silvercn
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USB Mixer
Hi - this is not the first time I have been considering a USB mixer ----the last time was around May, and have not purchased yet. Wondering what say you on different makes / models. I prefer usb- from 8-12 inputs so it can be used to record a small band set up directly to my DAW, and at home studio if I am recording my acoustic guitar and vocal at the same time...etc. I have a Scarlette 8i6, so good to go as far as an interface.
Thanks
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Beagle
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why do you want a USB mixer if you also want to use the Scarlette 8i6 as an "interface"?
a USB mixer IS an "interface" and soundcard, as is the Scarlette. you don't need 2 "interfaces" or "soundcards" unless you're trying to add more channels to the scarlette, but that doesn't make sense if you're wanting to add a mixer as the extra channels.
I have a feeling you don't understand that you don't need USB for the mixer. if you want a mixer to go in front of the Scarlette, then DON'T get a USB mixer. just get a regular analog mixer.
if you want more channels, DON'T try to mix "interfaces" by using a USB mixer and the scarlette, you will have sync problems because they're not designed to work together and they have different clocks.
if you want to REPLACE the Scarlette with the USB mixer, then that's a different story. but MOST USB mixers are 2 channel input to the computer only so you have to be very careful what you choose. most multichannel mixers are firewire.
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silvercn
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I understand about not being able to use two interfaces in tandem. Let me ask you this, if I am using the Scarlett to record off of a band's mixer in a live situation (knowing it all boils down to two channels), which output of the mixer do you suggest tapping off of.? Last year I got a really good mix just off of a Peavy mixers phone-output to my interface. More recently I tried recording from the "sub-mix" channels of a Behringer Eurorack, but for some reason; (maybe I configured it wrong - it was difficult for me to figure out that routing from the manual)...it sucked. I think one of the problems was that the "house mix" the band set up, was not ok for the venue, but not a good mix for recording.. thx
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AVTechman
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Beagle
why do you want a USB mixer if you also want to use the Scarlette 8i6 as an "interface"?
a USB mixer IS an "interface" and soundcard, as is the Scarlette. you don't need 2 "interfaces" or "soundcards" unless you're trying to add more channels to the scarlette, but that doesn't make sense if you're wanting to add a mixer as the extra channels.
I have a feeling you don't understand that you don't need USB for the mixer. if you want a mixer to go in front of the Scarlette, then DON'T get a USB mixer. just get a regular analog mixer.
if you want more channels, DON'T try to mix "interfaces" by using a USB mixer and the scarlette, you will have sync problems because they're not designed to work together and they have different clocks.
if you want to REPLACE the Scarlette with the USB mixer, then that's a different story. but MOST USB mixers are 2 channel input to the computer only so you have to be very careful what you choose. most multichannel mixers are firewire.
+1. A USB mixer is not necessary if you already have the interface. Besides, the A/D conversion in your Scarlette will be much better than the USB mixer would. I recently did some study myself on mixers and since I have the 1616m, all I need to buy is an analog mixer which will give me more inputs to utilize. As Beagle said, if you go with a USB mixer then the separate audio interface is not necessary. Otherwise look for an good analog mixer.
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AVTechman
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silvercn
I understand about not being able to use two interfaces in tandem. Let me ask you this, if I am using the Scarlett to record off of a band's mixer in a live situation (knowing it all boils down to two channels), which output of the mixer do you suggest tapping off of.? Last year I got a really good mix just off of a Peavy mixers phone-output to my interface. More recently I tried recording from the "sub-mix" channels of a Behringer Eurorack, but for some reason; (maybe I configured it wrong - it was difficult for me to figure out that routing from the manual)...it sucked. I think one of the problems was that the "house mix" the band set up, was not ok for the venue, but not a good mix for recording.. thx
If you want to do multichannel recording from the mixer to the DAW, then you need to look into a mixer that has channel inserts, to which when you plug them in halfway for each channel, it will act as a direct out from that channel direct to your interface. It will be pre-fader (means that the signal will not go through the EQ and fader) so you will only be able to control the mic preamp gain. Example--for the Mackie 1402 mixer, it has six mic preamps, so you would plug a TS cable halfway (first click) in the channel insert jack, then the other end will go to the interface. From there you can set up the individual tracks in the DAW and record it that way. If you want to monitor it you can run a cable from the output of the interface to a line-in connection on the mixer.
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Beagle
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silvercn
I understand about not being able to use two interfaces in tandem. Let me ask you this, if I am using the Scarlett to record off of a band's mixer in a live situation (knowing it all boils down to two channels), which output of the mixer do you suggest tapping off of.? Last year I got a really good mix just off of a Peavy mixers phone-output to my interface. More recently I tried recording from the "sub-mix" channels of a Behringer Eurorack, but for some reason; (maybe I configured it wrong - it was difficult for me to figure out that routing from the manual)...it sucked. I think one of the problems was that the "house mix" the band set up, was not ok for the venue, but not a good mix for recording.. thx
I have recently recorded a live band using my MOTU with separate mixes from the FOH board. I used the direct outs of each channel to record individual channels. this will depend entirely on your soundboard, tho. the one we use at this church is an A&H, I forget the model, but it's not a big expensive unit (it's not any larger than my mackie CR 1604!). so it really depends on your board and you'd have to figure out the routing to get the best outs, but if you ONLY are recording 2 then main out is probably best.
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Cactus Music
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Another work around for live band stuff is to just use any 8-12-16 input interface and a double mike system. With a little experimenting and mike placement you can get a smoking live mix. I use a completly seperate mixer and steal a few sends from the FOH sometimes too. But the problem with stealing off the FOH board is if the sound person may turn up a gain and overdive a direct send while you were busy elswhere. Ultimatly you have a 3 way split snake box, that's what the pro's use. Or a matrix type mixer.
I've never seen any good reviews of lower end mixers that claim to be interfaces. Seems to be driver issues all the time.
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silvercn
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I thought of that --- using my own mics next to their stuff. I have not figured out what FOH is (duh)! Yeah on my last try off the band's mixer it was no surprise that the lead singer / acoustic guitar player said of the recording --gee my stuff is awful loud compared to the others in the mix...that's how he had the gain on himself set for that night.. On the usb mixer driver, I keep hearing those lame reviews of them, which makes you wonder why they can't get that act together. I wish you could hear how good the mix came out last year off that PV mixer's phone jack into my two channel interface ---- I am not positive why that was so good - for one thing, their lead guitarist (awesome)was the sound person, and he mixed them very well on the PV. The drums were mic'd on kick and one upper. Can I post one song if it's a cover??
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deviqingyo
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you will have sync problems because they're not designed to work together and they have different clocks. 
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Cactus Music
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I don;t get that last post??
FOH = Front of House. Main Mix, the guy in the middle of the room etc.
I see you have only been doing stereo recording ( soundboard) and not multi track. Multi track eliminates the problem of the live mix syndrom. Live mix is usually vocal heavy, If the bands backline was loud etc. You just got lucky that night. I've done plenty of those my self.
What I've had minor sucsess with is a combo of soundboard with a few added room mikes.
Track 1&2 stereo sound board out.
Tracks 3&4 Stereo condensor mikes in room
Track 5 Bass
Track 6 CLone of singers aux monitor mix ( mostly vox)
Track 7 Aux keyboard out
Track 8 Mike on guitar cab
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