels (or recorded tracks in the case of a software mixer) to a master volume control - the master fader, also called the master bus- and bus' is another term for 'group.
Then there is sub groups- where you send some of the channels to a new group instead of direct to the master. Now say, these are all the drum tracks and they now have another single sub group control, that then goes to the master'.

You could for example do a sub mix of some tracks to be recorded together- but likely it wouldn't be necessary for most basic recording tasks.
 
If you only have two inputs, you can only record two signals at once. A mixer will allow you to mix a bunch of signals, like 8 mics on a drum set, down to two channels that you can record with your interface. The only problem with that is you won't have any control over the individual Mic levels. In other words, you are stuck with the drum mix that you made when you recorded.

The only way to record more discrete tracks is to get an interface that has more inputs.
 
In addition to submix groups many mixing platforms offer control groups. Control groups just lock together the controls for a group of channels, so you can move the fader on one and all the other channel faders in the group follow, but the signals aren't actually mixed.

But you don't need grouping, you need an interface with more inputs.
 
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