I’m looking for a multi-track mixer that I can use to bring all my instruments / FX together and record simultaneously over USB to my computer. The mixers that I’ve been looking at right now are the Tascam Model 12, Soundcraft Signature 12 MTK, and the Mackie Onyx 12. Some are close but also have a lot of extra features I don’t need (Bluetooth, midi)
Currently, I’m using an old Boss BX-8 mixer, which has 8 channels together with the option to add 2 stereo FX sends. The number of inputs/sends is enough for what I’m working with right now.
The stereo outs of the BX-8 are going straight into my SSL+ audio interface. The only thing I’m missing in this setup is the ability to record the tracks separately (ideally after the EQ processing) into Ableton.
Any tips or personal experiences with similar set-ups?
Thanks for the tip. I’ll have to do some more research but had a quick look and these are my first thoughts:
Unfortunately no dedicated send/returns for external FX
EQ knobs are not visible in 1 overview (like a classic mixer)
The phantom power is applied on 4 channels simultaneously, which means that if I want to use my mic, I can’t use 3 channels for other stuff (from what I understand)
i owned one of the previous generation of Onyx multitrack mixers (with Firewire!) and it was fantastic, really well built, and sounded great. i plan to get one of the Soundcraft MTK mixers next year, as they’re a bit cheaper but still look great
I’ve had a Firewire Onyx 12 and a Soundcraft MTK 12. Do not own either anymore.
The Onyx was a workhorse that was essentially flawless in the time I had it. I used it a lot to capture multi-track jams while also capturing the main outputs. I only sold it to upgrade to the MTK 12, as Firewire was becoming more and more obsolete. However, in the time that I used it, I gotta say this thing gave me zero problems.
I was pretty excited about the MTK 12 (and 22) when they were first announced because they were the first mixer in that price range to offer both multi-track inputs and outputs on each channel. So you can record multi track into your DAW, and then mix through the mixer again for some analog summing.
I very quickly grew pretty meh on the MTK. The returns don’t have dedicated channels so you lose an input there. The digital input is pre fader and pre EQ, if I remember correctly, which kills a lot of usefulness of having a mixer there. The EQs were also very clinical and didn’t sound great to me, and the whole thing had kind of a cheap feel. I didn’t like the effects much either. Driverwise, the MTK was fairly stable. But I didn’t really connect with it the way I thought I would and the mixer component often felt extraneous. It definitely wasn’t providing any ‘warmth’ or ‘glue’ or anything of that regard.
Ironically I ended up selling the MTK and buying an older analog Soundcraft mixer that I like very much. This one has direct outs which I send into an 8 input soundcard. I can also send audio back through it again to mix if I’d like. Essentially the same concept as the MTK but using a separate AD/DA converter and more cables. I like it more and find the flexibility to be more useful.
The Soundcraft seems the most suitable, although I’m scared about the EQ, lack of warmth, and cheap feel that you mention @maymind_trax. Sounds like you found a nice middle way here, by using an older mixer combined with an extra soundcard with multiple inputs. The cable scares me a bit though hehe.
Tascam Model 12 also draws my attention, I’ll have to do some more research on it. Once I figured it out, I’ll update the thread and share my findings.
I have had the MTK12 for a few years now and apart from the pre fader input and pre EQ it’s a great mixer. I wasn’t expecting perfection at that price point and I’m still happy with it now.
I’ve recently dusted off my old K-Mix, which has 8 ins, and 10 outs, all of which are addressable via USB.
It’s a pretty great box, and I recently discovered I can control it with a NanoKontrol (or any other MIDI controller), so I can avoid the weird touch strips, and add direct buttons for mutes and knobs for FX sends.
Thanks for the interesting insight!
Could you give us some information how you route you route the audio from the audio interface to the Soundcraft mixer? For example, are you using the 8 direct outs for 8 mono channels? And if so, why are you using a mixer and not just run the 8 mono channels directly into the audio interface?
I’m just asking because I unsure myself how I want to combine digital multitracking with a classic mixer setup.
Yeah I just run the direct outs for the first 8 mono channels into the interface’s inputs. I like doing it this way bc everything I record is post fader, post Eq, and post insert. So I can record a full eight track jam with all the volume changes into my DAW. You can’t do that with the MTK12.
I also just like having physical cables to plug in and I like using other hardware, like cheap compressors and reverb units. This setup is a bit more flexible for using other gear.
Has anyone here used one of the new Mackie Onyx series? They just came out this year and seem to be an update to the old FireWire version. Curious to get any takes on it.
scares me a bit though hehe.