Analog Mixer and Audio Interface?

The Lounge Other Gear
1

Hi there folks,

I’m currently looking for a mixer recommendation for my AR+OT+TR8+MPC 500 set up.

I believe a Yamaha MG 166 C would satisfied my requirements well, even if in the near future I decide to add another equipment to my set up.

However I also saw that there is some analog mixer with Audio Interface capabilities available at the market. For example MG 166 CX.

Do they work well? What are the advantages of working with this mixer and audio interface together?

It will be more easy to communicate with my computer (DAW) ? Or the audio interface it will possible to record my jams directly into my computer?

Or in the end it’s better to save some moneu and buy a audio interface alone (like the the one from Native’s Intruments).?

2

Any comments?

Can anyone say if there’s a big difference for example the mixer model with and without the USB connection. Is really works as Audio interface? For example the Yamaha MG 12 and MG12XU.

Also, if I see a deal of the mixer but with more than 8 channels, it is good deal? The major advantages are more stereo channels, or is there others advantages??

3

Just in general terms, and with no actual experience (though I’m in the market for a mixer myself), the USB part seems to vary- some give you all the tracks separate, some just a stereo mix.

4

Soundcraft is about to release it’s MTK series.
Until then, the jurys out on whether or not the sound card sounds good.

From my experience, which is mainly budget mixers, I haven’t tried one yet with a soundcard that was a pleasing experience.

There’s some high end DJ mixers that sound great, Rane, and Allen and Heath. Very expensive though.

So going off that, I’d say the better solution currently is to get a decent mixer and sound card separately.

Best build and sound quality for budget mixers that I have used are definitely the Allen & Heath Zed series. It does offer main outs over USB and some other USB routing capabilities, but thats the weakest part of the mixer.
Sounds SO good, decent price, built to last forever.

I used to use and Audio 8 DJ by NI, it was decent, but if I were to get something these days there probably better options.

5

Same problem here, I search for a long time a simple solution with USB multitrack mixer.

ZED R16 is very nice but expensive and firewire only …

It seems the MTK will be the solution, but I wait a complete manual before going this way, I want to be shure of the routing, monitoring possibilities.

There is also the Behringer UFX1604, but not so much reviews … and only 220€ difference with the MTK22, I prefer to wait !

6

I use a Roland OctaCapture although not a mixer (as no aux sends) it does sound good and can have multiple USB outs. Integrates nicely with Logic and Live

7

ive bought a allen heath zed 428 from a guy in cologne 500 € inclusive all cables. i lead the single outs of rytm and synthies into daw, from daw out and make the mix in the a&h. i like the eqs of the mixer a lot.

8

i`d always go for a dedicated solution. in the end it really depends on the budget. you should be able to pick up a used mackie 1604 for cheap. not the best mixer, not the worst. its a classic for sure. if you want to step it up quite a bit look for a used soundcraft ghost or a midas.

9

I just went through all this. Originally bought a mackie profx8 with usb capability built in. Seemed more prone to noise and the build and feel left me really missing my mackie vlz4 series (only had 4 inputs and no aux). Finally sold the profx8 for the 1202vlz4 (has 12 inputs, two channels of aux which I use for an fx loop and it has an output that you can use for muted tracks!). Using this with a simple interface and I am so happy. The sound quality, build, size, knob feel is flawless. I couldn’t find this in a reasonably priced usb mixer.

10

of course they did just release a profxv2 series just recently. Better fx and changed the knobs and some cosmetics, better pre amps. I just missed my vlz4 series so much and I’m convinced having the interface separate from the mixer is a better set up interference and quality wise.

11

To clarify. I mute (send the channels I want to record to the alternate out output which goes to the interface input.)

I then run the interface output to the tape input of the mackie.

i then can listen to a dry or wet signal by choosing tape or the alternate outputs on the mixer.

1 Like
12

[quote="“roy” date=“2015-06-08 14:05:02"”]

I’m currently looking for a mixer recommendation for my AR+OT+TR8+MPC 500 set up.
[/quote]

What about the last Roland Mx1 ? Effects fun as bonus, dedicated integration for your tr8… Mixer and as well audio interface, affordable, what else?

13

I currently have a Mackie 802VLZ3 analog mixer. For recording I plug its stereo outputs into either my hardware Zoom recorder or my Roland Duo Capture EX audio interface.

I’m looking at the Keith McMillen KMix as a possible next step, as it has 3 aux busses (the Mackie only has one) and is said to work as a true multi-channel USB audio interface. I believe the Behringer mixers with USB audio interfaces only have two channels via USB.

14

I recently moved from

analogue mixer -> stereo interface

to

many-input audio interface (Focusrite Saphire 18i20 + Behringer ADA8200)

WOW!!! this is the business!!

my whole life has changed. Having that many independent channels going into my DAW/ITB-mixer is amazing. I use Reason and I can drop Reason FX onto any track send or insert - its just amazing. The Reason mixer is also really really nice.

I have MM, MD, A4, OT, Sub Phatty and Buchla Easel all on separate balanced inputs to this setup. I also have outputs from the 18i20 running into MM, MD, A4 and OT for sampling from anywhere, without needing to wrap my head around a patchbay.

I run Maschine standalone out through my old NI AK-1 audio interface and into two more channels on the 18i20. Oh and the old mixer with turntable and AT2020 microphone also goes into both the 18i20 and the AK-1 for sampling to Maschine or other samplers.

MIDI clock master is OT, iConnectMIDI4+ handles all MIDI routing.

I can now record all my instruments on separate tracks, add FX in software and edit/arrange on-screen. I consider this the best of both worlds - full improv style for composing/tracking and DAW power for editing and arranging + unlimited FX!!

I only just got it all setup and working but even just a quick jam tells me that this was the right move. Cost me ~$950AUD for the 18i20+ADA8200, money well spent IMHO. v good sound quality for the price.

I did have the USB noise issue on my OT - the posts somewhere here about covering the grounds on each end of the USB cable has all but eliminated that problem so I can keep USB connected for transferring samples to the OT quickly.

Finishing touches are probably to upgrade Reason to v8 (currently on 6.5) and some better monitors (currently Tannoy Precision 6s) and some room treatment.

1 Like
15

Hi there Folks,

sorry for my late feedback, but master´s degree is taking a huge time plus I was reading and searching some options poested here.

sorry for the typos.

I reply each one, since I learn so much just by reading each comments.

Zymos

you are perfectly right. This is a huge difference, and what makes you put more money to have the tracks separate.

JuanSOLO -

After searching, I believe this is THE BEST option for me. Nice considerations and thanks for sharing your experience with me.

Thanks Twyce and Buzz. The problem with the Roland Octacapture is there is some more affordable options with more advantages… but the reviews looked very good.

riotghandi - Nice to hear that. I~ll definitely look and read about the ZED… all folks here cited this mixer…

lindhyrst - I´m 90% following this way. Cheap and robust mixer just to hook up all my setup and then a Focusrite soudncard. But didn~t decide yet.

rgrahic - What is the SIMPLE INTERFACE you´ve been using???
Anyway, thanks for the explanation of how to use the channels. I~m REALLY A NOOB AT THIS, and I learn so much here. Thanks!!

Solstyx - What a nice idea… I was reading about the MX-1, and maybe can a solution to mixer and soundcard … but is still $500 . And I haven~t read a lot about it, reviews … this is currenty my second option.

Governor Silver- thanks for sharing the ideas. The Behringer can be a second option for a mixer, since you´re not the 1st to praise it. But I believe I~ll go for a Mackie or Yamaha.

atebit - Funny you comments… even I didn~t remember you~ve mentioned 18i20, I´m thinking in put it together in my setup… however, is more a studio equipmente, right? Is easy to take with my setup and play ? This will be a awesome solution for channels and recording… but I´ll dependent of my laptop right?

So, now, my decision is not decided yet, but I´ll maybe go

Mackie or Yamaha used, 8 or 12 channel analog mixer - just to plug my setup together.

Focusrite 18i20 - in the end of the year to be able to recorded all my sound intro separate tracks.

In my head I still don´t have the HUGE importance of the soundcard for my setup… maybe I want to spend money on mixer or another equipment, but I believe this will be my next equipment where I´ll spend a decent amount of money.

16

Definitely check the Soundcraft MTK. Patience will prevail on this one. They look to be a wonderful option.
Should be shipping the first batch any day now.

17

Does anyone has any news regarding the Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK??

I believe this will be m option for mixer and audio interface.

Thanks for all the folks which collaborate in this topic.

As always, I’m learning a lot here.

Best,

18

What kind of mixer Does the headless horseman use?

19

[quote=““De wouzer””]
What kind of mixer Does the headless horseman use?

[/quote]

Probably whatever the promoter provides based on the list of his specs. Few live techno acts travel with a mixer.

In this case, a Venice Midas.
Appears to be the 240 model

1 Like
20

I use an old tascam stereo/two mono/mic input to usb interface. Anything like a behringer for 29.99 to a focusrite scarlett or anything in between will do just fine. you are just using to convert your analog signal to digital as easily as possible. Simple and effective digitizing of the signal. Here are links to a few. 29.99 to 150