Behringer Xenyx mixers with Live

[alexevans917]

Originally Posted by thisissami

Hi All,

I'm on the market for a mixer right now that I'm hoping to use with Ableton Live. I'm working on a multi-instrumental live performance set that will involve a lot of looping, so I'm looking to use the mixer to fulfill two distinct purposes:

1) Taking in inputs from various mics/instruments into separate channels in Live.

2) controlling the output from the various channels in live (AKA being able to directly control Live's software mixer with this hardware).

I've been looking at Behringer's Xenyx USB series since it's significantly more affordable than other mixers I've seen. However, reviewers on the amazon pages for various Behringer Xenyx mixers have made it clear that these machines don't support multitrack recording - only the stereo mix that goes out of the mixer will make it to Live.

Since I am working on a solo project where there I will only be playing one instrument at a time, I don't think this will be a complete dealbreaker for me, seeing as how I can just change whatever track is armed for recording based off what instrument I'm trying to record.

However, will my second point be possible to achieve? Will I be able to have different channels in Live's mixer correspond to the hardware channels? Essentially I'd like to be able to control the volume and mute (and ideally solo and record-arm) of different tracks within Live's software mixer with an actual hardware mixer.

If this is not possible, could somebody recommend some alternative mixers for me that are portable, connect via USB/firewire, and aren't too expensive? I'm just starting out my (hopefully lengthy) music career and can't afford any really nice mixers.

Also, if what I'm trying to do is possible with the Behringers but you think there are better alternatives (I've seen many a negative comment towards Behringer), I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.

Best, and thanks for reading through this,
Sami

You won't be able to control the software or multitrack with those Behringers- definitely not a good option. I'd recommend a control surface with faders and buttons (with this you can control your software mixer), and an audio interface with the number of channels you need. Perhaps something like a Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 and an ADAT 8 channel pre, if you need 16 channels.

Regardless of what interface and control surface you get, the Behringers will not do what you want them to.