Mixer? recording to Mac/Garageband
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Posted on Jan 27, 2007 03:50 am
Brian167
Member Since: Jan 08, 2007
I know there are several threads relating to this topic, but I didn't find the exact answer I was searching for.
I am looking to buy my first mixer. This mixer will be used primarily for recording, not live sound. I want at least 8 XLR inputs for drum mics. I am using Garageband for tracking, and I want to make sure I can (simultaneously) record 8 separate tracks on Garageband so I can apply different effects to each track.
I know how to manipulate the settings in Garageband to record up to 8 tracks simultaneously. However, I want to make sure my mixer can accommodate this task. Do I just need a mixer with USB connectivity, or should it be Firewire instead? I guess the other option is a new soundcard...any suggestions?
What is the primary difference between USB and Firewire when connecting a mixer to a computer for recording? Is one more efficient, clearer sound?
"The (Behringer) Xenyx 1204 and higher models come with a USB/audio interface for direct plug & play connectivity to your Windows© or Mac© computer." -quote from MF
Is the Behringer Xenyx 2422FX adequate for multitrack recording if the USB connector is used to link the mixer to my Mac? www.musiciansfriend.com/p...42FX?sku=631274
Thanks for your help!
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Jan 27, 2007 05:19 pm I'd say firewire and USB have exactly the same sound quality as its just transeferring information between your AD's and the comp.
If you want higher quality, it might be worth your while stepping up to logic Pro/Express. Great app with heaps of neato plug ins.
I've got no experience with any firewire/USB mixers so I can't really recommend anything. Hopefully somebody else will chime in.
Jan 27, 2007 05:47 pm Thanks!
I was mostly wondering if USB and Firewire are both capable of sending 8 channels to my computer simultaneously.
I think I read somewhere that Firewire is the better choice for multitrack recording. Is this true?
Also, I've been looking at some Firewire interfaces that look like they'd get the job done...
www.zzounds.com/a--884907/item--ALEIO26
www.zzounds.com/a--884907/item--PRSFIREPOD
Any experience with either of these? Thanks!
Jan 27, 2007 06:07 pm I changed the links to zZounds...a decent company.
Jan 27, 2007 06:54 pm It took me a while, but the light bulb finally lit over my head about mentioning non-sponsors (i.e. the MF words).
Mea culpa.
Jan 27, 2007 08:11 pm No experience with the Alesis unit, but I've heard good things about the firepod. I'd imagine the firepod is better quality than the behringer you were looking at.
I think I've read that firewire is more stable than USB at the moment. Other than that I have no idea sorry lol.
Jan 27, 2007 08:20 pm Sorry. I'll refrain from mentioning non-sponsors in the future. I bought all my mics from zZounds. They are a great company.
All links aside, any suggestions would be helpful.
Colonel Sanders, thanks for your input so far.
I am definitely leaning towards a firewire interface instead of a mixer.
Anyone else have experience with the FirePod or Alesis IO26?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 28, 2007 08:45 pm Agree with CS on the Behringer units. They are a good piece of gear, but driver issues seem to be a bit of a problem at the moment. I know several people have had issues with the Firepod as well, but many more have had good luck with them. They tend to be built a little on the flimsy side, but sound quality is very good. And once they are running they are very stable. I have not heard the Alesis unit with my own ears yet but have heard from a couple sources that they are as well very stable pieces of gear and work very well. The drivers seem to be stable and easy to install. It is a little more straight ahead then the Presonus unit which has a very limited software control. And the Alesis unit has everything right out front, which is a good thing as well. The pre amps on it are about the same as the Firepod unit and it does have the ability to do line in on 1/4" jacks and also will accept a couple channels of high Z for guitar and bass if needed.
Jan 29, 2007 01:01 am Thanks Noize. The Alesis unit does look a little more sturdy, and that's a huge factor for me because I move my gear around a lot. I know it boasts a 192kHz sample rate, compared to FirePod's 96kHz. The Alesis is also $100 less than the FirePod, which makes the decision a little easier. Unfortunately nobody seems to have the Alesis unit in stock right now. Which means I have a few weeks to think about my other options. Anyone ever used the IO 26?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 30, 2007 10:29 pm i/o 26???? Who makes the beast?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Feb 01, 2007 10:05 pm DUH, I went completely brain dead.
PhilMember
Since: Mar 06, 2007
Mar 06, 2007 05:03 pm Brian167,
Did you ever make a decision on a mixer/interface? I'm looking for something similar. I don't think there are any mixers out there that will control the tracks in garage band, 'cept for iControl. Are there?
-Phil
Mar 06, 2007 05:51 pm I ended up getting the Alesis I/O 26. I will be using it this weekend for the first time ever. I plan on using it with Logic Express, not GarageBand. I'll let you know if it works with GarageBand...I assume it should.
Mar 18, 2007 06:41 pm Hi Brian167,
I'd be quite interested to find out about your experience with the io/26, especially as you're working with 1Go RAM. I have an io/26 too, but I get a lot of pops whenever I record and/or playback on Tracktion 2, Cubase LE or GarageBand. I have an iBook G4 with 1.25 Go Ram (running on Panther 10.3.9 - I know, I haven't upgraded to Tiger 'cos Panther works just fine, so "if it ain't broke, etc". I suppose I'll just wait for Leopard). I'll be waiting for your answer with bated breath. Oh, and viva punk rock!
Mar 26, 2007 02:23 am Hey SonnyBoy,
I just used my io/26 for the first time today. I was recording drums with 6 mics (4 dynamic and 2 condenser). After the painstaking process of configuring my computer to recognize it, the io/26 worked pretty much as I'd expected it to. I didn't experience any popping at all, aside from a few clips when I was adjusting the levels. I'm using the latest version of Logic Express. Have you tested your mics/cables on a different mixer or firewire device? That could be your problem.
2k20Member
Since: Nov 29, 2007
Nov 29, 2007 02:07 am SAVE YOUR SELF! DONT BUY A FIREPOD! IT SUCKS!
LOOK AT FOCUSRITE SAFFIRE PRO! I BEG YOU, DONT BUY SHITPOD!
Oct 29, 2011 05:15 pm Ok...i have a soundcraft soundboard...m4 from the m series...i would really love to know if it is possible to use this board with my iMac..specifically with ableton live 8 mixing software...i mix techno/dubstep music and i would love to know that this would work for mixing and if it does...how can i hook it to my iMac?
