Digital Mixer vs. Audio Interface?

juniorspecial · 15th August 2008, 11:54 AM

So, I see digital mixers that have Firewire or USB computer connectivity. What are the Pros and Cons of these versus USB 2.0 or Firewire audio interfaces?

The mixers seem to pack a lot of bang for the buck; is there some obvious downside I'm not considering in looking at these types of units?

Say, something like this:

Roland Digital Mixer

Compared to something like an Apogee Duet, which is only slightly cheaper? Or an Mbox 2 pro, which costs a bit more?

tINY · 15th August 2008, 06:01 PM

Well, I'd rather have the DUet than pay a little more and get nothing...

-tINY

DHMcC · 15th August 2008, 07:11 PM

It really depends what you intend on using it for......

and if you plan to do your effects processing in your DAW or mixer/outboard..

tINY · 16th August 2008, 12:08 AM

His link is broken - He's pointing at nothing.

Generally, you get what you pay for in the low-middle of the road.

-tINY

juniorspecial · 16th August 2008, 02:44 AM

OK. I fixed the link. Feel free to help me with my question.

tINY · 18th August 2008, 06:40 AM

The Roland looks interesing.

Though more than 2 or 4 inputs on a USB interface makes me nervous.

It's a far bet that the Duet sounds a little bit better, but probably not a lot with well behaved microphones.

-tINY

15th August 2008, 11:54 AM	#1
juniorspecial Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 46	Digital Mixer vs. Audio Interface? So, I see digital mixers that have Firewire or USB computer connectivity. What are the Pros and Cons of these versus USB 2.0 or Firewire audio interfaces? The mixers seem to pack a lot of bang for the buck; is there some obvious downside I'm not considering in looking at these types of units? Say, something like this: Roland Digital Mixer Compared to something like an Apogee Duet, which is only slightly cheaper? Or an Mbox 2 pro, which costs a bit more?

16th August 2008, 02:44 AM	#5
juniorspecial Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 46	OK. I fixed the link. Feel free to help me with my question. Last edited by juniorspecial; 16th August 2008 at 03:13 PM.. Reason: bad linkity

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Analog Mixer + An Audio Interface	UneducatedWeasel	Low End Theory	0	12th July 2008 03:26 PM
Mixer VS Audio Interface	toasteh	So much gear, so little time!	1	4th May 2008 06:30 AM
Audio Interface to Replace Mixer?	Kestral	So much gear, so little time!	2	5th March 2007 07:57 AM
Best Digital Audio Interface	Muso	So much gear, so little time!	0	27th August 2006 04:06 AM
digital mixer vs. audio interface question	tunefool	Low End Theory	4	14th May 2006 03:33 AM

15th August 2008, 06:01 PM	#2
tINY Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 8,869	Well, I'd rather have the DUet than pay a little more and get nothing... -tINY

15th August 2008, 07:11 PM	#3
DHMcC Gear nut Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 92	It really depends what you intend on using it for...... and if you plan to do your effects processing in your DAW or mixer/outboard..

16th August 2008, 12:08 AM	#4
tINY Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 8,869	His link is broken - He's pointing at nothing. Generally, you get what you pay for in the low-middle of the road. -tINY

18th August 2008, 06:40 AM	#6
tINY Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 8,869	The Roland looks interesing. Though more than 2 or 4 inputs on a USB interface makes me nervous. It's a far bet that the Duet sounds a little bit better, but probably not a lot with well behaved microphones. -tINY