Need advice on what to consider if I go mixerless

At the risk of boring everyone to death, I would appreciate some advice. I have done a fair amount of research the past few days including these forums, but I cannot say that I have a definitive answer to the direction I want to take.

I am fairly new to the DAW recording game, having taken off many years from music recording. As I’ve started getting back into music, I have discovered that I love writing and recording and mixing in X1. I have had a Mackie 32-8 that is now relegated to being used only as an audio input and monitoring (studio monitors and headphones) system. I only record myself, no commercial or outside work. I use microphones for an occasional vocal, acoustic guitar, drums (6-8 mics at the most), and on my guitar cabinets. So since it is only me, these are obviously done one at a time. Given this, I don’t think 32 inputs are required.

After I get inside the box, I stay there (other than monitoring).

I’ve been considering selling the 32-8 and picking up whatever I might need in its place. This is where I need lots of advice. I am probably way behind the times on asking this but what direction would everyone recommend I focus my research on as I seek an alternative to having a large mixer in my small studio…a mixer than gets used about 10% of its capability. In some of the research I’ve done, these names keep popping up: M-Audio Project Mix, Mackie Universal Control, and Tascam FW1884. I’ve read about audio interfaces, control surfaces, and control surface/audio interface combos...is there something else I should be researching?

I would also consider simply downsizing my mixer to something like a 1402 VLZ Pro or something similar if this were the sensible direction to go.

I already have a Delta 1010 so please factor this in (should I keep the Delta or sell along with the 32-8). I’m on a $500-$1,000 budget if that helps. I am also now in the process of dramatically upgrading my PC to be much speedier and able to fully support what I’m trying to do in X1. I’m also using an A-Pro 500 if that little tidbit helps at all.

Thanks for your comments! Roger

AT…thanks for the advice. Let’s just assume my goal at this point is recording an acoustic guitar or vocals and I increase the budget to $2,000.

So (please bear with me…I’m really trying to come into the 21st century) after I get rid of the 32-8 and 1010 I start by replacing these ancient pieces with an audio interface such as the RME Babyface. This takes the place of the 1010…correct?

For mics, I guess I am a true noob as I only have a Rode NT1A and Shure SM57. I think I can find my way around improving the mic situation as I’ve done lots and lots of reading (much here in these forums) and have a wish list just waiting for cash.

In your opinion would the Babyface pres be adequate until I’m further down the learning curve or should I take the plunge into something better right off the bat?

Two other questions that I’m not clear about…..(1) how to monitor once I no longer have the 32-8. And (2) I’ve just read an interesting discussion about the Mackie MCU started by Mod Bod that makes me think I would be missing the boat if I couldn’t control X1 externally without a mouse. Any thoughts about this for someone at my beginning level?

Thanks for any comments.

A mixer does make life simpler in many ways.  So does a controller.  For a home studio doing simpler tracking, they might not be worth the money/space.  It is a work flow question we each have to answer for ourselves.  Of course, it is a **** if you sell your mixer and find you can't work well without it.

A note to a post above..... it was mentioned that Guitar Center has a bunch of interfaces in it's used gear section..... I do not recall if it is GC or SA..... but one of them is now renting their used gear. SO...... rent an interface for a few days and try it. 


I have been totally IN THE BOX since the beginning when I started back with Music Creator 4.   I bought a nice Focusrite Saffire interface. It has some very nice pre-amps on the audio inputs so I did not need a mixer. 

I plug my Rode mic directly into the Saffire, and I plug my POD2 guitar modeler into the Saffire.  I have plenty of gain either way I go on those 2 audio input selections.  

To monitor, I use the outputs on the back of the Saffire. 2 go to my Mackie MR5 studio monitors, 2 go to my home stereo system for comparing and headphones, and I have others going to sub and my 4 channel headphone amp. 

I have no need for a mixer. That would simply be redundant and a waste of space and money. 

When I got this rig up and running originally, I did have a mixer (2 to be precise) but the signals were too hot and distorted on both, and so,  on a whim, I plugged in straight to the Saffire and the sound was pristine and crystal. Both mixers were on Ebay the following week and I have never regretted getting rid of them. 

And you might just want to keep the mixer because these day's you get zero money for used gear , I never sell stuff that is still working. I just stuff it in closets or move it to a shelf where it can look cool. If you wait long enough they become collectors items. I like having a small mixer just to use for monitoring as I track. Most interfaces are very lacking in proper monitoring control.

Cactus Music


And you might just want to keep the mixer because these day's you get zero money for used gear , I never sell stuff that is still working. I just stuff it in closets or move it to a shelf where it can look cool. If you wait long enough they become collectors items. I like having a small mixer just to use for monitoring as I track. Most interfaces are very lacking in proper monitoring control.

Keep the MACKIE and use it as patchbay are what I would do...