Mixing Console Mixer
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009Mixing Console Mixer
Working Out What You Need for Your Home Recording Studio
An important consideration when looking to set up a 'home recording studio' is how you will use it. You will need to work out how many things you want to record or plug in at any one time or you might wind up with uneccessary gear-or not enough!
Let's look at a typical example of 'Vinnie' the guitarist who has a desire to show his 'band' how the songs should be played.
No matter how many times he's tried to explain, they never quite get it right, so the only way he can see to achieve this is to record it all 'properly' himself.
What does Vinnie need?
He needs to record a basic drum pattern - nothing fancy - he wants to record two electric guitars, an acoustic guitar, he wants to record a bass guitar and record a main vocal and two backing harmonies.
Vinnie of course will not do all this at once, so even though he needs to record 9 things does he need 9 channels?
No.
All he really 'needs' is a maximum of 4 inputs- two with pre-amps. He will also need a microphone to sing into and to record his acoustic guitar, we will asume he has a guitar amp simulator to record the electric guitars and bass and that he has a physical drum machine or one inside his computer or stand alone hard disc recorder.
Vinnie could easily walk down to his music store or get online and find what he needs to get the job done. He could look at a computer recording package with appropriate software and specialised sound card for audio recording. Some companies provide these all in one packages Lexicon, M-Audio, Pro-Tools and Presonus are good brand names to look at as a starting point, but be aware that recording onto a computer can be a frustrating experience if you're not computer savy.
Vinnie's other alternative is the stand alone hard disc recorder with a built in mixer section. Any of the offereings from Fostex, Yamaha or Boss/Roland would take care of his needs, at this point Vinnie just wants to get his ideas onto the physical plain as quickly as possible so others can hear them- so he'll probably need a CD burner thrown in to the equation unless his machine can link up to a computer-as a number of them now can do.
Now let's look at another example of Barabra who plays in a four piece folk/rock group. They want to record a couple of songs for CD release. All the instruments her band uses are acoustic; Double Bass, Violin ,Guitar and Banjo.
Three of the group also sing. Now Barabara is lucky enough to have a large secluded garage space available for her group to rehearse in and given they don't annoy the neighbours by making too much noise she wishes to record the band as a 'whole' for the best vibe-what will she need?
4 X Instrument Microphones or D.I. [direct injection] boxes
3 X Vocal microphones
8 inputs with Microphone Preamps
Capacity to record on 8 channels at once.
There are some limitations with stand alone recorders, some of them will only let you record on 2 channels at once, another thing to be aware of is the 'quality' of the recordings.
Some years ago during the 'compression algorythm' wars, clever boffins discovered that our ears can 'fill in' missing information, in the same way that you can look at the scrambled letters of a word but are still able to decipher what it is.The boffins kept removing bits of what our ear was hearing until they came up with a formula [algorythm] that fooled our ears most of the time. These are known as 'compressed' formats as they 'squish' the sound in such a clever way that we don't notice.
Almost all commercial and home recording computer software will record 'linear'[non-compressed] files to your computer hard disc. Pro-tools,Logic Audio, Cubase, Sonar all do this. Later on when you 'mix-down' your songs you can turn them into mp3 files for podcast or to load to your portable digital music player. Adobe Audition and Steinberg's Wavelab are two programs I can think of that record direct mp3 files- but they are not 'full function' multitrack programs.
When we deal in compressed formats- mp2 mp3 etc, 'unneccessary' information is removed making the file sizes smaller [and hence downloads faster]- so these are 'compressing' the files. The advantage for the home recordist is that less hard disc space is needed.
A consideration when looking at stand alone recorders is to ask the question- do I want compressed or uncompressed audio. If you have any intention of turning these recordings into something for release then the uncompressed format is the best- you will lose some quality by using a compressed format, but your ideas will be captured quickly for you to work on later. Also bear in mind that a number of hard disc recorders can later transfer data to a computer software system for more elaborate processing so if you use a non-compressed recording format you will retain the quality of your recording.
Now when Barabara popped down the music store to express her needs she told the sales person that, "she wants a high quality recording of her group but I have no idea about computers" so the salesman suggests a stand alone unit with eight inputs that records the data in a non-compressed format. As she doesn't have a huge budget she chooses to hire in most of the microphones for this recording session. The man at the shop suggests she uses condensor microphones for the instruments and dynamic Shure sm58's for the vocals.
A crucial quality consideration at this point is the 'pre-amp'. What does that do and why is it so important you ask?
After your microphone has done the incredible job of sorting out sound pressure waves and converting them into electrical signals, they arrive via microphone cables at the 'pre-amp'-a short way of saying pre-amplifier. For years I struggled to really 'get' what a pre amp did, unitl I understood this:
When the microphone puts out a signal it is very very very very tiny. I now call this 'mouse level'. Once it's gone through a pre amp it becomes 'elephant level', something that our mixing consoles and digital recorders can use easily.
Hear this:
Depending on the quality of the compoments used, this amplification process can make or break the quality of the recorded sound. A bad pre-amp will add hiss and noise to your recording
Most stand alone recorders and computer sound card interfaces have 'adequate' microphone preamps. To make your recordings 'shine' I would suggest getting an 'outboard'[separate component] pre-amp, though having said that the pre-amps in high end Yamaha consoles are gaining a very good reputation. Focusrite/Joe Meek/Avalon/Tc Electronics are great brands. Currently I use a Focusrite Twin-Trak pro, a device specifially for home recording enthusiasts.
To sum up, our friend Vinnie will probably be quite happy with an off the shelf hard disc recorder with 4 or so inputs that records 'compressed' files because he is only trying to show his band colleagues a 'rough' idea of how he hears things.
Barbara who is not computer savy is looking for a more polished end product and wants to record her group in the best quality for a CD the band will release, hence she needs to record 'linear' [non-compressed] data and will look for a unit with the best quality pre-amps she can buy.
About the Author
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mixing device question?
I dont know anything about dj-ing, but love trance musics and hope to produce my own music someday.
so my question is..
Hercules DJ Console RMX Mixer
HERCULES Portable 2-deck DJ mixer
what exactly do these do? i heard they are good for dj-ing...but are they also good first step for producing good musics? i only have keyboard...what's rmx mixer and dj mixer?
and really question is which one of them are better than the other? i like rmx mixer better,,,just because it seems like it's god more buttons?
Here is a video demo on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-dnsy5VVLE
There are other choices too
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=hercules+mixer
Maybe the top choice would be good enough, and it is a lot cheaper. The reviews say it is fun, but not very precise.
Good luck
Home Project Studio Audio Using a Mixer / Mixing Console 1
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Pyle PYD-1270 12-Channel 2-BUS Mixing Console $87.99 Your Pyle Pro PYD Series mixing console is a sophisticated control center, perfect for mixing sound from multiple signal sources such as a microphone, guitar, guitar amp, keyboard, sampler, drum machine or audio output from an iPod® or other MP3 players. This mixer is ruggedly constructed for home or professional use. Wide range of volume controls permit you to adjust sound levels accurately to a... |
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Numark IDJ Compact 2 channel Mixing Console for Apple iPod Phono/line inputs for adding additional devices available on both channels * USB connectivity (PC and Mac) enables iDJ to function as a musicloading base * Turntable spindle receptacle enables placement of the iDJ on a turntable * Soft touch edge bumper for extra durability... |
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Pyle 6Ch Mic Mixer $89.99 PYLE 19in RACK MNT 6... |
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Soundcraft GB4-24 Mixing Console $3599 The Soundcraft GB4 Mixer sets a new standard in affordable high-end mixing. This 24-channel mixer is laden with capabilities and quality features: GB30 mic preamps, reengineered circuit topology and EQ designs, rigid steel chassis, high-quality vertically mounted fiberglass PCB channel strips, individually nutted potentiometers, angled rear panel that allows patching from the front, and more-above all, the quality, engineering, and design for which Soundcraft is famous. The GB4-24 is 24-channel, 4-bus mixing console designed and constructed to ensure rugged reliability under stressful tour conditions. All input modules have individual vertically-mounted PCB's fitted to the steel chassis.This Soundcraft mixer is designed for performance venue installation or small touring system applications. The dual-mode topology allows it to to be used for FOH or monitor duties, with fader control of group or aux outputs.Although largely conventional in layout, the Soundcraft GB4 Mixing Console does have some unique mechanical features. The rugged steel chassis has a sloping rear connector panel so that it is easier to configure from in front of the desk, while the integral power supply has a link option for an external backup PSU.4 mute groups allow several channels to be muted simultaneously. Another unique feature on the Soundcraft GB4-24 Mixer is the limiter on a set of dedicated record outputs that makes it easier to create a stereo recording of the mix.The Soundcraft console also features an output matrix with 7 feeds to 4 outputs, fed from the group buses and main L, R, and C (mono) outputs.The GB4 offers a comprehensive set of functions in a small and cost-effective footprint, and delivers the high performance and reliability you expect from a Soundcraft mixer. |
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Soundcraft GB4-32 Mixing Console $4499 The Soundcraft GB4 Mixer sets a new standard in affordable high-end mixing. The 32-channel mixer is laden with capabilities and quality features: GB30 mic preamps, reengineered circuit topology and EQ designs, rigid steel chassis, high-quality vertically mounted fiberglass PCB channel strips, individually nutted potentiometers, angled rear panel that allows patching from the front, and more-above all, the quality, engineering, and design for which Soundcraft is famous. The GB4-32 is 32-channel, 4-bus console designed and constructed to ensure rugged reliability under stressful tour conditions. All input modules have individual vertically-mounted PCB's fitted to the steel chassis.The mixing console is designed for performance venue installation or small touring system applications. The dual-mode topology allows it to to be used for FOH or monitor duties, with fader control of group or aux outputs.Although largely conventional in layout, the Soundcraft GB4 does have some unique mechanical features. The rugged steel chassis has a sloping rear connector panel so that it is easier to configure from in front of the desk, while the integral power supply has a link option for an external backup PSU.4 mute groups allow several channels to be muted simultaneously. Another unique feature is the limiter on a set of dedicated record outputs that makes it easier to create a stereo recording of the mix.The Soundcraft console also features an output matrix with 7 feeds to 4 outputs, fed from the group buses and main L, R, and C (mono) outputs.The GB4 Mixer offers a comprehensive set of functions in a small and cost-effective footprint, and delivers the high performance and reliability you expect from a Soundcraft mixer. |
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Soundcraft GB4-40 Mixing Console $5699 The Soundcraft GB4 console sets a new standard in affordable high-end mixing. The 40-channel mixer is laden with capabilities and quality features: GB30 mic preamps, reengineered circuit topology and EQ designs, rigid steel chassis, high-quality vertically mounted fiberglass PCB channel strips, individually nutted potentiometers, angled rear panel that allows patching from the front, and more-above all, the quality, engineering, and design for which Soundcraft is famous. This 40-channel, 4-bus Soundcraft console is designed and constructed to ensure rugged reliability under stressful tour conditions. All input modules have individual vertically-mounted PCB's fitted to the steel chassis.It is designed for performance venue installation or small touring system applications. The dual-mode topology allows it to to be used for FOH or monitor duties, with fader control of group or aux outputs.Although largely conventional in layout, the Soundcraft GB4 Mixer does have some unique mechanical features. The rugged steel chassis has a sloping rear connector panel so that it is easier to configure from in front of the desk, while the integral power supply has a link option for an external backup PSU.4 mute groups allow several channels to be muted simultaneously. Another unique feature is the limiter on a set of dedicated record outputs that makes it easier to create a stereo recording of the mix.The mixing console also features an output matrix with 7 feeds to 4 outputs, fed from the group buses and main L, R, and C (mono) outputs.The Soundcraft GB4 offers a comprehensive set of functions in a small and cost-effective footprint, and delivers the high performance and reliability you expect from a Soundcraft mixer. |
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Soundcraft GB4-16 Mixing Console $2599 The Soundcraft GB4-16 Mixer sets a new standard in affordable high-end mixing. It is laden with capabilities and quality features: GB30 mic preamps, reengineered circuit topology and EQ designs, rigid steel chassis, high-quality vertically mounted fiberglass PCB channel strips, individually nutted potentiometers, angled rear panel that allows patching from the front, and more-above all, the quality, engineering, and design for which Soundcraft is famous. The 16-channel, 4-bus mixing console designed and constructed to ensure rugged reliability under stressful tour conditions. All input modules on the GB4-16 have individual vertically-mounted PCB's fitted to the steel chassis.The audio mixer is designed for performance venue installation or small touring system applications. The dual-mode topology allows it to to be used for FOH or monitor duties, with fader control of group or aux outputs.Although largely conventional in layout, the Soundcraft GB4-16 does have some unique mechanical features. The rugged steel chassis has a sloping rear connector panel so that it is easier to configure from in front of the desk, while the Soundcraft mixer's integral power supply has a link option for an external back-up PSU.4 mute groups allow several channels to be muted simultaneously. Another unique feature is the limiter on a set of dedicated record outputs that makes it easier to create a stereo recording of the mix.The console also features an output matrix with 7 feeds to 4 outputs, fed from the group buses and main L, R, and C (mono) outputs.The GB4-16 offers a comprehensive set of functions in a small and cost-effective footprint, and delivers the high performance and reliability you expect from a Soundcraft mixer. |
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Numark iDJ Mixing Console for iPod $159.95 Numark's iDJ mixer for iPod is a 2-channel mixing console that provides mobile DJs and iPod enthusiasts with a way to integrate their portable music with their sound reinforcement systems. The Numark iDJ transforms the iPod from a mere personal music player into a source playback device. With a compact form, comprehensive features, and blue-on-white design the Numark iDJ blends perfectly with the iPod. |
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Yamaha 02R96VCM Digital Mixing Console $9999.99 The 02R96VCM Mixing Console is backed by the strong reputation of Yamaha's line of production mixers that have evolved over time in response to user needs: the 02R, debuting in 1995 and a fundamental reason for Yamaha's 2007 Technical Grammy Award, 2002's 02R96, and the 02R96 Version 2 released in 2004.Featuring 56 input channels and 18 mixing busses, the Yamaha 02R96VCM digital mixing console incorporates the impressive processing power of a custom Yamaha DSP7 LSI and offers the same array of robust channel functions as the DM2000 on its inputs and outputs. Its "selected channel" system fuses the controllability of a digital mixer with the feel of an analog desk for fast, intuitive operation. The analog input stages on the 02R96VCM mixer feature preamps descended from those of the DM2000, developed with the input of engineers from around the world to provide transparent sound that's perfect for the professional domain.Want more? Take a look at the 5 plug-in packages that give you both space and creativity in the production workplace. Or consider the digital domain where EQ, compressor, tape saturation and guitar effects VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) plug-ins offer the warmth and depth of analog circuitry. The Yamaha 02R96VCM also boasts the outstanding REV-X reverb algorithm introduced in the SPX2000. What's more, it comes equipped with iSSP technology (see below) that makes creating realistic sound fields easy, giving you functionality within the console that would otherwise require outboard effects.Versatile V2 features plus a formidable array of plug-in processors The Yamaha 02R96VCM digital mixer is the 02R96 Version 2 plus a formidable array of state-of-the-art processing technologies that provide all-new production power. You now have extraordinary recreations of classic compression and EQ units from the 70s, simulations of several legendary analog open-reel tape decks, a complete suite of unmatched REV-X reverb effects, a surround post-production package that is second to none, and even a selection of vintage stomp boxes to spice up your mixes. And all of this is right at your fingertips, with no need to patch in external processors.VCM Technology VCM technology is responsible for the classic compressor, EQ, analog tape deck, and stompbox effect simulations in the 02R96VCM. VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) technology actually models the characteristics of analog circuitry - right down to the last resistor and capacitor. VCM technology goes well beyond simply analyzing and modeling electronic components and emulating the sound of old equipment. It's capable of capturing subtleties that simple digital simulations cannot even approach, while actually creating ideal examples of sought-after vintage gear.iSSP Technology iSSP technology is the key to the 02R96VCM's incredible selection of surround post-production effects.iSSP stands for "Interactive Spatial Sound Processing," and is Yamaha' |
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TASCAM DM-4800 Digital Mixing Console $4999 The TASCAM DM-4800 is the ultimate digital console for professional users who demand a flexible, 64-channel mix platform that configures to fit their needs. A "fat channel" strip in the center of the board provides instant access to 4-band parametric EQ, dynamics and aux controls available for the first 48 channels. Twenty-four studio-grade mic preamps provide enough inputs for a live event, and more can be added using expansion cards with external preamps. The standard compliment of analog and digital I/O is more than you'll find on consoles costing three times as much, and a completely configurable 24-buss routing system allows you to re-patch the board at the flick of a switch.TASCAM 's DM-4800 audio mixer fits seamlessly into the modern recording environment based around a computer DAW. With a single button press, the Remote layer provides a 24-fader control surface for control of premiere workstations such as Pro Tools, Logic, SONAR, DP, Cubase and Nuendo. The optional IF-FW/DM mkII interface card provides 32 channels to and from a computer at up to 96kHz over a single FireWire cable. And the optional surround monitoring card provides downmixing, bass management and level control for mixing in up to 6.1 surround. No matter what your application, the TASCAM DM-4800 adapts to the needs of any professional audio installation. |
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Yamaha 01V96VCM Digital Mixing Console $2399.99 The 01V96VCM delivers the performance and reliability of Yamaha's acclaimed digital live sound and production consoles in a remarkably compact design that is perfect for home and professional applications where space is limited or maximum portability is required. It may be small but it can handle up to 40 inputs, and can be cascaded if more are required. And now, in addition to the many improvements that were implemented in the 01V96 Version 2, the 01V96VCM comes with a selection of Yamaha's unsurpassed VCM effects built in. Of course the entire console - effects included - features 24 bit/96 kHz operation for ultimate resolution and sound quality that will satisfy the most demanding applications.Precise 24-bit/96-kHz Audio and High-performance Head Amps Advanced custom DSP7 LSIs feature 32-bit internal processing (58-bit accumulator) at extremely high speed. Full functionality is provided when mixing all 40 channels at 96 kHz. All analog inputs and outputs including the 16 microphone/line inputs employ precision 24-bit A/D and D/A converters for an outstanding 110-dB dynamic range. Top-performance head amplifiers provide precise, uncolored pre-amplification prior to A/D conversion, and uncompromising Yamaha quality standards throughout make the 01V96 a worthy performer alongside other members of Yamaha's acclaimed production console lineup such as the DM2000, 02R96, and DM1000.40-input 18-bus Mix Capacity at 96 kHz Although it is a compact rack-size mixer, the 01V96 offers generous mixing capacity with up to 40 simultaneous inputs. All 40 input channels include four-band parametric EQ and up to 452 milliseconds of delay with variable feedback, while all channels except for stereo inputs 1 through 4 also provide a gate and compressor/limiter. What's more, all of this functionality is available at 96 kHz. The output section also offers plenty of versatility with 18 buses: 8 group buses, 8 auxiliary buses, and a stereo bus. Group buses 1 through 8 also function as surround buses, and a Bus to Stereo function allows sound-reinforcement type sub-mixing. A "Fix" function automatically sets the auxiliary buses to nominal (0 dB) level, so they can be used as additional mix buses.Versatile Connectivity and Expandability for a Wide Range of Applications Inputs 1 through 12 feature high-performance head amps that accept microphone and line-level sources, with 20-dB pads, -60 to -16 dB gain trim and balanced XLR and TRS phone jack connectors. Phantom power is switchable in 4-channel groups. Inputs 13 through 16 accept line-level sources via balanced TRS phone jacks, with trim adjustable from -20 to +10 dB as two stereo pairs or four independent mono channels. Analog outputs include the main stereo outs, stereo monitor outputs, a stereo 2-track output, four "omni" outputs, 12 channel insert outputs, and a phones output. All analog inputs and outputs employ precision 24-bit, 96-kHz converters. Digital I/O is provided via 8- |
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Soundcraft GB4-32 Mixing Console Standard $4499 Soundcraft GB4-32 Mixing Console Standard |