What Mixer to get w/ Firewire?

[rids]

Well, I decided that this is the next logical step. The Motu 828 just isn't cutting it. It's too dang noisey and sensitive. I was quite arrogant to think I could do it my way without a mixer, but once you start getting into outboard gear, things change. And I'm buying more and more outboard gear now.

I would like to get 8 stereo inputs and have Firewire to connect to my Macbook, but I'm afraid that's going to cost a bundle. Anyways, quality is important, but so is bang for buck. I'm kind of looking at a two edged sword there. I'm running Logic 7.2 if that helps. And I mainly do electronic music with Vocals, bass and guitar (as well as traditional instruments from sample libraries)

The way I have been working is a little wierd. I have been picking a certain 4 synths/instruments to plug into the Motu 828's inputs (4 stereo synths into 8 inputs). From there I would compose a song and if I needed to record a different synth's part, adding a 5th or 6th synth, then I'll unplug a couple of the others so I can use those inputs. SO I'd like to bypass this and find a mixer with 8 stereo inputs.

Nick

[Matti]

I guess adding the mixer and its amps will add noice?
Was your gain structure set ok.
Matti

[rids]

Basically there are problems with Motu units being quite. The A/D D/A conversions aren't good as well as the preamp and some other things. You can read about a Motu 'Mod' here:

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php?t=61275

[rids]

I was wondering whether getting the mod done would be better than getting a new mixer. I'm thinking No. Mainly because I need more inputs for my gear plus the added bonus of having EQ onboard, which I don't have in my setup. I have nice preamps and compressor, no Eq though. I was thinking something along the lines of Mackie Onyx 1814 I think it is.

What do you guys think about Motu 828 vs. Mixer (outboard)?

[packrat]

I am an in the box kind of guy and can't understand why anyone would want an old fashioned mixer. The whole point of a DAW is to easily make changes while mixing.

If you are tracking one instrument at a time you don't need more inputs. Yes, unplug and plug what you are playing next. All you need to do is set the level and go. Use the built in eq plugins.

Now in your final mix if you need to use out board effects you'll need and in and out for each or just process one at a time bouncing them to a new track. This isnot a problem if you stick with plugins.

I don't know what to say about the MOTU noise problems but it makes no sense to me to spend money modding something to fix an probelm it should not have had in the first place. Sell it and get something that works.

[rids]

Either way I'm upgrading as this 828 sounds bad.

I wouldn't call mixers old fashioned, as they are still widely used and prefered in studios. In fact, most big name studios have Hugh mixing consoles. Granted I'm not a big name producer, but you got to start somewhere.

Mixers have onboard EQ that will benefit me. Plus I'm not a fan of Plugin EQs or compressors, it's not the same. Also being able to match the levels on a hands on mixer is a lot nicer than trying to check all your levels on your laptop.

Wouldn't you guys agree that hardware mixers still have the upper hand over software environment mixing? I haven't tried it yet, but do software programs like Logic offer 'Sidechaining' like mixers? That would be important to have.

Either I'm getting a mixer or a new audio interface like an Apogee or something. Not sure yet.

I would like to hear your guys opinions on going with a mixer or audio interface (like an Apogee).