Will a mixer work as an interface?

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bhefner88

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I'm looking at setting up a basic home recording studio with my Macbook Pro 13inch with an i7 duo core processor, protools or possibly logic, and an interface. What I'm wondering is if I could use a mixer as an interface instead of a product specifically labeled as, "interface?"
I'd like to have the onboard eq knobs to work with, and I'm looking for something that I'm not going to have to upgrade in a few years, but that would most likely remain compatible with future software.

What are some products that I might look at that fit along this line? I'm looking for at least 8 channels and would like to buy high quality equipment.

Also, what are some companies that make products like this?
 
Depending on how many tracks you'll want to record at once will determine the type of mixer, but that definitely works, I've done it for years.

If you're like me, and just record yourself one track at a time, just any quality mixer will do, I use an older Yamaha MG16/6FX and it works great.
On the other hand, if you want to record multiple tracks at once, then Firewire or USB would be required, and there just a few available, like Alesis, and Mackie for sure, there may be others.

Try shopping your favorite online music store, I'm sure you'll find some, here's a link to get you started;
Buy Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX Regular | Unpowered Mixers | Musician's Friend

Good luck.
 
Well, if the mixer is a mixer/interface combo then you can use it as an interface. If it's just a mixer then you still need some way of getting the audio into and out of the computer (AD conversion and transmission via USB, Firewire or similar).

Processing audio (eq, compression) on the way into the system can be a time saver if you know what you're doing. If you have the slightest question about your ability to make the right choices then leave such processing for the DAW where you have the advantage of undo.
 
The Mackie Onyx i series allow you to do multi-track recording via Frewire, also the Midas VeniceF series allows you to do the same. Allen and Heath's Z16R is less aimed at live use than the Mackie and the Midas but it will let you multi-track stuff. The largest Mackie is a 16x16, Midas a 32x32, and I think the Allen and Heath is a 16x16 but am not completely sure on that one.
 
If you are using a regular mixer rather than an audio interface then you are "making do" with what you have.
 
What do you guys think of the M-Audio Project Mix? I was originally looking at the M-Audio NVR10, but it looks like it isn't a true 8 channel interface/console.

I'm aware that both of these are interfaces with some mixing knobs.
 
The Project Mix is an interface/controller. The NVR10 is a mixer/interface. A controller doesn't mix or route audio, it merely controls a DAW which mixes and routes audio. The NVR10 seems to be able to send 10 channels to and from the computer.
 
Can you help me to better understand how the two difference in functionality? What features would I lose using either vs the other?
 
Tascam has a variety of interfaces that are set up in a mixer sort of way. they control the software via usb or firewire and still have faders and eq knobs that are used to mix in the software. I find this very helpful. i like being able to press buttons and use knobs and faders on the actual interface for mixing instead of doing all of this with a mouse. they also have good variety for price and simplicity. if you want 16 tracks to be recorded into software at one time then they can provide. they can also be much simpler, some with only 4 tracks able to be recorded at a time. check them out and see what you like.
 
Well if you really want to focus on recording, where you want plenty of outputs (most importantly USB or Firewire!!!), and different kinds of inputs, so you can hook up your monitors and different things, interface is the way to go! But if you want to do live performance, you gotta go with a mixer. If there's a "mixer" with USB, then i'd pretty much consider it an interface anyway. hope i could help!
 
Yes; Even if you have it plugged into an E-mu wot-sit.
If you want to record multiple tracks into your computer then use a multi track interface.
Everything else is just so uncivilized.
 
bhefner88 said:
Can you help me to better understand how the two difference in functionality? What features would I lose using either vs the other?
Click to expand...

The mixer does it's normal mixing stuff by acting directly on the analog signal before it gets to the computer. All the analog signal paths are true zero latency, so if you're using it for your input monitoring there is absolutely no delay between the time you play a note and the time you hear it. You can disconnect it from the computer and use it as a live mixer.

The controller doesn't have any analog signal path except in the preamps to the A/D converters and the D/A converters to the outputs. It's just I/O with no processing. The knobs and faders are merely remote controls for the DAW where all the processing takes place.
 
Go to the link, I gave you.
It will explain everything properly.
 
I use a Yamaha digital mixer (a DM1000) with ADAT outputs into my computer via an M-Audio Profire Lightbridge. I don't consider that "making do".

The thing is, if you use a basic analogue mixer, you'll still need some kind of interface to take the signal(s) into your computer anyway.

However, as pointed out above, there are now several options for mixers that have direct USB or Firewire outputs to go into a computer. Many of these only give the two main outs into the computer but a few let you take each channel separately into the recording. These work very well.

To me, using a mixer has a couple of advantages. First, grabbing a fader or three when setting levels is quicker and more tactile than the tiny knobs on most interfaces or, even worse, clicking on a software mixer. Second, the Aux channels on most mixers are a very easy and effective way to set up monitor mixes into headphones for the people performing. Don't underestimate the effect that a "perfect" mix in the headphones has on get the best performance from musicians. If they can hear exactly what they need, they tend to sound better.

Obviously all the above can be done "in the box" but I find the mixer route far quicker and more convenient.

Bob
 
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