I’m looking for a mixing solution for my home studio.
I want to connect my Digitakt, Syntakt and Eurorack Case to one external analog mixing console.
I don’t like to use a DAW or an Audio Interface with a midi Controller (tried the Arturia Audio Fuse 16 rig with Midi Faders).
Also I don’t need any recording functionality within the mixer.
Just a solid mixing desk with faders and with 6 or more mono channels and 2 or more sends and 3 or more stereo channels.
I used to jam at home without using the Computer.
I know is one is overkill for your spec (it does also come in a 16 channel frame version) but look how much mixer you could get for your money if you find the lucky deal where you are and you’ve got space for one…
The smaller SSL Six is also amazing. Two stereo channels will be enough for your Digi & Syntakt. You didn’t mention how many outputs your Eurorack has, so perhaps the two mono channels won’t be enough. However… the Six has two more stereo “Ext. Ins” (often used for FX returns, but they’ll take anything and have level controls). There’s a “summing input” for taking yet another stereo signal (but this one has no level control).
So it’s two mono and five stereo inputs.
The Mute/Bus B routing would let you pass stereo signal to the input of your Digitakt. You could use Cue 1 or 2 to feed the Syntakt’s external input.
The master bus has a finalising “G-bus” compressor that many people like (I’m not a big fan). The talkback mic also has SSL’s famous “Phil Collins” compressor for smashing up your drums (and other tasks).
You also get two Mic pre’s with their own compressors (great for vox and leads, shit for bass), instrument level inputs, main and alt monitor outs, as well as main outs. There’s also more I/O for channel inserts, master bus inserts, and more available via d-bus, if you can be bothered to get the adaptors.
more opinions
I’d seriously consider connecting the Digi and Syntakt to the Ext. Ins because almost every channel in the Elektrons has variable-mode filter you can use to skip the need for desk EQs. That would free up the Six’s stereo inputs for more focused creative channel work. The stereo channels can work as mono ins as well)
thanks - I need at least the 6 mono inputs for my eurorack voices. I tried to setup a mixing solution within the case, but often that means I have to use one stereo channel and crossmix left to right. This is not what I want. I want to fade-in/out each mono channel independently. Also I forgot to mention, that I only using synths at the moment, no mics.
They do a very wide range of frame sizes - I’m guessing you quoted the wrong thing - the GS3 is massive so perhaps that’s what you’d meant to quote - here’s the range of VLZ from Mackie’s site - everything from very tiny to massive:
Also I think people especially like the sound of the distortion from the pre-amps on these Mackies when they are overdriven (or I might be mistaking this for a different, older model). Not used one deep enough in the studio to really vouch for it tbh.
Surely this one would fit on your desk? Unless you’ve got some serious space issues!
yes, I wanted to quote the GS3 :-o
Thanks for the add. suggestion, the 1402VLZ4 will definitely fit on my desk.
There are so many options out there, it is hard to get an impression what is really a good quality in audio and build. Also I’m not sure what is a relevant budget for a mixing desk I’m looking for.
The A&H Zed series is good and comes in a decent range of sizes/inputs etc. I use a Zed 14 that I’m very happy with. 14 inputs in a 6 mono/4 stereo configuration, 100mm faders, 4 aux busses (2 pre, 2 post fader) and a nice eq section with swept mids… the usual fare for a desk of this size. Roughly 460mm deep by 390mm wide so not too big
Mine gets used as a Swiss Army knife mixer… it sits on my work bench and gets used for everything from making tracks to testing gear I’m repairing or designing. Bought specifically as an all rounder and it does a great job of it
Yeah the A&H Zed range are great. Feel really solid and have great ergonomics. Better build quality than the Mackies I’ve used.
As far as budget goes, I’d be spending around £400-£1000 on a mixer of this kind of spec, considering ALL my audio will go through it before being recorded so it’s worth getting as high a quality as you can afford.
I’d recommend scouring the used market. There always seem to be a lot of great used desks for sale on eBay, Reverb etc.
I think that, rather like rackmount gear, analog mixing desks are not in vogue right now in the wider music production world as so many people have gone 100% in the box.
Quality brands like Mackie and A&H build mixers that can last for many years. They are tanks. If a mixer has had studio use only (not live) and has been well looked after, with a bit of a clean and maybe the odd splash of Deoxit in the right places it will be as good as new.
I’ve seen some amazing bargains out there, and the rule seems to be that the larger the mixer, the better value the deal… I guess people with a chunky big mixer they no longer use are just very keen to get the space back!
I’m using a Mackie onyx 1620i.
8 mono channels with dual swept mids, 4 stereo channels with single swept mid, 4 aux sends assignable to pre or post.
Built like a tank, cheap as chips now as the FireWire integration is no longer supported by Mackie although it is class compliant, not that it matters to you!
I’ve owned and used several versions of the VLZs and they’re great. VERY straightforward and simply do what they’re supposed to do. They don’t heavily color the sound and the EQ is helpful.
I’m not sure if the firewire integration would work with a new MacBook. Fair it is not listed in my requirements but using one of the firewire mixer would open up the option for multitrack recording. But I’m afraid of getting in an endless adapter and configuration mess. I saw a used 1640i also one of the cr1604 back from the 90s. I’m not that talented in fixing or maintaining electronic components, I just want to use it in an @home setting.
