Mixer vs USB Mixer

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JoseB
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2012/07/23 21:05:07 (permalink)

Mixer vs USB Mixer

Hello Cakewalk dudes!

I am a screencaster looking to step my game up. Currently I use the Blue Yeti USB condensor microphone, but it captures a lot of room in the recordings. It captures the fan on my laptop and there's always some hiss present in my audio. Not cool.

I want to switch to a dynamic microphone, but all the good ones are XLR mics, which would require me to use a mixer (I don't want to use an XLR-to-USB converter). I will use a mixer for my voice only. I don't play in a band or use any instruments. 

I don't know anything about mixers, though, so I'm hoping someone here can help me figure out which type to buy. I want to know what the difference is between a regular mixer and a USB mixer. Please keep in mind that ideally I'd like the audio and video to be synced (be recorded together). So here are some questions I have:

  • Will both type of mixers record directly to my computer?
  • If I can go with a regular mixer, which output connections should I use? RCA or 1/4"?
  • I use Camtasia Studio for screencasting. Does anyone know if Camtasia will be able to identify a microphone connected to a mixer?
  • Any suggestions on really good, super-inexpensive mixers?
I would really appreciate any help guys. Please keep in mind that I am green to this whole recording process.

Thanks guy!

Jose
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2 Replies Related Threads

    AT
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    Re:Mixer vs USB Mixer 2012/07/23 22:04:09 (permalink)
    A mixer is a mixer - nothing to do w/ actual recording.  It mixes varies signals and sends them out - either analog or digital.

    A usb mixer is the same as above but has a analog to digital convertor built in and uses  usb to send the audio to your computer.  You have a mic that does that already.

    The short answer is the usb mixer replaces the audio interface that most of us hook up to our computers.  You will find most interfaces have at least one xlr jack.  This is the way to go.  Get a shure sm7b  (or similiar dynamic for vo work), something like the TC Konnekt 6 Firewire or one of the focurite or roland usb interfaces and you can ditch the usb mic.

    So, to answer your questions in order - no.

    YOu can't.

    Don't know anything about Camtasia.

    I don't know about usb mixers that much - I think allen and heath has a cheap one, but can't say for sure.  You'd be better off w/ a $100-200 audio interface and a heil or sm7b (which is kinda a standard).  If that is too much you can find a cheaper mic.

    @

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    Cactus Music
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    Re:Mixer vs USB Mixer 2012/07/24 00:51:26 (permalink)
    Ditto what AT said. What you really need is a simple audio interface to convert analog into digital. USB mikes are very limiting and if you don't like the sound then it's totally useless. With a audio interface you can plug just about anything in including a standard microphone which are common and affordable.

    Johnny V  
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