Preamp or mixer?
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Posted on Aug 19, 2009 07:04 am
Topti
I've got a vision.
Member Since: Dec 05, 2008
I want to buy one of those for my electric guitar and my future microphone. For now I plug guitar and old mic directly into M-Audio Audiophile 2496, so I don't look for an external interface.
What's better for me?
1) preamp, and if so - which one? Destined for microphone (that is vocals) or universal one, which will suit guitar as well?
2) mixer - which as far as I know is a good choice if one's recording two or more tracks simultaneously (not me, not in the nearest future).
Both (preamp and mixer) are supposed to just amplify the signal going into soundcard so can some1 tell me the difference, pros and cons of both options?
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HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Aug 19, 2009 08:40 am Preamp... one mic-input(or two) with phantom power to utilize condenser mics.
Mixer... a bunch'a preamps, with perhaps an eq, and a few sends/returns on each channel. Capeable of mixing multiple sources into a sterio field.
The pros and cons of each are directly-relative to your situation.
ToptiI've got a vision.Member
Since: Dec 05, 2008
Aug 19, 2009 10:02 am Alright, so if I'm gettin' a phantom condenser mic I need preamp, good to know :)
Let's put it that way Hue: if You wanted to record only clean guitar tracks later filtered with Revalver, Amplitube etc. and some vocals maybe what would You get (preamp or mixer)? I've got all I need (drums, bass, pads etc.) in vstis.
Sounds like mixer's more versatile, right?
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Aug 19, 2009 10:23 am Well, most mixers provide phantom power on at least a couple of channels as well. It'll be listed under the features of the mixer if you shop online.
I started with an entry-level stand-alone preamp and then went to a mixer. With a mixer, you get multiple preamps and the ability to use more complex micing setups for guitar, drums, vocals, whatever. Plus it lets me route my interface's outputs back to the mixer and then out to some monitors.
I guess it depends on your budget and your future growth.
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Aug 19, 2009 10:49 am Quote:
I guess it depends on your budget and your future growth.
PRE-cisely!
Ohhhhhhh!
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Aug 19, 2009 12:29 pm ba-dum dum crssssshhhh!
Really though, I use a Yamaha MG 10/2, and while that particular make/model may or may not suit your needs, I highly recommend that size and class of mixer for a small project studio. There are offerings by Behringer, Yamaha, Peavey, Soundcraft, Mackie, Phonic, and a few others in that entry-level small mixer market.
For $100-$200, you could afford a board that will have key features like good-quality preamps, phantom power, maybe a couple of sub-buses, multiple outputs, channel direct outputs are nice to have, channel inserts (which can double as direct outputs), aux send/return loops, USB or FireWire output for use as an audio interface. I'm not sure if any one sub-$200 mixer has all of those features but a lot of mixers in that price range have a lot of those features.
About the only feature I'd advise against is built-in effects. It's kind of a waste of money for a mixer destined for a project studio since most of us have access to VST effects that are far more tweakable and can be edited post-production.
ToptiI've got a vision.Member
Since: Dec 05, 2008
Aug 19, 2009 12:43 pm Thank U very much, that's an answer I've been waiting for!
ToptiI've got a vision.Member
Since: Dec 05, 2008
Sep 13, 2009 07:49 am I'm thinking about BEHRINGER XENYX 802, any impressions guys?
Izzy Dutch'The Flying Dutchman'Member
Since: Jan 11, 2006
Sep 13, 2009 02:44 pm I'm using a Behringer UB802 which is an older version but same type and am happy with it.. no problems. I just use it as a pre-amp for the mic though.
ToptiI've got a vision.Member
Since: Dec 05, 2008
Sep 13, 2009 02:53 pm That's exactly how I want to use it. ;)
