Yamaha MG16/4

[Squashki]

Hi,

I' looking to buy this mixer but I need to make sure of a few things before I buy.

How are the preamps on this, I'm obviously not expecting them to be amazing as the unit is so cheap, but are they okay for recording a small band (rock/metal).

Also as I'm not getting the model with effects on it, what effects are absent on this model, and will they be replacable with the effects on Cubase?

I've also been told that it's a bad idea to run from the lineout (or whatever there called) on an analog mixer to the line in of my soundcard, as this is what I was hoping to do, is this true? And will getting a better soundcard make a big difference over my onboard sound if I am only using the line in?

Thanks.

 

[LfO]

How are the preamps on this, I'm obviously not expecting them to be amazing as the unit is so cheap, but are they okay for recording a small band (rock/metal).

They should be fine for demo type stuff. There's CERTIANLY room for improvement, but if the performance is good, these won't ruin it.

Also as I'm not getting the model with effects on it, what effects are absent on this model, and will they be replacable with the effects on Cubase?

You're better off just using the Cubase effects. The basic theory is, you can always add effects later, but if you put them on when recording, you can't take them away. The effects on a cheap mixer aren't that great anyway, so its not like you'll be giving up a great opportunity.

I've also been told that it's a bad idea to run from the lineout (or whatever there called) on an analog mixer to the line in of my soundcard, as this is what I was hoping to do, is this true? And will getting a better soundcard make a big difference over my onboard sound if I am only using the line in?

Consumer grade stuff just doesn't have great sound quality. A better audio interface will sound better, and it should be near the top of your studio shopping list, BUT running through your line in isn't going to keep you from making listenable demos. The common wisdom is that the most important factor is the performance, then the engineer's skill, then the equipment.

 

[Squashki]

Consumer grade stuff just doesn't have great sound quality. A better audio interface will sound better, and it should be near the top of your studio shopping list, BUT running through your line in isn't going to keep you from making listenable demos. The common wisdom is that the most important factor is the performance, then the engineer's skill, then the equipment.

are there any cheap (£50-£100) upgrades for my soundcard that would make a noticeable difference?

Thanks for the help.

 

[LfO]

These are in the $150 range, which is about 90 pounds, right? That's assuming that music hardware goes for about the same price in your neck of the woods. If you're on a PC, I'd go for a PCI interface, but I've listed a potential USB solution, too. There are other good brands, but M-audio is a safe one, and avoid Behringer.

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--THKMIMD442
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MDOMOBILEPRE

On the whole, once you've got a good interface (like these), you don't have to look to upgrade any further. The only reason to buy something more expensive is for more ins/out and/or preamps. Since you've got preamps in your mixer, you should be alright.

 

[Squashki]

Thanks alot for the help.

 

[hirokumata]

These are in the $150 range, which is about 90 pounds, right? That's assuming that music hardware goes for about the same price in your neck of the woods. If you're on a PC, I'd go for a PCI interface, but I've listed a potential USB solution, too. There are other good brands, but M-audio is a safe one, and avoid Behringer.

Why avoid Behringer can I know? 15 mins ago I've made a post about a Behringer audio interface to ask opinions ( https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=178371 ). Can you please post there or here the reasons to avoid Behinger interfaces? Thanks

 

[Squashki]

Hi again,

I've bought the mixer, and now need to get the soundcard. I'm planning on getting this one that you reccomended. But I have a question, wouldn't the preamps on the unit screw up the signal coming directly from the mixer as I already have preamps on the mixer, and the signal coming out the mixer doesnt need "pre-amping" Or is there an input on it that doesn't have a premap? Or is there a way to turn the preamps off etc?

Thanks.

 

[Squashki]

Oh and also, would using a USB interface instead of a PCI card mean it would lag when recording a few instruments at time or have a lot of latency?

Thanks again.

 

[noisedude]

There isn't a way to bypass the pres on there, and you're correct that they won't do any favours for your sound. You can get an M-Audio Audiophile 2496 or a Delta 44 for not a right lot of money now, so it would make more sense to go for one of them with a 'clean' front end ... an E-Mu 0404 is only 65 quid too.

On this Edirol (http://www.dv247.com/invt/14677) you can switch the inputs to line level ...

It's tricky because you might decide you need something more in the future, but I guess we all have to buy something sooner or later and hope for the best. My Delta 44 took me a long way and I've only just replaced it with a Motu 2408.