Mixer Ignorance

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Greek2Me
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September 26, 06 12:57 AM (permalink)

Mixer Ignorance

In a separate thread I had asked about using headphones with my EMU 0404, and getting extremely low volume. I have since been informed that I must either use powered speakers or a "headphone amp" for phones.

First, the simple part: I have an old Tasco six channel mixer. In the back it has inputs for each channel, then two outputs (line out and adj. level) both tied to a Master Volume dial. To avoid buying yet one MORE piece of equipment, can I run the signal out of sound card, into any channel on the mixer, then "line out" BACK into sound card and plug headphones into "adjustable level"?

Now the more detailed part: Given that MC has so many controls (levels, balance, FX's) and I now have the DSP mixer (came with EMU) with triple the things I'll EVER know what to do with.....

What exactly is the purpose of an external mixer? Seems like so much of this is ALREADY in the sofware that doing it via hardware is unnecessary duplication. Is this a level of control only someone approaching "Professional" would ever need or notice, or (since I have one) would there be some other benifit from using it other than a headphone amp (assuming it DOES that)?

RMc
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1 Reply Related Threads

    Jamz0r
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    RE: Mixer Ignorance September 26, 06 1:22 PM (permalink)
    You could just line out of the soundcard...one of the 1/8" stereo outs...and line into 2 channels of the mixer...using a cable that is 1/8" stereo --> 2x 1/4" mono...then use the mixer as a headphone amp. You wouldn't need to line back into the soundcard unless you wanted to use the mixer as a sort of breakout box.

    Another option would be to get some speakers that have a headphone out on them.
    My Klipsch speakers have one, and I've seen other makes/models with the feature.

    FWIW, you WILL learn to love PatchMix. It's a bit daunting at first, but it is so incredibly flexible. Do you know that you can monitor a wet signal and record dry...depending on where you insert the send in the strip? That's a great feature.
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