I’ve recently bought an Octatrack MK2 and would like to record into Ableton with 2/3 other synths added to the setup.
Would you recommend an Audio interface or a USB mixer? (Thinking of what’s better long term as I intent to add more equipment as I progress).
I use this and it does absolutely fine and it’s cheap
I also use this for more inputs also cheap
Don’t use a mixer myself just midi controllers
Rob
I’m basing my decision on what effects I could use through the mixer and my budget would be €500 max! Would a USB mixer not have an audio interface built in and offer me more in the long term? Thanks for the suggestions
Ah ok, well there is this mixer streams audio over USB and also has Lexicon FX or use external ones.
What’s your setup consist of? Should I invest in a decent mixer before I’ve considered what other gear I will add in the near future?
Beringher xr18 - inputs and outputs for days, has its own insert fx, can use external fx. Routes all audio into ableton, but can be used with the computer switched off.
Sound is fine and it’s well within budget.
I posted this the other day here somewhere but this is my gear and all work perfect through what I mentioned above. It’s easier to post it this way
Thanks for the suggestion! Would be ideal for live performance or would a mixer(with faders) be the better option?
Would you even have space for a mixer with all of this 
Are you recording into a DAW at all?
Maybe a mixer for live performance 
I can record all of this in to Ableton no problem at all
Sorry man should have added that in at the start! Just looking for something I won’t have to plan on selling anything anytime soon to avoid hassle. You’ve made my decision easier but I do think I am putting too much emphasis on the future as it will take me a few years to acquire a setup like yours 
It’s not too expensive really… Them TD-3’s are only £129 each hehe.
The Akai and Elektrons are probably the most expensive but you can get a good setup for way less, I could still do a good set with just the Akai and 2 synths
It’s not the money, it is the addiction of another sound being added 
I’m looking to add something relatively cheap straight after my Mixer/interface conundrum… Would you recommend the TD-3’s? (As I am saying this, I have noticed you have 3).
I ordered a Red one at first as that’s all they had in stock back in January, I absolutely loved it from the off. Easy to program via the software. Yeah I now have 3, Red, Blue and now Yellow. These things can be poly chained too. I may get the Black and a Silver one later this year. I’d probably poly chain 3 of them then have the other 2 playing different basslines.
What I’m really waiting for is the RD-9 drum machine. I also think the Novation Mono Stations are amazing. I have 2 but I still have 1 sealed.
My best bit of gear is deffo the MPC X…
Hmmm… sounds like a good idea as you can get 5 of them cheaper than buying 1 OT! Now I’m contemplating buying 1 right now along with the mixer/interface… Behringer are flying stock out!!!
I looked into the MPCX but was unfortunately out of my price range so I went with an OT instead. I think I’ll invest in the AR after I spend more time on the OT.
I had the OT MKI really liked it… I’m happy with the MPC X tho as it does everything I need
It depends on the space you have. A mixer takes a lot of space and if you want to add more gear, you will need a bigger one.
Some Audio Interfaces, like MOTU, are expandable and take less space. So as your Rig will grow, you can always add more Units (ins, outs or ins and outs).
I am fairly limited for space at the minute and I’m mainly just interested in recording/arranging rather than live performance for the moment. Probably makes the most sense to save space for the time being and investing in a hybrid which gives me plenty of connections and decent sound?
All I have at the minute is the OT, Launchpad, 49-key midi keyboard and 2x rokit 5’s. Will be adding bass synth and probably the AR and more etc.
