Do you feel you need a mixer in ur Setup?

Well, I'm just curious because I'm totally unconventional on the way I work. I usually record stuff through processors into my Motu 828 audio interface and into Logic. I do often unplug the inputs of the 828 to put in other synths or instru.

What's the benefit of using a mixer over a outboard Pre and EQ? I had a behringer mixer at one time and didn't care for the Eq that much.

The advantages are being able to have a relatively large number of synths hooked up for a rough mix with very easily available controls. Also live stuff.

B>

I used to have mixer - then got the 828mk2. I love being able to callup the synth input in Cubase to record without having to mess about with aux sends. Makes monitoring of other recorded and live tracks at the same time very simple.

The 828mk2 is in fact a mixer - it just doesn't have slider for each channel and any aux sends. You can use it in standalone mode without a PC/Mac.

I'm looking at getting some more inputs, but rather than using the ADAT expansion I'll probably just go for another 828.

For one setup; yes. It's just 2 synths and a drum machine with no computer hooked up . The mixer's got its effects built in and they aren't bad.

For the other; I've been using the Mackie 24VLZ Pro to pipe the audio into my 01v, which now mainly acts as a luxurious A/D converter. Basically, yes; I could replace both with a bunch of A/D converters and put the sliders into software. However, I am not exactly that fond of the idea. First reason is of course, cost; something with just as much inputs isn't cheap. I could of course get a single unit (like that 828) and use a patchbay to switch instruments, but I'm not familiar with the practice, and I don't know if I'd like it. Second; I kind of enjoy having a direct overview that isn't on my screen which a mixer provides. Last; how long is a mixer going to last vs. an interface? Getting a lot of inputs in a single box is a lot cheaper for a mixer.

I'd get a patchbay if you didn't have one already, stikygum - it'll save on the wear and tear of the inputs of your synths and your audio interface, both.

I don't know if your way of working is unconventional; at most the lack of a patchbay would be unconventional .

Must be nice to only need a handful of inputs. FOr me, I'll use simple stereo line mixers to get everything available and then patch things through to an audio interface for recording.

No physical slider, but the front interface can modify the mix. I was actually chasing details on the MOTU and got the following information from the MOTU sales folk (who are happy to answr questions since the manuals aren't online). That should allow you to do everything aux sends do...

B>

for myself, yes. I tend to work up a rough MIDI only mix, and then convert to audio down the line. My 01v96 is indespensible for this.

I tried a mixerless system based on motu hardware, but between the driver problems the MOTU had on my hardware (id' get an inexplicable 'asio error code 6' at random times) and its lack of a physical control surface I went back to the 01v96.

also, I sometimes like making music with the computer off.

I also use the MOTU 828. I prefer it when recording. Adding an external mixing device would introduce the possibility of sound degradation and noise artifact. I've taken it with me on small venue gigs as a mixer. In the near future, I think we'll see more synths with lightpipe and-or s/pdif available as an main output option. I think this would make sense for reducing the overall number of A to D to A conversions.

No mixer, 2 48 point patch bays and an 8x8 sound card instead.

most digital mixers have digital I/O so once it hits the mixer it stays that way.

With an alternative analog mixer, there is no DA/AD conversion to worry about, unless the mixer has a digital effects section included. you can avoid that by not routing through it while recording.

+1.

Pre-mixer, I was limited to 1 synth in my headphones at a time.

Nope. I have a Fireface 800 and a Creamware A16 Ultra for expansion, and the Fireface can be used in standalone mode {and is still MIDI-controllable}. I do have a patchbay, and I'm considering putting it to use, if only to limit the ADDA conversions.

I still use a mixer.

I've got the Soundcraft Spirit M12. All the ins and outs go straight into a patch bay, along with all ins and outs from my synths and effects. Maximum flexibility.

Could I work without it? Absolutely. Like others here, I'm using the very excellent MOTU 828 MKII, so I could mix with that. But I'm an old-school recording guy and I like the flexibility of an external mixer.