Entry Level Mixers

[KevWest]

I am looking for a low end mixer that will help give my new synth (Roland Juno 2 I love it) a bigger warmer sound. I used to have a Yamaha mg10/2 a couple years ago and while it was really clean sounding I felt it was actually too clean for what I wanted. I am looking to spend $100-$200. Preference is all analog. I don't need any fx busses because I plan on using vst fx and sequencing in Sonar Home Studio 4. Please help. I don't know if this will help any but my favorite producers are Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, Dr. Dre, and Kanye West. I would love to have a sound/tone similar to some of these guys. In particular the neptunes synths and Jermaine Dupri drums

[deuc647]

Do u need the EQ on the mixer? If not i say just get a good quality preamp, save a lil more, its well worth it

[khameln]

Mixers don't help give you a bigger warmer sound. Entry level mixers will degrade your sound rather than improve it. Find a good preamp or eq.

Don't try to get the neptunes sound for $200 (it's not gonna happen). Just save your money until you're able to afford some real gear, and do some research so you know what you need.

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by deuc647

Do u need the EQ on the mixer? If not i say just get a good quality preamp, save a lil more, its well worth it

Eq would be helpful. I am just going to be plugging synths and samplers into it and tracking to the pc. maybe a mixer and a preamp may be helpful. This is way beyond my knowledge which is why I am asking here. I figure engineers would know a lot about this kind of thing or atleast which direction to head into.

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by khameln

Mixers don't help give you a bigger warmer sound. Entry level mixers will degrade your sound rather than improve it. Find a good preamp or eq.

Don't try to get the neptunes sound for $200 (it's not gonna happen). Just save your money until you're able to afford some real gear, and do some research so you know what you need.

Im not looking to really jack their sound but these guys are who appeal to me. I am rebuilding from the ground up. Before my entire setup was built around Reason but for the past year I have really felt that the sounds in Reason are lifeless, boring and flat. Its decent for sampling but I want something new. I am doing some searching on my own as well but I thought I might be able to get some help or suggestions while I am going in that direction. This mixer is on my list of things to buy anyway simply because my soundcard doesn't have enough inputs and I want to add some analog summing to the sound. Right now I am looking for a sampler (preferably 12bit) a mixer for the extra i/o and maybe a MM6 or X50 because I like the sounds. Any suggestions as to what direction I might want to head in would be great even.

[deuc647]

Honestly just save ur money and get a nice preamp with a DI on it so u can bring ur synths to the +4 mark, i honestly say if all u need is 2 channels, the..................wait do u have converters? i read that u used reason, what are u using for conversion? Anyways look into the A design 500HR, its the cheapest way to get into the 500 series game, all u do is add modules and their are a lot of different flavors to choose from. its gonna cost you but the recording WILL sound better.

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by deuc647

Honestly just save ur money and get a nice preamp with a DI on it so u can bring ur synths to the +4 mark, i honestly say if all u need is 2 channels, the..................wait do u have converters? i read that u used reason, what are u using for conversion? Anyways look into the A design 500HR, its the cheapest way to get into the 500 series game, all u do is add modules and their are a lot of different flavors to choose from. its gonna cost you but the recording WILL sound better.

Im moving away from Reason and going to hardware tho I will probably use reason for some things I plan to not be so dependant on it by the end of the year. Next on my list is a 12bit sampler and then maybe a second keyboard with a few more bread and butter sounds korg X50 or maybe a mm6 or mo6. I am recording into my firewire audiophile 24/96. If I get this pre I will more than likely need a mixer for the extra inputs. Thanks for the suggestion I will definately look into it.

[Heezzi]

Originally Posted by xabiton

Im moving away from Reason and going to hardware tho I will probably use reason for some things I plan to not be so dependant on it by the end of the year. Next on my list is a 12bit sampler and then maybe a second keyboard with a few more bread and butter sounds korg X50 or maybe a mm6 or mo6. I am recording into my firewire audiophile 24/96. If I get this pre I will more than likely need a mixer for the extra inputs. Thanks for the suggestion I will definately look into it.

A mixer isn't needed. All a mixer going to do is sum everything to one channel. The engineer would want to have track by track control of the mix. I say you need a better soundcard to record more inputs with syncing using midi( or better yet word clock).

What do you plan on using as your sequencer? Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase?

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by Heezzi

A mixer isn't needed. All a mixer going to do is sum everything to one channel. The engineer would want to have track by track control of the mix. I say you need a better soundcard to record more inputs with syncing using midi( or better yet word clock).

What do you plan on using as your sequencer? Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase?

Im sequencing in Sonar and the main reason why i want a mixer is because I dont want to be limited to the amount of inputs i have going into the computer. If I decide I want more later its better for me price wise to get a bigger mixer rather than a new soundcard (and i havent found a soundcard that had more than 8 stereo inputs anyway) and to be even more honest I could careless how the engineer of the project would want it lol. I'm not going to buy my gear or build my rig to cater to his/her needs. And I do tend to record my midi parts and then record straight to audio muting the midi tracks in Sonar. If i Change my mind I can just delete the audio track and resume with the midi so its not a big deal.

[Stitch333]

Originally Posted by Heezzi

A mixer isn't needed. All a mixer going to do is sum everything to one channel.

Actually two channels: left and right

I used a Mackie 1604VLZ for many years, many years ago.
It was an adequite piece of gear, great for running a PA at a party...'warm and fat' are not adjectives I'd give any inexpensive board tho.

Check out the Soundtracs consoles. They are relatively cheap and have a nice 'british' fullness to the sound.

[khameln]

X you need to stop posting so much and start actually reading the posts. Look for some pres and possibly a better audio interface.

A mixer isn't going to accomplish any of the things you said you were setting out to do...

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by khameln

X you need to stop posting so much and start actually reading the posts. Look for some pres and possibly a better audio interface.

A mixer isn't going to accomplish any of the things you said you were setting out to do...

i have been reading posts actually. Apparently you know what I am trying to do better than I do. One of my main reasons for getting a mixer is getting extra inputs but if u don't like my posts why read or bother them. I began a thread to gain information on something I was unsure about. I learned something new about pres that I didn't realise but it doesn't change my initial goal which is inputs. You don't know EXACTLY what I am looking for only what I have posted.

[illynoise]

Originally Posted by xabiton

i have been reading posts actually. Apparently you know what I am trying to do better than I do. One of my main reasons for getting a mixer is getting extra inputs but if u don't like my posts why read or bother them. I began a thread to gain information on something I was unsure about. I learned something new about pres that I didn't realise but it doesn't change my initial goal which is inputs. You don't know EXACTLY what I am looking for only what I have posted.

Back to business. I'm using an Ultralite and it's GREAT. If you need more inputs I think that the Firepod has like 8 or 10 inputs for 399. If you want something cheaper look for a used Motu 828 or something like that. Regardless of what people say, helpful or not, if you want to do something that sounds better, then better equipment will be necessary in the future, but for now just make music! BTW any modern mixer will do the trick, I've used mackie's and Behringers and Yamaha's and Alesis's, Alesis was the only one I ever had trouble with. Behringers are cheaper and have a bad rep, but generally I would say mackies hold up better. I've had my 8bus for 12 years now.

[khameln]

Originally Posted by xabiton

i have been reading posts actually. Apparently you know what I am trying to do better than I do. One of my main reasons for getting a mixer is getting extra inputs but if u don't like my posts why read or bother them. I began a thread to gain information on something I was unsure about. I learned something new about pres that I didn't realise but it doesn't change my initial goal which is inputs. You don't know EXACTLY what I am looking for only what I have posted.

A mixer doesn't give you extra inputs!!!! At least 2 or 3 people have said this. You aren't reading...

[illynoise]

They don't want digital, just analog if I read correctly, why not go into a mixer and bus it to their soundcard/interface? I wouldn't, but I know people who are just more comfortable using a mixer.

[piccazzo]

I want to add some analog summing to the sound

Wont happen with a 200 € mixer.Well it could but not for the better.

Do you need extra inputs so you can record multiple intruments at once or only because you want everyting connected at all time ?

I would reccomend you get a good preamp , Maybe an UAD-La610 that would beef you your sound and then get an patchbay where you connect all your outboard.
That way you have a good preamp , and everything is connected all the time.

I would love to have a sound/tone similar to some of these guys. In particular the neptunes synths and Jermaine Dupri drums

Not so much WHAT they use , More HOW they use it.
That sound can be achieved in reason to , with correct mixing and listening enviroment.

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by illynoise

Back to business. I'm using an Ultralite and it's GREAT. If you need more inputs I think that the Firepod has like 8 or 10 inputs for 399. If you want something cheaper look for a used Motu 828 or something like that. Regardless of what people say, helpful or not, if you want to do something that sounds better, then better equipment will be necessary in the future, but for now just make music! BTW any modern mixer will do the trick, I've used mackie's and Behringers and Yamaha's and Alesis's, Alesis was the only one I ever had trouble with. Behringers are cheaper and have a bad rep, but generally I would say mackies hold up better. I've had my 8bus for 12 years now.

hmmm i may try that motu. My only reason why i wouldn't do that tho is because I eventually want to go Pro Tools or maybe Live but Sonar is not a permenant solution for me. I've had it and I like doing remixes with it but not sequencing or writing music in it. I have a bcf 2000 that I love so I don't mind behringer if it will get the job done. I have heard one bad behringer mixer ever and the rest sounded decent especially for the price I don't get the bad rep either. I think if they all sound about the same in that price range and I just want something to plug into the back of my 2 input soundcard I may just go with a yamaha since I used to own one and its not too pricey. Thanks for the suggestion

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by khameln

A mixer doesn't give you extra inputs!!!! At least 2 or 3 people have said this. You aren't reading...

so a mixer with 12 inputs wont give me extra inputs? Im tracking one track at a time as I record them straight to audio no midi involved. Since this wont give me the required inputs I need which doesn't make sense because if I bought a 12 input mixer that to me means i have 12 sets of stereo inputs yes it goes back to a stereo pair but thats not what I was saying at all

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by piccazzo

Wont happen with a 200 € mixer.Well it could but not for the better.

when you say better could u be more specific. i am looking for a dirtier, fuller sound so clean may not be the best thing for me.

Originally Posted by piccazzo

Do you need extra inputs so you can record multiple intruments at once or only because you want everyting connected at all time ?

everything connected at one time. Ill be recording parts one at a time straight audio no midi involved. Band Style

Originally Posted by piccazzo

I would reccomend you get a good preamp , Maybe an UAD-La610 that would beef you your sound and then get an patchbay where you connect all your outboard.
That way you have a good preamp , and everything is connected all the time.

great suggestion I didn't think of a patch bay that may actually be perfect for me. Thank You

Originally Posted by piccazzo

Not so much WHAT they use , More HOW they use it.
That sound can be achieved in reason to , with correct mixing and listening enviroment.

It probabaly can I don't have much doubt in it but I am frusterated with trying to force Reason to sound that way. I want to spend more time creating and less time molding and with Reason I spend a lot of time molding a sound. The sound of vintage gear gives your music a specific tone if that makes sense. So in a way their sound is a starting point because it is what has inspired me but I will move on to creating a sound of my own.

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by illynoise

They don't want digital, just analog if I read correctly, why not go into a mixer and bus it to their soundcard/interface? I wouldn't, but I know people who are just more comfortable using a mixer.

i do eventually want to completely move away from doing music on the computer but I know that may not be for a few years atleast. Right now its about getting my synths and samplers together and learning them. Finding the right sequencer and then find the right reverbs and eqs and finally a good recorder. Computers are distracting when making music. I get too tempted to go on aim, read on forums, play games ect. Next thing you know Im surfing for 2 hours and my song isn't finished all because I checked my email lol.

[Heezzi]

Originally Posted by Stitch333

Actually two channels: left and right

Yeah I know. I typed one when I was thinking two.

[boodah]

Originally Posted by xabiton

hmmm i may try that motu. My only reason why i wouldn't do that tho is because I eventually want to go Pro Tools or maybe Live but Sonar is not a permenant solution for me. I've had it and I like doing remixes with it but not sequencing or writing music in it. I have a bcf 2000 that I love so I don't mind behringer if it will get the job done. I have heard one bad behringer mixer ever and the rest sounded decent especially for the price I don't get the bad rep either. I think if they all sound about the same in that price range and I just want something to plug into the back of my 2 input soundcard I may just go with a yamaha since I used to own one and its not too pricey. Thanks for the suggestion

What's wrong with Sonar? I actually prefer Sonar over protools, the workflow is easier (for me) and support more tracks /effect inserts per track than protools LE. Unless your going for Protools HD or Icon.

[tommymakestapes]

Hey dude, if you're looking for easy connectivity and a way to keep things neat in the studio, maybe you should consider a patchbay. If all you really want to do is record to the amount of inputs you already have this could be a really good way to keep it easy so you don't have to reach around the back of your gear etc everytime you want to plug something else in.

Best of luck.

[Heezzi]

Originally Posted by boodah

What's wrong with Sonar? I actually prefer Sonar over protools, the workflow is easier (for me) and support more tracks /effect inserts per track than protools LE. Unless your going for Protools HD or Icon.

From my experience, Sonar is the easiest to learn and is one of the deepest DAWs available. Sonar has unlimited tracks, Very logical screens, quick, customization etc. Pro Tools LE/M is effed out the gate IMO. 32 mono tracks will not cut it if you are dealing with midi for example. Good for getting your projects to the pro studio though.

[F Major]

X just grab an audio interface with more inputs, like an 1814 by M-Audio or a Delta 1010 minimally. Dont bother spending a couple hundred on a mixer for monitoring keyboards and racks. If you have a little more to spend opt for a RME interface instead(you definitely need to drop the 2496 audiophile joint). In general "entry level" mixers will not give you a warmer sound, they will just add more noise. Do like folks said and save money for a decent preamp to use for tracking.

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by boodah

What's wrong with Sonar? I actually prefer Sonar over protools, the workflow is easier (for me) and support more tracks /effect inserts per track than protools LE. Unless your going for Protools HD or Icon.

Pro Tools just appeals to me. I like the workflow in it but more importantly I don't like sequencing in Sonar. The reason I don't use midi with Sonar is because when I try to quantize anything it throws it off for some reason. When its not quantized its right on beat or really close but if I input for a straight 16 the notes play later than they should its strange. Like instead of going right on the beat they will be slightly after which I don't like. I have a hard time getting help with for issues I have with Sonar even on the Sonar forums. I don't run into many people who use Sonar the way I do I guess I am not sure. There is so much support and free tutorials for Pro Tools it will make it a snap to use not to mention since everyone uses it I will have no problem at all getting help from someone if I have issues. I've used Mpowered a few times and a studio do recording at once in a while as a Pro Tools Mix system. So I have some experience with it just not a lot and the experience Ive had with it has been good. I also enjoy Ableton Live. That may even be my new software of choice because I really really like the sequencer but I'll more than likely get some hardware with a sequencer so that I don't have issues such as these. I haven't decided on anything except for that I am getting away from Sonar very soon.

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by tommymakestapes

Hey dude, if you're looking for easy connectivity and a way to keep things neat in the studio, maybe you should consider a patchbay. If all you really want to do is record to the amount of inputs you already have this could be a really good way to keep it easy so you don't have to reach around the back of your gear etc everytime you want to plug something else in.

Best of luck.

thank you

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by Heezzi

From my experience, Sonar is the easiest to learn and is one of the deepest DAWs available. Sonar has unlimited tracks, Very logical screens, quick, customization etc. Pro Tools LE/M is effed out the gate IMO. 32 mono tracks will not cut it if you are dealing with midi for example. Good for getting your projects to the pro studio though.

why wouldn't it cut it? I don't use 32 tracks on anything I do without vocals. I may use 16-20 tops.

[KevWest]

Originally Posted by F Major

X just grab an audio interface with more inputs, like an 1814 by M-Audio or a Delta 1010 minimally. Dont bother spending a couple hundred on a mixer for monitoring keyboards and racks. If you have a little more to spend opt for a RME interface instead(you definitely need to drop the 2496 audiophile joint). In general "entry level" mixers will not give you a warmer sound, they will just add more noise. Do like folks said and save money for a decent preamp to use for tracking.

If I am recording directly into the pc what would be the point of the preamp? Maybe the 2496 should go I'm not discrediting that but until I can find something that will better suit my needs why get rid of it? Maybe the 410 would be a better choice since I don't need all of the inputs the 1814 will offer since Id be doing the processing outboard. Eventually tho I would like to get out of using the computer completely. Its just too distracting

[F Major]

Originally Posted by xabiton

If I am recording directly into the pc what would be the point of the preamp? Maybe the 2496 should go I'm not discrediting that but until I can find something that will better suit my needs why get rid of it? Maybe the 410 would be a better choice since I don't need all of the inputs the 1814 will offer since Id be doing the processing outboard. Eventually tho I would like to get out of using the computer completely. Its just too distracting

If warmth is what you are seeking...the right preamp in your signal chain is part of what you need to get that warmth, not a cheap mixer. Secondly to really take advantage of the added warmth/harmonics you need an interface that has good converters so that you capture the sound from the preamp accurately. But if the goal is to eventually stop recording on computers... just save up, and research preamps along with HD Recorders.