Hey all,
Keep seeing mixers in everyone’s setup and it’s got me thinking y’all might know your mixers lol.
Here’s what I’m looking to accomplish:
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Ideally 8+ inputs
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Ability to multitrack out to a DAW if need be
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Ability to NOT use a computer/DAW
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Solid build quality. Ideally studio-grade, buy-it-once level stuff. I don’t want my signal path to suffer at all through this thing.
I haven’t been able to really find something that hits the mark. I know I’m basically looking for a combo mixer/audio interface. I realllyyyy value the ability to jam completely DAW-less. Computers don’t work for me from a creative flow perspective. I lost feeling in one hand to an accident and anything that’s not super tactile is a total bitch. Plus, I have three young kids, and my time is extremely limited. It’s infuriating to have to rare combination of free time and creative energy, only to try and get the setup running and find out there’s some sort of update/firmware error/general bullshit that always seems to come with a computer-centred setup.
So basically, I need to have all my gear plugged directly into a mixer for my own sanity and creative flow. However, for the same reasons, I also need to be able to easily boot up a computer and multitrack into a DAW when I get a vibe I like.
Does such a thing exist? If not, what mixer should I get that’s if well regarded quality? And then fuck it I’ll just split every goddamn signal and double it over to an audio interface as well when it comes time to record 😅😅😭
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It depends on how much you want to spend. The Midas digital mixers (e.g m32r) are great, but also cost a lot. The Tascam model 24 is okay for a more modest price, as is the zoom livetrak L20.
Generally speaking, studio grade mixers don't include an audio interface, but most name brand mixers should be fine for synths.
If you do want a higher quality mixer then you can always pair it with a standalone audio interface to get the multi tracks into your computer. At that point, the recommendations will be quite dependent upon your budget, which you have not stated.