If you are used to recording with analog mixers, the onset of products like the USB Mixers might seem a little baffling. They also include digital inputs such as SP/DIF in the channel count, even though these would need another piece of equipment to to be used, in most cases. These days you’ll be able to find mixers with built-in USB or FireWire, which eliminates the need for a separate audio interface. The mixer has all the features (inputs, EQ controls, effects, etc.) Ditto what AT said. Would appreciate if someone has a fix for the below situation. This audio track is then sent back as a single stereo (not mono) output. However, since an audio interface’s one and only job is to record, they (typically) do so very well (as they come with pre-amps inside), and the sound quality is great. Analogue mixers tend to be easier to learn on and operate quickly because the pots for each channel are laid out in plain sight. Or does it function as a mixer OR audio interface? It can handle up to 12 inputs and play back 10 simultaneously for live streaming or performance situations. It sounds so much more complicated than it actually is. With as many inputs as you suit your recording needs. Indeed, the only downside of the mixer may be that you have to use an iPad app for the master controls: sorry, Android fans. Be sure to consider which is best for your situation. Which is actually lower than a CD quality. The sound card in most computers will normally not be up to the task of handling a direct input of instruments when recording. Or the price is too high? Functioning similarly to Yamaha’s “Loopback,” it takes input from a computer or a Bluetooth-connected device and combines it with other stereo inputs, up to a total of four. Is there something i can do differently so that i can sing along with Karaoke and expect the recorded O/p to be in synch so that i dont need to do any adjustments and can get the O/p as a single stereo track. Thanks for your response! This allows you to control the mixer through any device’s browser, not just a device that can handle an app. Far too many people (me almost included) panic and buy a mixer for the home studio setup which is actually a mixer designed for a live setup. An audio Interface converts the analog signal into a digital one so that it can then be recorded by the Music Production Software. This is great if your home studio is going to be used by a wide variety of people, circumventing OS issues entirely. On the other hand, if you want to be able to mix music for live shows while also having the option to record a high number of inputs, or if you plan on having guests over for a podcast, then a mixer is a much better alternative. However, now with the USB technology, you don’t need an additional audio interface (if you need the use of a mixer while recording.) However, now that mixers have become digital and are USB, it does make discerning how a USB mixer and an audio interface is any different. A USB Mixer now provides you the opportunity to mix a recording or live performance without the need of an audio interface, because the USB mixer can now be plugged directly into the computer without the middleman of an audio interface. These outputs help send a mix of signals to the headphones, processors, or speakers. At its very core, a mixer takes audio signals and mixes them together sending them to one or more Output channels, making them, if done correctly, sound as intended. The calculation of I/O for your in home studio mixer should include other devices that will be part of the recording process. Rob has come to terms with the fact he will probably never be a famous rock star....but that hasn't stopped him from writing and recording music in his home studio. So, getting a mixer with a built in Audio Interface, though more expensive, might be a great investment if you know how many inputs you need. Very curious about the awnsers! More details… Pros: Convenient DAW integra… Even though your PC, Smart Phone and Tablet also have built-in audio interfaces, these are not up to par with the external ones you can buy.They all do the same thing which is Analog to Digital conversion, however the quality of the sound you can achieve with an external interface will be much better, and the output signal will also be of a much greater quality. A direct output feeds the USB mixer’s preamp output to the external interface and recording software. I would truly appreciate your help on this as I have no clue as to how should go about it. Both of these mixers that I just mentioned are part of another post I wrote about the best home studio mixers currently available, and I definitely recommend you check it out! The only downside to the Ui16 is the bane of all mixers: noise. The signal is fed through the headphones, and the cue system lets you hear the signal either before or after the fader has made its alterations. Depending on your needs, you may be able to tolerate higher levels of noise, such as if you often perform outdoors or record music loud enough to drown out the background hum. At first a Mixer might appear intimidating and confusing because it has a lot of knobs and faders. On top of this, most high-quality powered studio monitor speakers will not plug directly into a laptop or PC. Looking at microphones, some may be described as “needing an audio... Hi I'm Rob You have a mic that does that already. Your email address will not be published. This is, in a sense, what it is like using a mixer. Let’s try and get to the bottom of this. Additionally, some modern mixers allow you to record multitracks directly to an SD card, which is something no Audio Interface can do. Sorry for asking such a simple question but I can't seem to find a clear answer to it anywhere. This might be an XLR cable typical for recording microphones, or a midi input for recording a midi device. The master mix bus, which is fed by the faders, sends the output of the mixer to the microphone or speakers. Behringer balances new technology with user-friendliness and a killer price to create a great mixer for your home studio. Any suggestions on really good, super-inexpensive mixers. Currently I use the Blue Yeti USB condensor microphone, but it captures a lot of room in the recordings. I think I made it clear that you don’t NEED a mixer for a home studio, but there are several benefits to having one, especially if it’s got a built-in audio interface that lets you record multitracks. However, now with the USB technology, you don’t need an additional audio interface (if you need the use of a mixer while recording.) The fact is that if you are not recording large amounts of instruments at once. As you start hunting for the right USB Mixer, you’ll hear some similar terms on their product description and packaging. This means that all the mixing must be done whilst recording and individual tracks cannot be mixed once they are on the computer. That has been a particular problem in the past in my world from Dell laptops. The amount of inputs varies from model to model and depending on the price bracket. thanks! You should now be able to open any recording software programs on your computer, and you should now be able to play and record through your mixer. My signal flow goes from the mics directly into the splitter. We connect our laptop to the desk via usb but we get a horrible buzzing/whirring noise all the time. An audio interface connects to your computer via USB (some come with a firewire, which is what I’d recommend using if you have the option). It also features its own DSP and has the multitrack capability, as well as direct-to-USB multitrack recording. It took up an entire desk that seemed big enough to fill my studio apartment at the time. The amount of inputs varies from audio interface to audio interface, as does the price tag. Yup, since it’s a stereo track you will process the whole track at the same time, both the right and left channel. But this doesn´t mean that any hardware you use will get the job done effectively. If I can go with a regular mixer, which output connections should I use? In general, however, USB mixers and audio interfaces do now have a lot of overlapping functions – and you can technically live record audio with both entities. Mixers are also used during live performance (not just recording sessions) as they can edit and mix sound in real time. It connects to your computer or laptop via usually via USB but also sometimes by FireWire or other methods.