Purchasing new mixer
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Posted on Aug 10, 2007 11:05 pm
keydaking
Member Since: Aug 10, 2007
I currently use a m-audio interface and Ableton live w/condenser mic. Im looking to purchase a Behringer UB1622FX PRO mixer. I get good sound quality with just the interface and Ableton. Are the mixers going to give me a drastic difference in sound quality?
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Aug 10, 2007 11:59 pm hey i have an m-audio mobilpre and the sound was ok, then i went and bought a behringer xenyx 802 for like 75 bucks, i plugged it thru my m-audio interface, and the sound was wayyyyyy better
keep ur m-audio interface, go get two 1/4 cables, and plug ur mixer into ur m-audio interface
Aug 11, 2007 12:15 pm Thanx, i tried to pose this same question to my local sam ash rep and they told me to stick with either one but not both. I dont think that they know what they are talking about. I know that an extra mixing unit will only help to get better sound.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Aug 11, 2007 12:23 pm Not necessarily, it depends on what each step is doing.
The maudio interface will get sound converted from analog to digital and into the PC. This is a necessary step.
The maudio may have preamps, that you're using now. This is optional, because,
if you're using the mixer for preamps, then go out the mixers outputs, into the maudio 'line in' inputs, not the preamp inputs.
But, with each step of adding another piece of gear, you introduce noise. Each piece of gear, cable, and connection can (and usually will) introduce more noise. Hopefully this won't be an issue, and you'll be happily record great sound.
But it is a possibility, and only playing around can tell you for sure.
If your maudio is giving you good sound quality, then the bery probably won't improve it much (if any), but it might. I just wouldn't expect a night and day difference.
It probably will be a little different though.
Aug 11, 2007 12:45 pm so basically your telling me that if i get a good enough sound with my interface and software w/plug-ins that i shouldnt even waste my time with buying a mixer to enhance vocals? I thought that an additional mixer would do me justice. Is there any piece of equip. that you would recommend for what i am looking for.....Cleaner sounding songs.
zekthedeadcowEat Spam before it eats YOU!!!Member
Since: May 11, 2002
Aug 11, 2007 01:11 pm you don't get cleaner by adding equipment.
What mic are you using and hows the room treatment?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Aug 11, 2007 01:40 pm yep, those two items will be a great first place to start (what zek said)
The mixer will give you benefits, but not in the quest you seek =). Mixer will give you a bunch of xlr inputs (probably don't need), routing flexibility (probably don't need), and built-in effects. But you can get tons of effects free, that you can mix in and out at whim, so I'd highly recommend against putting effects on the incoming signal. You can never remove it once it's there. Do it in the PC, I say.
After those two issues are addressed, I'd ask how you're recording your sound. If it's just you, and you don't need multi-inputs, then you could get a better quality interface, to replace the maudio. But I'd worry about the two issues mentioned. They will give you the biggest improvement in sound, I'd wager.
Aug 12, 2007 02:03 pm well all i know key is that when i just used my maudio interface, the sound quality was alight, and i had it set right, u might wnna make sure u have the two knobs set good. But, with the mixer, i promise u the sound quality was better. My behringer mixer and the preamp get along great. Without each other, neither of them sound as good. To me atleast. Key if u want an example of how much better it would sound, www.myspace.com/therealtwrex
1st listen to 2nd coming, thats with the maudio interface only
then listen to cant leave rap alone, thats with the mixer and the maudio together
you decide which quality you would rather have
Aug 12, 2007 02:11 pm yo what type of gear do you have?
Aug 12, 2007 11:43 pm mxl 990 mic ($80) m-audio mobilpre interface ($150, u can get it refurbished for cheaper) behringer xenyx 802 mixer ($60), compaq computer
Aug 13, 2007 02:20 pm i was thinking about grippin a mixer, but different ppl keep telling me different things. All i want to do is record vocals. Someone told me that a pre amp will give you a warmer vocal. I want the mixer just for mixing down before mastering....HELP ME OUT HOMIE
Aug 13, 2007 02:47 pm If you are recording in Ableton, why bother bring your music back out of the computer to mix? Just mix it in Ableton.
If you are only recording vocals, and have no other needs, a mixer is completely unnecessary.
Aug 13, 2007 03:23 pm let me pose the question like this.....If i have an interface, a mic and software. what else can i get to make my recordings sound better?
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Aug 13, 2007 04:05 pm since your interface has a pre in it, then the only thing you are missing is a compressor which is not necessary but can help things sound better. Or you can upgrade your current equipment.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Aug 13, 2007 04:18 pm I think that the main ingredients that you're lacking for producing better sounding mixes are:
- experience
- patience
Nobody goes from beginner to slick producer overnight. Its a slow learning process. There is a whole lot of stuff to know about before you start to make great sounding recordings. Heck I've been at this for about 3 years and my recordings still sound pretty amateurish.
There's no magic bullet, no magic piece of gear or software that instantly makes your recordings sound better. But you're on the right track because you're here, you're asking questions, and hopefully you're learning.
Read some of the articles here and you'll get a better idea of the different components of a signal chain that have an impact on the final product. Learn about mic positioning, different types of microphones and their strengths/weaknesses, preamps and their effect on the clarity of the recorded signal, A/D conversion quality, bit depth, bit rate of digital recording. All of these things have a big impact on your recording quality. You just have to dive in and start learning.
Aug 13, 2007 09:55 pm Good lookin out on the advice everyone. I have decided to go with a mixing console. That way i can additional control over tracks before i add plug-in effects to my vocal tracks....any advice on a mixing console?????????
Aug 13, 2007 11:06 pm what is a good bit depth to record at?
Aug 13, 2007 11:34 pm mayne for real key, u should just spend ur money on a new mic, and a nice preamp
i always thought i needed a mixer and it would make things sound better, and it did a little bit, but im just gonna go buy a new mic, and prolly a little nicer preamp, even tho the mobilpre is alight
i only record vocals also cuz im into rap, and unless ur makin ur own beats and hookin **** up to ur mixer, im pretty sure u dont need a mixer
go get a waves bundle
since im thinking ur kinda new to recording and producing like me, i suggest u go get cool edit pro, cuz its easy, and the included plugins aint bad
Aug 14, 2007 08:08 am Wow, dude, a mixer is totally and completely the wrong choice and a total waste of money. Obviously you have listened to very little of the advice here...a mixer will give you no more control over anything...and actually, will just compound issues you will have such as gain staging and additional jacks/plugs and the possibility of introducing more noise.
Don't spend anything, get some experience with what you have. More gear will not fix what you are trying to fix, and actually, I will lay my money on the mixer actually making things worse, but if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, man, knock yourself out!
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Aug 14, 2007 12:50 pm yeah man, a mixer is not going to give you any real additional help if you're only recording vocals. You basically just need it for the preamp, but you're interface already has a preamp. But to be honest, I only record vocals as well, I have a mixer, but thats in order to route the audio into my monitors and headphones and such. My recorded vocals don't go through the mixer at all.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Aug 14, 2007 01:04 pm My 2 cents worth.... make sure your room is treated well and sounding good. It won't matter what you spend on gear if you are constantly battling with the room sound. Actually, the higher end you go with mic's and such the more noticable room quality will be.
Aug 15, 2007 05:32 pm yo i have alot of plug-ins on Ableton. I have Waves 5.0 and 5.2 along with some other things. So basically all i need is a better mic? and to learn how to use the plug-ins?
Aug 15, 2007 06:47 pm hey i have that same mixer as you and the sound quality im getting is awful it only comes through on the left side of a stereo recording i have it setup how the behringer tech support guys told me to im just wondering if you did something different i have my amp rig and a sm58 plugged in and they sound extremely weak.
Aug 15, 2007 09:25 pm sdf9235, since its only coming thru the left side, after u record ur vocals, if ur using cool edit, in edit view, go to channel mixer, and use full mix or average.
Aug 15, 2007 09:26 pm and yo key, what waves bundle do u have? i got platinum and i just started fuxin wit it, but they go hard
Aug 16, 2007 04:32 am LMAO!
fuxin'
i havn't seen that one yet.
does 'they go hard' mean they're expensive or just hard to find for free?
i'm just a curious redneck in tennessee
Aug 16, 2007 07:35 am i put fuxin because ive been banned from certain forums
they go hard(texas boys talk)- cool, badass, nice
ex. mayne those new nikes go hard, where did u get them?
man last night went hard, i was thoed as hell.
Im thinkin bout puttin a dvd out so everyone knows what the hell us texans are saying.
Just because im texan doesnt mean i stick to the simple raps, basic lyrics. Ive been on plenty of stages sending home the challengers with frowns.
Aug 16, 2007 07:55 am Texas huh? Do you happen to know some ig'nant rapper named "Mr. ***** Killa"? He graced us with his presence for a while, what a piece of work that dude was...Houston, me thinks he was from...
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Aug 16, 2007 09:22 am Always good to know another launguage has evolved in this country. We are definately lacking in choices. I've always been interested in pre modern cavemanese. Grunt and point. Now that's dynamic!
Aug 16, 2007 10:51 am not sure what u mean by that walter, but its like that anywhere u go. If we went to new york we would have no idea what the hell any of them are saying, and in jersey there would be a bunch of italians and people who speak a million miles an hour.
and no, i would never associate with anyone who calls themself mr. ***** killa lol
dbmasters ur one funny guy i like how u used ig'nant... perfect time and post
Aug 16, 2007 11:02 am "i would never associate with anyone who calls themself mr. ***** killa"
Yeah, that is pretty much what I told him, then he started calling me a hater and all this crap...ummmmm, yeah, I hate people that call themselves stupid names like that.
Aug 16, 2007 11:32 am Quote:
ummmmm, yeah, I hate people that call themselves stupid names like that.
You must really love ME, then.
Aug 16, 2007 11:45 am i only have 5.0 and 5.2 but i have additional ones also i just dont want to use them cause i havent even mastered the afformentioned ones yet.
Aug 16, 2007 12:22 pm Quote:
You must really love ME, then.
Are you kidding, I toss your name into casual conversation around the house all the time just cuz it makes me laugh...and reminds my wife what a child she married...
Aug 17, 2007 01:12 pm i mean what bundle
platinum, diamond, gold etc
Aug 17, 2007 01:19 pm db master, oh wait, deebz, that thread is hilarious the whole way thru. I understood every word he said, and it was pretty retarded. I hope that you dont now think of texas like that, because no one is like that down here. Everyone that comes to texas gets nothin but love. Most likely he isnt a gangster. You really made me laugh with the replies.
And Lokis' translation-Mr.burger king lol priceless
sheperds post gets a big quesiton mark
boomhauer lmao!
there was a picture he posted?
Aug 17, 2007 01:42 pm Back on topic, keep it in the box.
Aug 17, 2007 01:48 pm Yeah, dig his profile www.homerecordingconnecti...ile.php?id=5324
Suppa Gangsta Extraordinaire...I gotta read that thread again, as I recall zekthedeadcow had a classic response in there as well.
I know lots of Texas folks, he's the only wannbe playa I ever "met".
I will say I hate the Texas border patrol tho...they haven't shown me much love...
Aug 17, 2007 02:45 pm im never around the border corpus is the farthest ive been south
what are u doing wit the border patrol?
tommy the ***** killa
Aug 17, 2007 02:54 pm My later-to-be wife and I had a little issue with them when we were coming back to Houston from San Benito...the only thing I can guess is that they got a credible report of a blue Dodge Daytona smuggling drugs or something...
That said, we were hassled on the side of the highway, surrounded by a good 7-10 squad cars and unmarked cars for around two hours as they basically went thru every single nook and cranny of the car they could without starting disassembly, which they almost did until I said "WTF?" and we chatted, THEN let us go.
Funny thing was, while were not holding, I was still smokin, just not there and then...and one cop kept saying "what have you had in the jacket recently, cuz the dog was freakin out on it LOL.
