Recommend a Mixer/Interface??????

[tweakeasy]

Hi all, looking for recommendations for a mixer/interface to suit my needs: I basically use everything you see in my gear list (so a mixture of hardware and midi devices – mostly newly-acquired), vocal mic, and a combination of software including Ableton/Cubase/Reason etc.

I recently picked up a Mackie Onyx 1620 VERY cheap (around 430 USD) and being an analogue mixer it’s got a great sound with hardware but as it doesn’t support midi and doesn’t have motorized faders for use with software it’s not the most practical mixer for my set up. Plus I don’t have the FireWire card for it as that is an optional extra. I also have a Tascam US122 if that's of any use at all...?

I can surely sell the Mackie on for a profit and that was always an option as I just couldn't let it pass at the price it was going for even as an investment rather than for use.

Was wondering what you might recommend to suit my needs around the 900-1200 USD mark?

Apologies for the somewhat ignorant phrasing of these questions – up until now I’ve only ever used a laptop and stereo to make tunes.

Thanks!

Michael

[winningatlife]

I just picked up an M-AUDIO Fastrack 8R. 8 ins and 8 outs plus MIDI over USB 2.0. As far as a hardware interface goes, it is great! I use to record my gear (see list) to Ableton Live.

If you are using Ableton (or any digital recording software/hardware) what is most important is not the mix going in, but just ensuring you have an adequate signal that is NOT clipping. After that, the mix can be adjusted in post.

However, if you want a hardware to do the final mixing, I would recommend buying an additional product. There are a slew of inexpensive USB/MIDI mixers/controllers designed to control every aspect of Ableton/Reason. Also, if you are only producing in Ableton... why would you need motorized faders? Automated fades are the reason people use computers to mix?

As far as 'good' sounding analog mixers - you won't really get into something that warms the sound for any reasonable amount of money. In my experience, I prefer to do the tracking myself and take the final final mix to a studio to use their outboard compressors, mixing board, pre-'s, eq's, and expertise. I'll often even re-mic the direct line synths through a bass amp/guitar amp and use some killer microphones to get a more 'live' sound - you just have to be careful about phase with live mics...

Hope this helps?

[tweakeasy]

Thanks, yes that as very helpful!

[Villi]

Yamaha n12 perhaps?

[tweakeasy]

All sorted thanks Vili, sold the Mackie for a nice profit and bought a MOTU 828 Mk3 today.

(Decided I don't need motorized faders and if I change my mind I'll probably add on a Mackie Universal.)