Mixer VS Interface - Which Should YOU Buy?
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- čas přidán 10. 06. 2024
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As the two become more and more similar, this decision becomes more and more confusing, from the entry level perspective especially.
So which should you buy?
Well, let's go over the basics of both.
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This is an excellent video and made me realize I already have an audio interface (Zoom H5) and I’m ready to learn the mixer. So glad I came across this channel.
Amazing!
Glad I can help and thanks for watching!!
I like both. a two channel audio interface and a 10 channel analog mixer. connect all drum machines/synths/instruments/mics to the mixer, then the output of the mixer to the input of the interface. if you have a lot of gear this comes in handy. esp if you want to use all of them simultaneously. another thing you could do, is connect the output of the mixer to a stereo looper pedal before you connect it to the audio interface that way you could jam.. also, if you use a bunch of external guitar effects pedals, a mixer is nice to have since it has fx sends, you can decide how much fx each channel gets. with an interface-only solution it's harder to use hardware effects across all channels bc you'd have to have software running/configured for that.
Well said. Mixers also have EQ on tap, one or more auxillary in and outs, sub-mixes galore etc. Not even a comparison, unless one wants to do everything via software routing on the computer which can be cumbersome and when things go wrong it is a nightmare to sort the software setting issues quickly .. and if there software bugs Lord help you! I like having both a well armed interface which has analog, digital and midi ins and outs PLUS a rocking analog mixer. Software is always available for post production. The idea of a mixer is also to keep all your gear connected and ready to go at any time .. including your hifi and TV in the room!
What????
The only problem is that you just end up with a stereo track - no stems 😭
I thought a lot of things were recorded in mono ?
@@PeterKirkMusician depends on the source: voices, basses, dry guitars etc are generally recorded in mono, while drum machines, synths, and many acoustic instruments are recorded in stereo. But if you have a mixer you can arrange these mono sources in the stereo field with panning
I really like your videos and you make things very easy to understand. I am entering the area of mics and headphones amps and all this. You helped me a lot.
Amazing...glad I could help!
This is what i was looking for! Thank you and subscribed. x
Amazing...cheers and welcome!
You do a great job with your videos !! Really good !! Thank you!!
I *really* like being able to record on a tactile mixer rather than needing to get a computer involved. Then I transfer the tracks over and mix on my computer's DAW. That moment when I'm playing music with instruments in hand just feels like a fun, musical experience rather than work. (Also, not having to worry about fan noise from a computer is nice.) I can have a room for music making and recording, and the computer stays on the desk for working.
Mixing on my computer does grant me a lot more power and flexibility, though, which I sure appreciate. It's an inherently finicky job, so I'm happy to do it at my desk.
Totally. I play drums so standing up and walking to my desktop pc is not awesome. I rather have many effect knobs than a mouse. After I set it up, I can go to the pc.
Great video, Aiden. It's difficult to get a video that's not just subjective personal opinions, we all got them and it's great to hear them, but it's just much better when you give solid arguments and let the viewer make his own. Keep it up! You seem to know your stuff, I see you're relatively new to CZcams. I'm curious, what do you do for a living?
I am a morning show host on the radio!
Thanks for the love...and I appreciate you watching!!!
Cheers
@@DarkCornerStudios I Can tell, you've got the presenters voice going on, very clear good video btw thanks !!
Personally I would recommend an audio interface for anyone, who doesn't need anything else, but simple device to connect their microphone and listen to music from. Mixers are more for those, who do live performance or record multiple sound sources like drums, quitars, bass, keyboard and vocals. Though there are audio interfaces that let you do that as well.
Mixers are great for secondary listening, with added effects and EQs considering studio monitors are usually Flat sounding via main outputs.
USB Mixers are cool for recording video straight into your phone.Singing with guitar.
I have a separate interface with Logic and Mac.
Excellent. Thanks. I play drums so I absolutely need at least 4 mic inputs. The mixer-interface seems like the best idea since it costs almost the same as a 2 mic interface. I also have a keyboard and eventually people will come here to play so those features I need now.
Informative video. I need a unit that will do multi-track digital recording via USB to a DAW, and play back through stage monitors like a power mixer. Can you recommend a solution for this need. Thank you
Both
Mixer for live performance
AI for recording and editing etc.
and combination is possible…
Great vid, and spot on conclusion. For me an analogue pro mixer (very cheap but awesome audio) + an A.I. did the trick. I would have gone with a digital mixer but they are no match for recording to PC, and their flash driver/USB recording is sub-par
I bought a Mackie ProFX6v3 this spring. I had always wanted a small mackie mixer to host solo open mike nights. So it seemed like a good choice at first for both an interface and mixer. I immediately found it didn’t have enough pre-amps and channel recording capability for my home studio work needs. As My daughter wanted to sing with me while I played the guitar - so I needed Four pre-Amps not just two. - and I wanted to record at least four mics at a time and have them not mixed down in recording to two tracks.
I also had the desk real-estate problem for using a good mic with my computer for working from home in telework zoom/etc meetings. So then I bought a Shure MVi interface for just learning about the DAW and can use it with both dynamic and condenser mics and using for voice work tele-meetings. It’s nice because it’s small, super easy to use, has phantom power & good pre-amp - and the settings are easy. Also it works with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Pc. And it’s built like a effing tank! Solid. It’s only drawback is that it has only one input. So now I still find I need a four pre-amp interface. But the mackie will allow me to learn stereo miking techniques for a while. So I will delay buying one while I figure out exactly what I want and learn the sound of my room and figure out what I need to do to acoustically treat the room and get some stereo monitors.
Nice.
It is a slow process of learning how to work in your space...but so worth it.
Good luck getting the right setup and sound!
And thanks for watching!
Thank you for your story. Gave me an idea for a direction towards better interfaces to start off with
I bought the Mix12 mixer and it works well with my red interface going into my Home studio iMac. But I bought the Pyle PMXU83Bt mixer and I can't get it to work! Hoping it's something I'm doing wrong. I want to use it on my gigs. 'Trying to play my keyboard through it to my Elliott amp head to my Elliott speakers. Thx
Actually, it would help if you had both for any setup. A Mixer provides EQ FXs; connected to the interface via secondary outputs(plugged into the stereo input channel on the mixer). That way you have both flat listening for mixing via the main outputs of the audio interface and an EQued playback via the mixer for reference and leisure. A 4-input mixer is small enough for any desktop.
I am still a bit indecisive. What I'm looking for right now is something to record my acoustic (acoustic electric) guitar, Keyboard, XLR Mic, and my electric guitar. I'd like to record my acoustic guitar with the microphone for the more natural sound it gives off.
I have a 'Yamaha MG10XU Mixer' right now but I'm thinking maybe an audio interface might be better
I can only record my keyboard at the moment by a direct USB input but I'd like to minimize the amount of inputs to my computer. I tried connecting my guitar to the mixer directly but it only picks up the bass/ deeper tones. I've messed with the mixer a bit but the best I could do is minimize the bass and maximum the gain to hear the higher tones but hearing a loud hiss along with it.
I already have a mixer so if I could figure out a way to use it that'd be great but if I need an audio interface I'd like to know what I would be limited to, or if that would benefit more.
I have a software I could use to record multiple tracks so I could record everything separately.
Thank you in advanced if anyone would be able to lend a hand and inform me of a way :)
Great overview, Aiden. I've been thinking about making a similar video. I can see I don't have to! ~Brian
Lol...didnt mean to steal your thunder
I just got a zoom h6 on a whim. Was looking into audio interfaces and mixers bc I thought I would need that for recording my Juno synth and bass but I guess I'm set? I'm super new to all this and idk the Mackie Mix8 looks mad affordable and useful. 😅thanks for the informative video
I just faced this decision myself. I went with the MOTU M4. I liked the M2, but I opted to do a little future-proofing in going with the additional ports. Ridiculously low noise floor. Well worth a look if you can source one. They seem to be in short supply.
I have heard nothing bad about them...really curious to get my hands on one...
I'm also getting my Motu M4 4x4 interface in a few days too! Yes, it's been sold out everywhere for quite awhile. Only seen rave reviews about the Motu units. I returned my Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 for the Motu M4, can't wait to receive it!
Good vid. I used both for years. Mixer into sound card. Sometimes patching in an external fx unit. I can put a phone and two mics into the mixer and balance levels. Now i have higher grade interface I'm not so inclined to use the mixer. But I'm considering there may be uses for one with dac in future. And multi track recording, I'd find a use for that! Well you asked for comments... 😂 🍷 Cheers Aiden.
Lol...indeed.
I find the journey of the history of your electronics can be a long winding story sometimes.
It can be fun to think about
3 analogue mixers and 2 interfaces. 18i20 for recording and a 2i2 is linked in for my laptop to chain audio from my Mac mini to my laptop for tictok specific streaming. I've also got a ton of outboard gear. but it all started with the 2i2 bundle many moons ago
I use a 16 channel mixer going into a 2 track interface. I have a midi setup with several sound modules, 1 drum machine & a guitar multi effects unit.
A great video.
But Im still a bit confused.
If I buy an adio inyterface with two inputs, can I use it with say Audacity and build up say 4 tracks - vocals, guitar, bass and drums
Not all at once but recorded one by one
If you would explain how to store/record/download MIDI signals from a MIDI Workstation to a MC or OC. Thanks!
Inpits??? LOL. Great video! Thanks for the clear explanation.
It's only on such a helpful video as this that I'll hear 4:45 "Sadly, I'm turning into a bit of a knob guy lately" and not be tempted to make a puerile joke lol :) I do know exactly what you mean, and I'm sure viewers are too absorbed in the great info to have noticed! Def prefer to see more controls. I'm a blow-in on this channel - not a producer, but a DJ who appreciates monitor-quality sound for home playback vs standard speakers. Thanks for the helpful guide!
i purchased an allen and heath mixer zed fx 12 its great for live shows good for adding band members in each channel but in the studio it uses windows software ie sound card but im finding it a right pain as windows sound card not good if im doing live streaming its terrible you set it up then next day its a problem then you set it up and then you guess its a problem and the delay is even worse so im stuck do i get a sound card or will a interface and just use the mixer for live shows ? any suggestions as i need to sort this out for live streaming
I know this is an old video ,it is appreciated.
I have the presonus studio live 8 hybrid mixer it's amazing been using it for a few years and love it
Really enjoyed this but still have questions... maybe somebody can help me as I am getting really confused:
I want to be able to connect two 19 inch rack pieces of gear, a Compressor and a EQ to my DAW master bus in Ableton through my M-Audio Air 192|6... will I be able to do it with this interface which only has 2 ins (already taken by my Korg Minilogue XD) and 2 outs (monitor outs, already used)... or will I need a mixer? and how to I go about connecting them? daisy chain?... thanks for any help!
I don't want to record anything, just be able to switch between instruments/phone/tab/pc etc going to my monitors.
will these devices work with the PC they're connected to off?
can you use small mixer to connect all instruments and run it via audio interface?
Great video! Thanks
Thanks gor watching!!
I'm more confused than ever, i just have a home studio that i just put together, im at the last step where its about me buying an interface or mixer? I just want it to record, play music that's it nothing major. Any opinions?
I have an interface . Am interested in a small mixer but i am not sure. I want to create sounds for my short film. Thank so for information.
thank you wilson fisk for a very good quality and helpful video iv been on the hunt for recording gear n to know what exactly i need..ps you look like wilson fisk and also sound like a friendlier version of em lmfaoooo
Oh I bet all bald people look alike to you!!
Lol
Nicely done. Thanks...
Thanks BadChizzle!
I have both an interface and a mixer. I use an interface for my home studio and a mixer for larger ventures.
I have a problem!: I only want to play my bass and listen to my CDs in the CD player, not to record anything at all! I have a (presonus)Studio 24c, (presonus) Microstation BT, Denon CD player and a Sonic exciter(sound enhancementet processor). They told me that I need a Mixer to be able to do what I want!... Any help please???
Why is signal loss never mentioned when it comes to evaluating mixers? I believe that is the number one most important thing.
Hi, for youtuber.. which one is the best to buy?, Thankssss
Perfect vid thank you however Im still feeling overwhelmed lol, not cause of your vid. I'm trying to find something that I can mix and do interface with (recording). Looking at the Soundcraft Notebook 12FX to do all I mentioned...just maybe not enough channels as I need to mic seven singing bowls...however the right mic or a couple mics may do the trick (I'm so new to all this yikes).
How can I set up a peavey mixer with a Behringer microphone C-3 please
Last night my Presonus 1818VSL was sudenly not recognized by my Windows 10. This has happened before, as I had to readd the drivers. I will start using my Behringer QX1832 as an interface. What do you think? Thanks for your insightful video.
Is there such thing as an affordable analog mixer which just creates two XLR outputs I can plug into my interface, without any digital conversion nonsense or meaningful signal degradation? That seems like it'd be the ideal solution for me long-term, as I usually only need the two inputs from a typical interface but I can see myself needing more (even in excess of the 4 you get with those UMC404 interfaces) down the line.
If it was three years ago and they had the Mackie glz xs creator at that time, I probably would have got that instead of the Motu UltraLite-mk5, as it appears to have equal recording quality with a price about $150 cheaper...... and did I mention all the features?
I'm using a Tascam 32sd and I find the end results are not great sound quality, would an interface like a Scarlett through a Mac give me a better audio result ??
So what if you have a digital multitrack recording fully recorded and edited, and now you want to mix it using a traditional analog style mixing board, with pan knobs, faders and all... What would be the best tool for that job?
You could get something like a PreSonus Faderport 8 - motorised faders that can also control things like FX parameters
in order to act like an audio interface for a DAW, a mixer need to be USB out capable, not just any mixer. And it needs to be full duplex too, as some Behringer USB mixers don't let you record and listen at the same time! One doesn't need a feature-rich mixer as an alternative to box audio interface; If I need more inputs later, I can always add a simple inexpensive summing/sub mixer and connect its main L & R output to the extra sets of line input of my audio interface. Apart from utilizing the onboard hardware EQ, compressor and some effects to the live recording (it could be a liability if you don't need any pre processing, however! A lot of knobs to tweak before a simple recording session! Audio interfaces are comparatively easy and straight forward to operate.) there's another practical use of mixer which is often ignored -- the ability to stay connected all the time in a home studio environment! You don't need to plug/unplug cables like audio interfaces with limited inputs and outputs. That's why I prefer an audio interface with at least 8 inputs/4 outputs, or the combination of both. A full duplex USB mixer with good routing capabilities can also serve as a family karaoke or small band practice/demo recording mixer with no added cost. So I don't see any reason not to choose one if a rookie musician wants to keep all options open for the future.
Does it matter if your mixer doesn’t have usb? Can you connect via headphone hack?
It's all about use case these days with the affordability of either.
Then there are all-in-one mixer options that are more expensive that do... well... it all. Like the Studio/Live or Tascam all-in-ones.
I do live and in home audio, so need mixing capabilities AND an audio interface. Something like the Studio/Live is great for that.
Good morning sir, i want to buy best budget best qwality audio interface sir.. Give me A Suggestion sir..!! & I'm using behringer C3 microphone sir is it worth or suggeste me any other microphone sir.
i found out current day mixers, even the most expensive digital mixers, are having a lower sample rate (max 48 khz) than most usb audio interfaces have.. (i have such a steinberg ur12 that goes up to 192khz) so if quality is my highest goal, then its better for me to get a usb audio interface with 8 inputs and outputs, than a mixer that has so many in and outs
I am a voice over artist and I need an interface or mixer just to record clearly my voice or two voices on that device away from my computer! so which one should I chose and what is the best model should I go for?
I would LOVE to have Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core for simple reason of it being only Audio interface, which is 19'' 1U rack model with inserts on it (that I know of). Would be amazing if I could just mount an audio interface to rack shelf which is right next to my desk, connect my DBX 286 S using insert and just have DAW and volume controllers for monitors laying on the table.
Mixers are great for live recording and such, but because of size of a decent mixer, for home studio use, you are better off when you just by mixer which is also a desk by itself, because I think you're going to also have issue not with just size of a mixer, but how to place all guitar amps, effects processors, compressors and such (you're going to LOVE when it's time for good old spring cleaning, and don't have to work with the cable hell and lifting monster called a mixer)
I use two cheap Moukey mixers to get multiple inputs and I connect those to a Steinberg 2 inputs...and it works well
I have a Focus rite Scarlett 18i20 and a Yamaha MG166c non Powered mixer. While the interface have plenty of inputs. I was considering incorporating the mixer for live band recording. Mostly for drum mics ,overhead mics, and maybe back up vocals.im relatively new to the recording scene and my Studio is still evolving. Oh and I'm trying to make things somewhat portable.Any Advice is welcomed. I definitely have the Fever. It's my passion. I wish that I had gotten into this art sooner. I'm actually considering studying for Berkley Online Degree . Image that ,53 years old and starting college. God Bless us All! B.
Hahaha!
Same story here -
also just beginning, but I'm 63!
Good luck - better late than ...
It seems often people forget you can have the best of both worlds. I have the Scarlett 18i20 with 8 mics/instruments plugged into it. I run the 8 line outputs on the back with a balanced 8 line snake, to inputs on my Yamaha MG166C. Now as a musician I can have band practice and use the Yamaha mixer as if the Focusrite doesn't doesn't exist, allowing me to mix the "front" and even monitors. Meanwhile, if I want to simultaneously record, I just use the DAW and record any or all of 8 separate channels/tracks. Whatever I mix with the Yamaha has no effect on what is going out the USB to my DAW.
I have both. Yamaha MG10xu for the studio (MG16xu/MG20xu for the road) and a 2-channel Scarlett 2i2. Mixer provides WAY more functionality and gives the Scarlett a bit of a much-needed "boost", and the Scarlett interface seamlessly connects with the computer. Scarlett has the lowest floor and least noise of any interface I've ever used (without spending $10k), and that means I don't have to blast my mixer output to get the volume I need. On-board EQ is way easier to manipulate than on-screen (and sounds WAY better), and it also means I can tie-in to the camera(s) to perfectly align the audio track to the video track both live and in post. Plus it means I can very quickly add/change inputs if needed (second speaker in studio; add an instrument if needed; connect to a separate recording device for debugging; etc.). The combination, including cables, probably set me back ~$500.00.
I have (use) a TASCAM US-16x08 | 16-IN/8-OUT USB Audio/MIDI Interface and I'm very happy with it.
Thanks for this, Aidan. I'd be curious to know your thoughts on this topic 3 years later.
That's not a bad idea
Both.. tascam model 12 and focusrite 8i6
Which one to buy for a 2 person podcast. Voice clarity is the only preference.
I was thinking of replacing my interface with a small/medium sized mixer. Because I'm planning on taking my recorded music to live events. I recently gave a performance and I had to ask a friend for his mixer, because I wasn't sure how my interface would work on a live environment. I think a Mixer would be more convenient for me, I can record my stuff at home, like I do with my interface and bring it with me to my gigs, have total control over my sound and just send one or two cables to the sound engineer.
Do you get a good sound quality recording through your mixer?
Mixer is easier to use without requiring software.
EX add vocal effects
both and couldn't be happier
I've been looking for a mixer and now learnt that mixers are either Mixer or Mixer FX. Is there separate audio device that only has effects in it?
Yep...there are tonnes...zoom does a bunch...
Look around...depending on what you want the fx on...
I use the presonus studiolive 8 usb and love it
@Dark Corner Studios Thank you! I have a mixer but when connecting to laptop i realize the sound is not lively. I want to record my own sound on my screen for educational videos. Does a mixer has a sound card built in it ? because the sound is not good after importing to pc. What do you suggest, do i need an audio interface ? Thanks
Generally you need to do post production on the audio.
"The sound isn't good" could mean a bunch of things...is it too noisy?
Is it too thin?
Too low?
There is much that goes into recording audio that impacts the final product
@@DarkCornerStudios sound is too low. Settings inside OBS is correct. I now did buy Focusrite to see if it makes any difference.
Do either of the two connect via USB?
Finally! A no bullshit look at interfaces! Thank you!
Many features exist prior to an interface, as well as immediately afterwords, so just how essential is an actual mixer?
I say always have at your fingertips everything you need when you need them! Unfortunately there’s this thing called a ‘Budget’!!
These days there is little need for actual mixers, unless you are actually live mixing multiple sources.
For most home recording, an interface is more than what is needed.
I do like to think that mixers are a flex in a home studio to impress people when showing it off.
Yeah. A mixer, (esp .a large multi channel ), does add that "old school studio look to the room.Besides my Yamaha m166c, I have an old antique 16 channel mixer stored in the attic . It actually has a real spring reverb built into it. Circa 1970's
I could break that out along with a discount ball and lava lamps for a nostalgic feng shui. Lol! God Bless! B.
Disco>Discount
I got a ProFXv3 and it’s true they are really confusing. I constantly use the main and control and usb and the combinations of toggles and knobs still confuse me. Sometimes both play sometimes just phones/control etc. def need to figure out what they all do
I think I need both tbh, one for recording to my computer and one for my MPC/turntable/sp404/mic
I am switching to a mixer due to necessary upgrades. Need at least 3 mics and an rca input along with windows.
The multitrack Behringer UMC1820 is a good multitrack to DAW solution
I rock the Zoom H6 myself
Good video
Yamaha mg 10xu top sound! (Studio and Live)
As I gig live solo I'm fine with a mixer, audio interfaces, drivers, latency, buffer etc has stopped me now for three years.......
I record all I need from a mixer without USB and sound Okay. My question is, how much would improve the quality sound if add an audio interface to my mixer?
It wouldn't add quality to your sound.
It would only add more paths...which may add more noise.
@@DarkCornerStudios thanks for response, much appreciated, I subscribed to your channel.
I prefer The USB Digital Audio Mixer. However, I will be using both. I am new to this.
Which one of these two would make for a more clearer and fuller-sounding radio voice? Or, does that depend more on the microphone?
That's microphone...as well as eq and compression
@@DarkCornerStudios - Ok thank you. Can you recommend a decent microphone under $100 or do I have to save up more money to get a better one? I use it to speak over my DJ mixes and for podcasts.
Get a compressor and an audio interface, plug it into the insert channel of the Mic, and adjust for the radio voice effects. Many affordable compressors are on the market.
So if I’m mostly vocals over instrumentals then an interface would be all I need
Usually, a quality stand alone interface has better mic preamps than an interface usb mixer, i.e., an Alesis usb mixer.
I use a mixer with everything run into it then from there into an interface then USB to the PC then the PC to OBS.
I user both I have a Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 USB Audio Interface and connect a Mackie mix12fx analog mixer works great for my needs
any difference sound quality between use mixer or not?
@@christantonugrohosir802 i think the audio is about the same but you get more control when adding more lines or mics and a mixer give more features like mine has some built in effects which i think are really good
It comes down to # of preamps.
Hey what about us what if you never on the computer and don’t currently have one and then you have to go and buy one for $2000 on his funnier standalone one at about the price of the Scarlett Scarlett is cheaper but how would rather get a standalone multitrack recording methods digital think about that
I have both, can't get either working, confused.......
I would like to see more videos on X unit PLUS X option together as opposed to X option OR - X option.
Give me an example...what option and what option would you highlight?
@@DarkCornerStudios for example... a Motu 828X and TwinX in a studio set up. Maybe even throw in how to integrate an MPCX standalone into the setup.
@@DarkCornerStudios that would actually help me either see that I can either get a patchbay to cover the midi/audio aspect and sell the 828x or if there is a greater advantage in maximizing the potential of having both. The 828x I got because it had midi and a lot of I/O for external gear and has lightning to connect directly to my Mac. I know in general most people are trying to decide on getting one like I did and at the time, I couldn't resist the TwinX promo... hence I ended up with both. In my opinion, the 828x doesn't feel as intuitive as the TwinX and it is not that much different outside of the extra I/O. Then is it useless to have both? that's another question.
The answer is now the behringer flow 8. It's both.
I have both
Really great review and I punched it lol
I've got both.
What mixer was that at 0:57 please?
Oh god I have no idea.
That was a stock video shot...and its really dark
Thanks
Weird how your video has so little views since it has offered the best explanation so far. I mistakingly bought an old Mackie Onyx mixer, not realizing it would mix do stereo. I mean, it does have multitrack over DB25 but my interface still only has 2 inputs. However, what it did allow was for me to set and forget all my instrument gains and cables and not have to plug them in and out the whole time. I paid $60 for it, so it's not the end of the world, a multi-input interface would've set me back at least quadruple that.
Thanks for that!
It's a slow build when you are a small channel
What's a "sound card" ?
Direct interface with a computer that is either through pci lanes or usb
@@DarkCornerStudios I'm still non-the-wiser, but thanks for trying
And then there's the straight up digital mixers... Bunch of inputs, a few outputs and will connect by wifi or bluetooth to a tablet/laptop/desktop/phone. Can be cheaper than other mixers with the same amount of input channels, but with more options via an app. You can tuck them away on the floor or in a case on a rack, etc. You can carry around a tablet computer with you while making adjustments to the sound without any wires connected to the tablet. Add a plethora of effects. Save a ton of presets. And the app and capabilities of the mixer continually increase as time goes on, via the manufacturers' updates.
Now that I think about it, they're basically an interface with more durability, inputs, outputs and versatility. Hmmmm
Makes me wonder why interface manufacturers aren't putting wifi/bluetooth capability on their interfaces. Then they could function as wireless mic stage boxes as well. Interesting thought indeed. I'm sure they'd be much more desirable with that function, especially if you could sub-mix your own mic and instrument sound on a cellphone and send it to the main mixer wirelessly. Those little clip-on zoom interfaces would be great for that. But the interface could also sit on the floor with no probs as long as the user doesn't move around too much.
Is somebody not already making this?
I'm now going another direction... this really has me thinking... Picturing a dedicated wifi router (with stereo XLR, 1/4", optical & USB outs added) that can receive a bunch of connections at once and connects to a number of computers or phones via wifi as well. Each mic and instrument has a wifi transmitter plugged into it that can connect to 2+ devices so they can be sub mixed by the artist and main mixed by the technician. And while they're at it, they could produce a higher flow router that can also stream video wirelessly from multiple cameras fitted with a mini HDMI wifi transmitter and phone cameras.
With as powerful as wifi routers are these days, this has to be possible and not even that expensive to produce.
there's already USB wifi 6 antennas for $20-30 (just switch out the USB connection for XLR or 1/4" and add a rechargeable battery) and 3+gb wifi routers for under $200 (though the extra outputs would cost a little extra with this idea and the audio only router wouldn't need this much capacity).
This surely has to be a thing, right?
Get a usb mixer if your doing podcast!!
After days and weeks of hezitation, I went today for a Presonus Studiolive ar12c to replace my old but still working perfectly Focusrite 2i4.
I made the change because of
- need for more than 2 in's
- need for multitrack recording
Main challengers were the Soundcraft 12MTK (also a mixer) and the Focusrite 18i20. This one was forgotten because of the need for mouse and screen for configuration, adjustments, modes' switch, etc. And also because the 18i20 price is very close to the Presonus one, which offers more possibilities and is more versatile...
We'll see if it's the right choice for me, essentially working in home-studio, but sometimes (even if rarely) going out for a live performance...
Mixer
My 2 Cents worth. Avoid anything that relies on specific drivers or software to operate. Computer gear, digital hardware & software become outdated so fast it's not funny, so get something that will allow you to do what you need without becoming out dated in just a few years. Class compliant USB audio interfaces are platform independent & don't need special drivers or software to run. Best case scenario is a hybrid setup with an analogue console that has quality preamps, eq's & compression & will last you for many years. If you need a lot of inputs & outputs, couple it with a simple set of quality AD/DA converters & a pcie type interface card from someone like RME. If you have to update anything for the sake of computer / software compatibility, it's only going to be the pcie card not your whole rig. You get latency free monitoring directly through the console & you can always run outboard gear through your insert points too. Avoid DSP based systems as they are just a money pit.
Signal Chain - Guitar Processor to Looper to Scarlett 2i2 to mixer board. = ❌
Signal Chain - Guitar Processor to Scarlett 2i2 to Looper to mixer board. = ✅