Best USB/Firewire mixer for about 300 € ? [Archive]

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styleone

10-10-2006, 10:34 AM

Hey people,

I'm looking into a mixer that just does anything an analog mixer would but with a USB or Firewire interface.

I'm looking into 6/8 "real" XLR inputs.
Phantom power supply for mics.

I'm looking into this one right here but it seems that it doesn't even have a phantom power supply !

BEHRINGER XENYX2222FX

http://www.homestudio.fr/images_magasin/3029_image_zoom_behringer-xenyx2222FX.jpg

Any suggestions ?

EDIT: I've just realised that actually the USB thing isn't all that "true", that means you are supposed to use the RCA output of the mixer and then there is a small RCA to USB box and that's definitely not what I want to do.
I want to have each channel used on the mixer, on my screen also...

JrummerJ

10-10-2006, 12:28 PM

That mixer definitely has phantom power, but will not allow you to record 8 simultaneous tracks.

Try the Alesis firewire mixers.

Tju85

10-10-2006, 12:35 PM

For the price your willing to spend, you will have to check out the Alesis Multimix.

The 8-channel XLR mixer will run you about $500.

SMX_Dizzy

10-10-2006, 02:36 PM

Ok so 300€ is about $375 USD. Do you think you want a mixer, or would you consider an interface? You can't get an Alesis Multimix 16 (8 XLR) Firewire for that much, not even the Multimix 12 (4 XLR) Firewire for that much. If it has to be a firewire mixer, then another option is Phonic. Their Helix Board 18 Firewire (8 XLR) is $460 USD, so for around $85/68€ more you can get that. http://210.243.85.5/partner/modules/product_explor/products_detail.php?product_id=139

dubsnack

10-10-2006, 02:59 PM

Please, please, please don't tell me you plan on recording reference drums through crappy alesis or behringer preamps! :p

Chief Pronto

10-10-2006, 06:22 PM

why not look into something like the presonus firepod?

styleone

10-11-2006, 04:37 AM

why not look into something like the presonus firepod?

I know these types of interfaces and I'm not really interested since I already an equivalent in EDIROL and I also have a pretty cool PHONIC mixer.

I just want to mix them both in one peice.

I'll definitely look into the Alesis one.

500 isn't a real big issue.

Please, please, please don't tell me you plan on recording reference drums through crappy alesis or behringer preamps! :p

Well...I...errr...you know....I.....

I paid the kit.

My father wants the mixer and I'd be using it... so technically, I'm not buying it for my Ref kit :p .

styleone

10-24-2006, 03:14 PM

BUMP

So I'm having my eye on these.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/alesis_multimix_16_firewire.htm

http://www.thomann.de/fr/alesis_multimix_16fxdusb.htm

Will they definitely allow me to record SIMULTANEOUSLY 8 tracks on my computer ?

My guess is the USB only records one stereo track, am I right ?

And being familiar to PHONIC, I'm also seriously considering this one too :

http://www.thomann.de/gb/phonic_phhb18fw_helix_board.htm

surftex363

10-24-2006, 03:33 PM

styleone

10-24-2006, 03:42 PM

i have the alesis mixer, i am very happy with it, cept the fact i just had to send it off to get repaired cause the effects blew on the board.

Hey !

So which one, the USB or Firewire one ?
How does it work for "simultaneous" recording ?

WasteAwayToday

10-24-2006, 04:35 PM

Presonus Firepod should do the trick if you got the cash. and you might want to consider some nice pres. And deafinatly go with Firewire since it has a higher transfer rate (i think about 400MBps).

SMX_Dizzy

10-24-2006, 05:02 PM

Hey !

So which one, the USB or Firewire one ?
How does it work for "simultaneous" recording ?
He has the firewire mixer.

dubsnack

10-24-2006, 05:05 PM

Congratulations on getting your Reference, Styleone!!

YEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

surftex363

10-24-2006, 05:10 PM

Presonus Firepod should do the trick if you got the cash. and you might want to consider some nice pres. And deafinatly go with Firewire since it has a higher transfer rate (i think about 400MBps).

the presonus firepod has amazing mic pres.

Tju85

10-24-2006, 07:04 PM

^^I was thinking the same thing right when he said that. :o

Unavailable

10-24-2006, 07:27 PM

So USB mixers don't work as multi tracking interfaces?

vMOOnEYv

10-26-2006, 01:28 PM

no, the 12MB bandwidth of USB will handle 2 tracks TOPS. that is, if everything goes perfectly, and that rarely ever happens.

also, i think they'll just send a stereo mix to your computer anyway.

Presonus pre's are far from amazing, nor are the focusrite platinums or saffires. I'd choose an M-Audio TAMPA or DMP3 any day. When you say Neve's are amazing, then you'll be onto something.

vMOOnEYv

10-26-2006, 01:29 PM

styleone

10-27-2006, 03:34 AM

Ok now I'm definitely hesitating between the

Presonus Firepod

and

Phonic HELIX firewire mixer.

I've used Phonic and really like it, I'm leaning towards that HELIX board...
Any disaproval ?

Tju85

10-30-2006, 10:05 AM

Go for it..you can get 16 tracks on the HELIX board. The 24 channel one.

styleone

10-30-2006, 11:45 AM

Go for it..you can get 16 tracks on the HELIX board. The 24 channel one.

Thanks, that's the one I'm looking into, should buy it tomorrow !

dubsnack

10-30-2006, 12:59 PM

Any disaproval ?

yes. **$

SMX_Dizzy

10-30-2006, 02:18 PM

You're gonna get a Phonic Helix over a Presonus Firepod? That's ****ed up.

styleone

10-31-2006, 11:25 AM

You're gonna get a Phonic Helix over a Presonus Firepod? That's ****ed up.

The thing is, I want to be able to use both features of a "normal" mixer to send to a power amp and also use the firewire system for home recording.

But as I don't want to have my balls kicked by the Doobiesnack and that I actually think I could also do what I have in mind with the presonus, I may end up getting the presonus if there really is QUALITY preamps.

deanfootlong

11-26-2006, 10:00 PM

im in the same boat as you are here. i have one question. say you spend lots of time getting your drum sound mixed with a mixer, you can just keep the settings where they are. but if you used a firepod, dont you have to do all the mixing of EQ's on the computer? or doesnt firepod have a method to save the EQ's in order to keep your drums sounding the same for say, a whole CD.

you guys follow me here?

TuoKaerf

11-26-2006, 10:09 PM

The thing is, I want to be able to use both features of a "normal" mixer to send to a power amp and also use the firewire system for home recording.

Well the Presonus does have multiple stereo outputs....The EQ's on the board will sound like junk compared to a good plugin. I never understood why people spend money on cheap mixers and then a nice interface. Adding one piece of crappy gear in your signal chain=crappy sound no matter what comes before or after it.

im in the same boat as you are here. i have one question. say you spend lots of time getting your drum sound mixed with a mixer, you can just keep the settings where they are. but if you used a firepod, dont you have to do all the mixing of EQ's on the computer? or doesnt firepod have a method to save the EQ's in order to keep your drums sounding the same for say, a whole CD.

you guys follow me here?

Err, the Firepod is only an audio interface with preamps. You do all of your mixing with software, such as Cubase. Saving plug-in settings is easy in the software, virtually every plugin will let you save your settings so you can recall them at will.

Shellshock Roger

11-26-2006, 10:23 PM

I've tried both the Alesis USB and the Firewire mixers. I was happy with the USB because it worked well for my needs. I am going to sell it because i would prefer to record individual tracks into the computer. I am not happy with the firewire mixer. The drivers are not very negotiable and very hard to get to work. If anyone is interested in the Alesis Multimix 16 USB (i've had it for 4 months) PM me. It will work very well for you if you are just recording drums, or if you are recording individual tracks. If you want individual tracks off the floor however, buy a Firepod or something of the sort.

deanfootlong

11-26-2006, 10:49 PM

Err, the Firepod is only an audio interface with preamps. You do all of your mixing with software, such as Cubase. Saving plug-in settings is easy in the software, virtually every plugin will let you save your settings so you can recall them at will.

perfect. that answers my question exactly. thank you.

styleone

11-27-2006, 12:51 AM

Well the Presonus does have multiple stereo outputs....The EQ's on the board will sound like junk compared to a good plugin. I never understood why people spend money on cheap mixers and then a nice interface. Adding one piece of crappy gear in your signal chain=crappy sound no matter what comes before or after it.

I've ordered a Presonus Firepod 2/3 weeks ago. :cool: