Digital Mixer or Recording Interface
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.ค. 2023
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I use a Presonus 32R digital mixer. I enjoy the fact that I can go from band practicing/jamming to multitrack recording at the push of one button. Or record live at a show with no extra effort. I can record up to 32 tracks simultaneously, over USB 2.0, and provide up to 9 independent stereo mixes to musicians. If I like how it sounded live, I can use the same onboard compressors and EQs in my DAW, with the same settings, and get a similar result. It just makes it all SO freaking easy.
Yep, me too. It’s a great unit!
I useva presonus studiolive 32sx, and love it. Use it for both rehearsal and recording. It's amazing.
Me too. Zero difference in perceived quality compared to the Apollo I used before
I'm an old school kinda guy. I just sold my Tascam DM4800. I loved having all those buttons and knobs in front of me, but really, I hardly used it. Even the control surface part of it I almost never used. Recording in the 21'st century isn't as much fun, but it's way most efficient.
I have an A&H SQ5 for my home studio. The way I work is almost completely live with quite a few synths running at once. It works for me, and it keeps my head out of the computer. I can just stem it all off and deal with that later, all the while using the onboard EQ for sculpting the sound.
Alway just incredible videos with common sense information ... thank you!!
I have gone back and forth a few times to identify where I need to focus efforts to upgrade what I have now. Thanks for posting!!
I was exactly thinking about this choice a couple of months back but could not find clear answers. Thank you for putting this out.
A decade ago, I was debating this myself. Because of the limited budget I had at the time vs. the features I wanted, I went with a digital mixer, which was a Tascam DM4800. The DM4800 was the best bang-for-buck digital mixer around at the time (circa 2012), and it was also expandable. Going the audio interface route would've been more expensive for me at the time because I needed something with a lot of input channels on board because I had a lot of hardware synths and drum machines. Also, space wasn't an issue at the time because it replaced my bigger analog board that died on me just before that. So, it was a nice upgrade with lots of nice features like digital recall, built-in effects, eq,and dynamics with the integrated DSP processor. I eventually bought the firewire card for it too which allowed it to become an audio interface with 32 simultaneous channels in and out. Unfortunately, firewire became obsolete around that time and new computers no longer supported it. I admit that the overall sound quality of the console was very clean. You got out what you put in. The console was later discontinued by Tascam and it is probably no longer supported today.
However, life has changed in more recent years, and I was forced to move into a smaller space. As a result, the DM4800 had to go. It did not hold it's value and I did lose a lot of money in it. However, I just let it go and moved on because I had no choice. I later went with a MOTU AVB rack interface setup running into Protools and never looked back. This is my current setup (two MOTU 24ai interfaces plus a Behringer ADA8200 via ADAT). The overall quality of the sound of these interfaces and the expandability options far surpass the DM4800. Also, these interfaces also have DSP processing a well so they can also function as a digital mixer if desired. At some point, I would like to eventually upgrade the ADA8200 ADAT converter to something more high-end, and/or add a MOTU 1248 to the setup later on. Another thing I like about interfaces is the fact they are simple component-wise and have less physical hardware to break down, unlike consoles with all of those knobs, buttons, displays, and motorized faders.
So yes, I agree. The audio interface is a much better solution for recording than a digital mixer. Now, if I wanted to add a hardware control surface with physical controls, I could do that. However, I'm using a touchscreen monitor for that, which is far more flexible considering the limited space I have.
Great talk always.
I run a Burl Mothership with a Digital Mixer. I am happy with the results.
great video, I think I'm going with the recording interface for starters, Happy Holidays
Good advice as always.
Good video. Many good issues that you consider here. Lots of possibilities and options. I think that the most important issue is quality. That factor varies widely.
I use a variety of options. I use an Audient 4816SE, or a SSL Big Six or a simple audio interface like an SSL12 or Audient iD44 Mk II.
I used a SoundCraft LX7II with a UAD Volt476 and a 276 for my Vocals...loving all three, they are doing a steller job with my Analog Rack, Acustica Audio and Nebula Plugins...
Thanks Barry for another great video! I've had several audio interfaces over the years such as the ProFire 2626, HD Core, and an Apollo. Ultimately, I've landed with an Allen-Heath QU-24 and couldn't be happier. I get zero latency for tracking, multiple stereo monitor mixes, and OTB / ITB / hybrid mixing options. I think the QU-24 preamps sound clean. Down the road I might experiment with warmer preamps, but for now I'm super happy.
The Profire 2626 is great. Too bad M-Audio stopped supporting it. Stuck at El Capitan
Barry, great discussion. Would be great to have more pictures or demos of pros and cons of digital mixers or a link to one. Have a great day.
I will say for location recording a digital desk is pretty great. I helped a band I was mixing foh for to track drums on my A&H SQ for a single they needed to finish quickly. Done in under half an hour between sound check and gig while the band was set up on stage anyway. Effortless, sounded great.
I use a Soundcraft UI24R. The learning curve was a little steep but once I got it, it became so easy. That feeds to my computer which in turn feeds it to my DAW on my 40" monitor in real time with no obvious latency.
that's the heart of my studio right now...and heading to do a band recording..live in the studio..so I need a lot of great preamps simultaneously.
I'm using the SSL BigSex ..gosh I love that console
Spot on assessment 😀
I came from working in a studio with an X32 as our front end and interface. I now have an RME UFX III with SSL Alphalink in my new studio. The main reason is converter quality and using external preamps and outboard. There's a lot that's *really* great about using a digital mixer as an interface though. The main one being headphone monitoring. With the X32 we bought a bunch of cheap amazon fire tablets and used the Mixing station app, with each tablet being set to have control over a different output bus so that musicians could control their own headphone mix. Why no audio interfaces have this kind of functionality built in I don't know. It seems like such an obvious thing. Instead with an interface you have to spend more money on an expensive headphone monitoring system for the same control options. Being able to save scenes on the mixer with different routing configs was super useful. Having a frontend with physical faders was nice. The preamps as something clean and transparent sounded absolutely fine. The ability to use digital stageboxes like the S16's is nice - just a single ethernet cable to the live room - although that means you can't use external preamps for character, unless you want your preamps sat in the live room. The conversion on the X32 was good, and you could certainly make great recordings with it, but there are much better options out there with dedicated interfaces. Routing outboard on the X32 was a pain and there were other quirks too. Ultimately when it came to my new studio space I knew I just couldn't get the quality I needed from a digital mixer, unless I was spend tens of thousands (aka something like a digico or yamaha console.)
Great discussion here. Having that all-in-one solution for tracking, monitoring, and mixing has a lot of merit, especially for the budget-constrained studio. But compromises have to be made somewhere. But I’ve heard plenty of pro-level recordings made on Studio Live boards. The key factor here is the engineer.
Nice to see another video from you Barry!! It seems like I have not seen one from you in awhile.
I’ve been slammed, trying to get back on track!
I use a Soundcraft analogue desk, 32 channel series two in the studio. This is linked to an Motu 16a as an interface to Protools. This gives me 16 ins and 16 outs. This same desk I used previously in live shows. Very heavy to transport and the need to carry all the extra stuff like EQ and compressors, FXs and multicores was difficult. Now I use a Souncraft digital desk for live work and leave the big boy in the studio. I love analogue sound, in the studio it works great, but it is now so much more convenient to simply carry a digital desk.
TY, decided on a fader port 16, Audient 16, and a Seventh Circle pres n compressor
Great video thank you ! One additional benefit on the mixer side for me, is DAW control - most modern digital mixers can be a decent control surface with layers or channels set-up to do that. Now, compare the price of some of the current control surfaces, that do nothing else (like the SSL or new Qcon) and channel for channel the digital mixer suddenly doesn't look so pricey.
Thanks for sharing this. After using various audio interfaces, I got a Midas MR18 for my home studio. The routing flexibility, the preamps, the ease of use, MIDI I/O, 18x18 audio interface, & monitoring expansion via P16 have been awesome. It has been VERY reliable and sounds great. Also, I use a XR18 for live keys and backing tracks because of its 8 XLR outputs. The only downside to the Midas may be the sample rate, given that it is 44.1 or 48 kHz. That was the compromise at that price point.
I 100% went this route, for recording in studio with outboard gear, live, and even headphone practices with the band. It marries all my projections into one super portable device. MR18 is perfect.
I'm in the same boat. I've been using my Mr18 alongside my Motu and the really the only compromise has been the sample rate. The Mr18 is extremely stable and sounds amazing.
Hi.. I am in this situation right now.. been using MR18 for a while now to record drums... I am tempted to sell it and go for an Audient Evo 16 along with an SP8 ..but I am scared the pre amps of the Evo are gonna be bad compared to the MR18... any advice?
Presonus 32r provides a great bang for the buck in my opinion. We use it for IEM mixes for the band and occasionally I use it to record new songs from band practice. Ive got decent results from band practice and only having close mics with it IMO. I think it could be a pretty good front end if you need the pres and additional outputs it provides in 1 box.
I’ve been using the studiolive series iii 32 from Presonus since it came out. The pre’s have good gain and a low self noise floor. Lower than the noise floor of the x32 and definitely less thd than those boards by a lot. Just don’t clip the presonus. I like to leave at least db of headroom. The dsp is nice and I prefer the 1176 by Presonus over the waves 1176 . I still track them clean without fx but monitor with its dsp. Great workflow
I use a Tascam Model 24 ( not really a digital mixer but has stand alone digital recording) to rehearse and record my band, and an Apogee Symphony Desktop for my home studio. The one plus about the tascam is that I don't have to worry about ram or pauses because the audio over loaded. The Apogee easily has better preamps and much better conversion. They both have their advantages over the other for different things.
I use Behringer xr18 as interface, 18 in 18 out. Midas preamp, it's limited to 48 kHz but I don't need higher than that. It's very affordable
While having a great preamp is an ingredient to a great recording, the other ingredients I dare say other things should be considered first. Having a digital mixer can get you to a place where you can: learn gain structure, record rehearsals, and play live. Things that are going to be way more beneficial prior to the recording. Also the majority of musicians are going to make money playing live, not recording. If a band can hear each other well, they can perform well. As someone who has done live sound with digital mixers I can say they can be extremely reliable. Depending on which series of live mixers that you go with, you can upgrade the preamps to a better series once you are ready. Setting yourself up to have a great live Show is way more important than recording.
This is interesting. I’ve been thirsting for the Presonus board cause I want (not need) 32 faders at hand. And you can still run all your fancy preamps into it to record so it seems like a pretty good compromise…
I wish they made a faderport 32, lol…
I've had a mixer at the center of my recording studio for the past 10 years. I started with the original StudioLive 1642 and now I'm on the 3rd generation version, StudioLive 32SX. While I totally agree that the overall specs are going to be better on a $3000 interface compared to a $3000 digital mixer, you can't beat the workflow of a mixer. My mixer has built in effects and is so fast to set up headphone mixers for my clients. Plus I can let them adjust their headphone mixes using their iphone. Lastly, I'm a StudioOne user and the mixer doubles as a control surface. Sorry, for my money this a much better value and my clients love it.
woop woop ! First in the comments .. love your series, I have the SSL uf8 and sc-1 .love the hands-on feel of control knobs for the sc-1 and the fader section as I cant just mix within a mouse world. i have the tascam model 24 as well but I found a SSL 2 audio interface to plug into was a better option and smaller, ill keep the tascam model 24 tho cos I do love the analog workflow
Midas M32. Still being supported with firmware updates after many years. Plus its expandable via card slots, so some what future proof. One of the best thing I did for my home studio.
That one is on another level and properly priced well above this discussion.
I've got a Midas 32C and the Midas DL32 stage box and a card that allows me to record all 32 tracks from a show right to a hard drive if I need to. Then I import it to my DAW. I've thought about using the Midas as an aggregate device alongside my Apollo x8p use the Midas for recording drums and the Apollo for instruments and vocals if doing a studio session in which a whole band is tracking live. In theory this should work, right?
@@allenlocke1935 You have 32 I/O on the M32C so I think you can do more than drums here. I have never used the 32C but it's pretty much the same brain as the M32. If you have the DN-Live card or the one that comes stock with the 32C you should be able to use either one as 32 I/O audio interface. So the same way you connect the stage box and get 32 I/O and record to SD card you can record those same 32 tracks directly into your daw via the DL32 pres.
Don't forget you also have 16 I/O via ADAT on the DL32 starting at channel 17 to 32. You connect the DL32 to the Apollo and use the Midas pres via ADAT. But sure you can aggregate if you want to for a total of 40 ins. You have a lot of options.
@@BarryJohns Oopsie. I missed the part where you said up to $2500.
@@naakaalastudio6655 Awesome! Thanks for the advice. I love my Midas rig. I went with the M32C just because for live gigging, running sound from the stage and performing, and was already hauling so much gear for moderate to small sized gigs.But being able to record every single thing at a gig was worth it to me. Though I really wished I could have the full board :)
I have gone from a digital mixer to an interface. The one thing digital mixers have going for them is the ability to manage monitor mixes, using the actual faders, in a really simple way. Also most digital mixers will have a phone/tablet app that can be used by each artist to control their own monitor mixes.
On the negative side, most digital mixers have quite a bit of latency once the daw is inserted into the signal path, so you are really stuck with using the effects on the mixer (eq, compression) when tracking.
I use a Studiolive and it has zero latency! That’s why I love it. With a mixer, you monitor directly from the desk, not from your daw, so there is no latency!
You should be able to send pre fade / EQ / dynamics direct to the computer.
I pulled the trigger on an RME UFX III with some Warm Audio wa-412 Preamps and some "cheaper" Focusrite OctoPre to expand for my Home/Drum Studio, replacing an old Soundcraft Si Performer Console. Since I updated my Mac Mini late 2012 to the new M2 Max Mac Studio, the Firewire on the Si Performer doesn't work anymore. Excited to hear the difference of thoese new converters & preamps.
How’s it sound?
Thank you for your take on digital mixers vs audio interfaces. RME is a nice option that covers both bases with TotalMix in my opinion - truly a standalone digital mixer that supports touch and hardware control. If RME released a digital mixer product I would consider one, but really the 1U form factor plus control surface gets the job done. In either case, it's about having reliable low-latency drivers to/from the DAW, e.g. for playing virtual instruments where this is important.
If RME released a control surface that could seamlessly address TotalMix, that would be game over!
Agreed!! I picked up a UFX recently and Totalmix is very handy. I've been able to integrate it quickly into my workflow for location recording/livestreaming and DuRec is super handy to have as well. I even ended up purchasing a babyface for smaller jobs. I'd love to figure out how to get a control surface working with Totalmix, anyone in particular that you are using?
@@aalonso55 For me, only a purpose built controller would work. There's not a lot of margin between reaching for the mouse and reaching for a familiar, single-purpose knob. That margin gets wiped out the second I have to think about what I programmed a knob to do.
I sold the RME and Apollo and went back to the SL24. I prefer adjusting faders instead of clicking my mouse on the screen.
I personally prefer lower mic pre count and higher quality A/D conversion for my studio work, which is why I have been using Apollos for a long time. I have also used several times in the past my Apollos to mix small live stuff like trios, conferences and so on. I find it very easy and the foot print is ridiculous. These days, I'm leaning toward changing all of that for an RME Fireface UFXIII + 12mic-d for all studio and live applications since you can completely control total mix with the iPad and the unit is standalone. I am planning on having like a 4U rack with RME stuff + some hardware preamps and I'll just use that for smaller live things. I believe the quality will be amazing. The only slight worry I have is EQ on outputs for monitors, as well as smaller features like output delay and some flexibility but I'm pretty sure RME Totalmix can definitely take care of all of that. I'll let you know. All in all, it's a matter of having little equipment to bring with and get used to the iPad for mixing (which I have been doing for years with a Behringer x32 rack for a church).
How did it go? RME ufx 3 or tascam sonicview xp16?
@@latentsea i went full RME (ufx3 + 12micD) and I added some flavor with 2 x WA273 and UA 4-710. So far so good, my music has never sounded so good! Love total mix and I completely forgot about my apollos 😂😂
Barry thanks. Looking at a Midas32. What is your view of the device given that it is sold at a higher price range the the range you mentioned in your video? Thanks.
Thank u
It depends, if you are jist recording 1 or a few misicians an interface is thebway to go but, nothing is better than tracking a band all at once with a mixer. The vibe you get trumps an interface.
I've got a Midas 32C and the Midas DL32 stage box and a card that allows me to record all 32 tracks from a show right to a hard drive if I need to. Then I import it to my DAW. I've thought about using the Midas as an aggregate device alongside my Apollo x8p use the Midas for recording drums and the Apollo for instruments and vocals if doing a studio session in which a whole band is tracking live. In theory this should work, right?
A Yamaha DM1000 digital mixer for example is designed for studio use. I see them sell for $500. I bought one and a MOTU LP32 ADAT - USB interface. For $1000 I have 16 very high quality channels in and out of the computer at 96K or 32X32 at 48K. And the convenience of a mixer plus near zero latency monitor mixes for everybody. I don’t have to boot up a computer to listen to my instruments. They are all patched and ready to play.
RME, Apollo gives digital mixing with their interface. My main interest in an interface with digital mixing or digital mixer with USB interfacing is latency free, hiccup free DSP monitoring that will never seem to be possible with an entirely Native solution that won't require computer hardware at the cost of high end digital mixers.
I say RME interface with a surface controller later as budget allows is more appropriate today. With the expansion ability of RME stuff being so off the chart, why not build from the core out.
Yamaha dm3 and or rme and say fader controller.?
I’m pretty happy with 16 inputs combining my apogee elements 88 with Scarlett Opro-Pre optical But I’m wondering if a digital mixture can combine with this in order to give me some more flexible output routing?
Soundcraft UI24. The preamps are much better than Presonus, actually sounds pretty good.
I wish we could buy components and build whatever we want
I have a had the Rack Behringer Digital mixer, had to use my iPad, loss of connection from tablet to rack your screwed so went to the Presonus, for live use it’s fantastic, knobs and faders…great. Quick ideas as a scratch pad…lovely…compared to the BABYFACE Pro FS into Protools…boil it down to end product…mixer as an interface no comparison. But if your not going for that, say your just making demos it just fine. I manly for singer songwriters so don’t need many channels….don’t want to mess with drums so I can use my Mackie ProFX10 V3, sounds better than the Presonus…like Barry said, sacrifices neeed to be made…since this is not a true digital mixer I think it’s a better and result. And it is also a recording interface. If you have a cheap interface such as a Scarlett 2i2, it’s right there
Does the difference in sound quality still apply to lower end gear for example, will a $279 Scarlett interface through a Mac have better sound quality then a $500 Tascam 32sd ??
Yamaha dm3d or ufx and fader controller?
Dear Barry
Looks like you have switched from A77X to A77H. I am very happy with my A77X but one of the woofers starts to break (sporadic crackling 80-90Hz) so I'm thinking of repairing or replacing them.
I wonder if the A77H behave similarly in your room as the A77X and I would also love to hear your overall thoughts on the A77H & your motivation for changing your Monitors.
Ps. I love your channel, your diligence and serenity inspire me.
Nice catch, I’ll be doing a review in a bout a month.
How do you feel about recording using hardware like wa73s into a interface like a motu vs recording the mics direct using an interfaces mic ins then using UAD preamp plugins
X32 is 11 years old, still supported and as reliable as RME. I personally think RME preamps are overrated, or I should say overpriced (3K for 12 pres)... Nothing special, just clean and loud, not better or worst than X32. Conversion is definitely a hair better on RME units over the X32. Especially noticeable on the D/A (monitoring). Not as noticeable on the A/D, from my limited experience. I prefer a mixing interface over using Total Mix, but all great products, no doubt. Most noticeable difference is going to be the talent behind the tech.
Does every digital mixer console have inbuilt sound card?
Hi, can an audio interface use as a digital mixer as in using third party digital mixer software together with an audio interface?
Barry …
I use lynx Aurora … and I’ve noticed the Allen and heath sq5 recordings / tracking sound way way better why is that ?
Barry I have been thinking about a digital live mixer for home studio primarily for the large channel count and also for very low latency headphone mixing. Are there situations where you would recommend maybe a hybrid approach for larger bands?
Used Yamaha DM2000 for about $1000 is a studio monster. Add one or two Dante cards and you’re set. Or you could go with ADAT cards (which are usually included) and a MOTU LP32 or RME Digiface.
If a studio I’d buy a deccnt ad
Box with a good mixer. Most of us - grab the RME Babyface pro fs and make music
My digital mixer couldn't hold to up to the rigorous punishment of sitting in my bedroom and being turned on and off occasionally. Sent in for repairs twice and the third time I sold it as scrap. What a waste. I've got an Antelope interface now. It's kinda annoying too, but at least it powers on and off consistently. Which is good considering the computer forgets its plugged in after awhile and you have to power cycle it. Going to upgrade to an Edison wax cylinder recorder next.
Maybe Barry can clarify something for me…. I was thinking of picking up one of the Studiolive 32 mixers for recording at home. I’m a drummer and need more mic pre’s and would rather not rely on my PC when recording with effects…..which as a HUGE problem in the past, in terms of latency. With the quality of the plugins today, and the signal being digital, which to my understanding was the great “equalizer”, there wasn’t much keeping the home musician from getting professional results (assuming they knew what they were doing, which is a caveat for any recording regardless of how high-end your gear is). The preamps on the mixer is the same as their flag-ship interface. And, that flag-ship interface sounds every bit as good as say an industry standard like the UA mic pre’s. So, now it seems to me that a digital mixer (at least in this context) is a very good idea. Especially, when it comes to mixing. Am I missing something? I could go the RME route, but I have yet to hear a single comparison of a Presonus Quantum (or Studiolive mixer) and an RME, or UA, or Apogee mic pre that sounds noticeable enough to justify the expense. As a matter of fact, one could very easily argue that you’d never notice the difference between the mic pre’s if you were comparing them side-by-side. And, again, with how good plug’ins are today, you could pick your favorite channel-strip plugin, and get a very good result, with a $2500 digital mixer. They entire selling point of the digital recording industry is that you no longer need a six-figure recording console to get very, very good results. I’ve got NO problem spending more money on a so-called “professional” level interface. I just have yet to hear an argument that convinces me that it’s truly necessary. Half (or more) of today’s recorded guitar tracks are done with modelers, and no one is any wiser to it….it sounds amazing. I would certainly think that applies to the recording process as well.
Let me start by saying this, the conversion on the Presonus Interface you mention is very good, where are you good. That said the mic pres are good but not great. Again compromises have to be made. Presonus does have a history of drooping products, think the 48/48 which was one of the best deals out there. Crazy how they dropped that one.
All that said, it sounds like you could benefit from the Studio 32.
@@BarryJohns Thank you for the reply Barry. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hung up on any brand. As long as I can afford it, it makes no difference to me. *So, at the end of the day, would you still recommend the RME products you mentioned? I need at least 12, preferably 16 mic pre's, with the ability to record drums.* I also need a controller if I don't go with a mixer, and I'm still trying to justify the price on those SSL controllers, which I'm sure are outstanding quality...but, unless there's something I'm missing, those seem very expensive for something that doesn't do much more than allow you the analogue ability to move a fader, and assign functions to the knobs. Is it that much better than the Presonus controller? Possibly the feel? That said I'm completely sold on their plugin controller. THAT was a great idea, as it matches up to the plugin 100%. But, I digress. I definitely want the best sound possible, but I don't want to spend 2-3x's the money to get 5-10% better sound quality. Hopefully, that makes sense. Thank you again or the reply. Btw...I'm looking very seriously at those Seventh Circle mic pre's. Btw...thank you for mentioning those, as well. Most of the Neve/API stuff is really expensive, even the clones. Those looked very reasonably priced.
How about combining something like an RME UfXII & then ADAT an X32 Rack./M32r (or m/x/32core for more options) to get the best of both worlds?
You can do that, but you’d still be getting the digital conversion done by the x32 for anything rouges through it.
@BarryJohns thoughts on doing it analog? E.g Would plugging mics/line level devices into XR18 and then route analog outs into your RME device defeat the purchase of using the 'clean' RME preamps and better conversion? I like to use the xr18 gate, a little compression, eq to get a general sound on the way in. On a ff400 so not usinf total mix fx atm. I like the workflow and convenience of XR18/X32/M32 but do notice the RME just sounds better.
Thoughts on the Presonus CS18a.i?
Both work well BMWs and standalone multi track but here’s the problem because I want to go over and it’s cheaper people younger kids will start with that I did the learning curve in the 90s and 46 now it’s good to learn those things and then you could try DW but to be honest still is not expensive it’s for that reason because there’s nothing there compares to DW as far as being cheap
Many analog mixers also have audio / interface function;
from what would be my dream device, Zoom L20
to cheaper Behringer Xenyx series
On my side, I only need multiple inputs, so right now i am using two cheap Moukeys mixers connected to my Steinberg UR22mkII
I got a couple of old effects devices Zoom 9030 and Boss GT3
I only use keyboards / synths, no vocals
The think I like with most digital mixer is the rack format
Also, it's much less exciting to spend $1,500 in a mixer than on a Moog synth ...
Actually, the ideal solution for me would be a Behringer U-Phoria UMC with 16 TRUE inputs instead of only 8 effective inputs
Zoom l-20 is good but do you double use laptops computers yes and clean stuff up producers online of said if you don’t know what you’re doing your face is so many possibilities ladies that you learned of cleaning this song up and you won’t even learn not everybody but most people that are trapped it won’t go down when they become cheaper then we’ll talk
Barry my Mac has died and I'm not sure which way I should go. All my software is on hard drives. My UCX is getting out of date I think? So I need both a computer and and interface? Or another solution? Any ideas?
M2 Mac Mini Pro or base M2 Mac Studio. The newly released RME UFX looks sweet!
I both agree and disagree with your options on this one.
I own 3 x series apollos and love them. I feel the quality is much higher then lets say my x32 rack unit even with the dante card.
But my m32r with a waves sound grid addon its alot closer but still not as good.
Both of these consoles can combine to make a bigger setup and have been out for oger 10 years with a new update in beta right now.
And if we go a step further the yamaha cl and ql series are extremely high-end and have option that even the apollos cant do in real time.
They also have been out forever.
But for stuff like a cheap macky mixer or a x air. The price does seem to match the okay at best quality.
what about analog mixers
Ok you forgot to mention how a digital mixer might needed if a band wants to record simultaneously with the rest of the band. Then you need lots of channels. Cheers
Anybody using the Mackie DL16 to track with?
Great, but how do you monitor while recording with no latency? I mean truly zero latency. Isn't this only achievable with a mixer?
I am 62 yo and have been working as a sound engineer since 1984. In those years, a half inch 8 track recorder cost about $6000.
A 24 track with Dolby A cost about $60,000. A KT reverb cost $5000. And so on for every piece of gear.
I find it very funny when we talk « Pro » gear and people making a fuss paying a plug-in $ 100 or a complete DAW for $500.
The last console we bought was an API Legacy Plus in 2011 and we shed $ 260,000. I know this era is gone but no one can go wrong paying a nice console around $ 1000 if you consider yourself a « Pro » in our industry.
heres a tip for people flirting with the idea of an atmos mixing system.. digital mixer as the interface gives you delay and eq on all your outputs with no cpu hit on your computer.. avid mtrx can do that too starting at 8 grand...
You seldom (if ever) share any audio (if any) that you’re “working” on. Where can the people find any of your credits? Or a discography? Perhaps artists that you’ve worked with or projects that you’ve worked on?
I disagree about conversion and preamps. The XMAX preamps in the presonus digital mixers are outstanding and identical to the preamps in their higher end interfaces. I ditched my Motu 8pre and Apollo in favor of a 32SX board and I’ve never made better recordings, faster. I don’t print on the way in but the mixer is great while tracking drums
Presonus doesn’t really have high end interfaces…..the Motu is a mid level interface, to be a fair comparison would be the preamps on an interface priced the same as your digital mixer ($3,000)
@@BarryJohns I think way too much emphasis is put on conversion and preamps. Microphone selection, sound source and great players supersede all. Modern plug ins are so good I’ll probably never bother investing in outboard gear for personal use.
@@taylorlimbeck6854
Agree. I would add great and INSPIRED players. A mixer is the best tool for good monitoring and in turn good performance.
This is a no brainer as far as I’m concerned. My digital mixer is the heart of my studio and I just couldn’t function without it. Interfaces are too laggy and don’t have enough inputs. A studio also doesn’t look right without a mixer.
I don't think audio interfaces have proven to be supported anymore than any other digital studio equipment. I think it comes down to flexibility
Are you a set it and forget it kind of guy. Are you using multiple pieces of hardware. I think those are better considerations than who's using what. If it works for you, who cares what others do.
Well…..the how interfaces I’m referring to have a long history of support. Lower priced units not so much.
I wouldn’t dare record with a prosonus!! 🤢🤢🤢🤢
Hey man, king time no comment! Happy to see you back!
@@BarryJohns so happy to be back!!!
I just popped offed 3 new UAD plug-ins.