Whats the point of a mixer?

[4bi9]

This may be a rookie question, but whats the point of using a mixer for a home setup? Is it for live recording or performances? As far as i know, logic has its own mixer, so why the need for an external one?

[Eriksimon]

Easy and comprehensive control over multiple input sources, especially if the audio IF only has one stereo input. It beats plugging/unplugging all the time. Very handy if you're a serial multitracker. You may also need it if you use phantom powered large diaphragm condensor mics, which usually need 48V of phantom power, which even small mixers often provide.

 

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[Kent Sandvik]

Also, some like the analog pre-amps in the mixer as well, have character, same with EQ. Or using an analog summing mixer.

 

But yes, for the most part if you don't miss having a mixer, you don't need one. The studio looks less studio-like but then again you have less clutter, too.

[skyshooter]

This may be a rookie question, but whats the point of using a mixer for a home setup? Is it for live recording or performances? As far as i know, logic has its own mixer, so why the need for an external one?

 

Well it helps if you have 20+ different keyboards laying around all hooked up playing via MIDI along with several great old outboard EFX units! Many people still use real instruments rather than rely on plug-ins.

 

I use mine for monitoring primarily and sometimes I use them for the sound, but most are line mixers with no EQ, running straight into my A/D converter and letting Logic handle the EQ and EXF going to record. 8)

[ski]

Amongst the biggest advantages to having an outboard mixer in your studio are:

 

1) true, no BS zero latency monitoring of live instruments while tracking (that's because audio is heard instantaneously through the ins and outs of a mixer, unlike software monitoring)

 

2) realtime control of the levels, panning, EQ, mute, solo, etc. (no mousing around adjusting one control at a time)

 

3) some mixers offer speaker selector switches for comparing mixes through multiple sets of speakers

 

4) instantaneously accessible control room volume and dim facilities

 

5) a sound. Some mixers (specifically analog mixers) are often chosen not just because of all of these other attributes, but because of the particular sound they lend to live-recorded instruments, or even playback of tracks from Logic. While all mixers have a sound, certain boards -- especially high end and vintage boards like SSL, Neve, MCI, Sony, and so on -- have a distinct sound that discerning engineers like having imparted to their tracks.

[fader8]

1) true, no BS zero latency monitoring of live instruments while tracking (that's because audio is heard instantaneously through the ins and outs of a mixer, unlike software monitoring)

Most importantly, when the talent wants lots of multi-effects on their foldback/cue feed!

[ski]

....when the talent wants lots of multi-effects.....

 

Hmmm... is there an oxymoron in there? Yes, and his name is "the client".

[Kent Sandvik]

....when the talent wants lots of multi-effects.....

 

Hmmm... is there an oxymoron in there? Yes, and his name is "the client".

 

The client is always right, whatever stupidity they request in the studio...

[Beer Moth]

....when the talent wants lots of multi-effects.....

 

Hmmm... is there an oxymoron in there? Yes, and his name is "the client".

 

MethaneMoron?

[ski]

Kent?

 

Lighten up.

 

 

 

 

 

:lol:

[Scott Jackson]

The client is always right, whatever stupidity they request

 

[lookatthisguy]

A mixer is "[a] vital aspect in expanding your career options and growing is social networking with others in your industry. Having an extensive list of contacts can become incredibly beneficial. Business mixers are a great way to touch base with old colleagues and meet new contacts. It also encourages people to build new relationships in hopes of trusted, word-of-mouth referrals. The key to planning an event requires organization and planning. A successful industry mixer promotes interaction in a fun atmosphere but also supports fostering those business contacts after the mixer."

 

((Read more: How to Plan an Evening Business Mixer | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5793566_plan-evening-business-mixer.html#ixzz15b7pobAj))

 

8)

[4bi9]

wow i really am a rookie haha.. I barely understood any of that.

Whats monitoring? And how would a mixer effect EQ?

[ski]

Well, I'd say it's time for you to do some research then. Recording basics, recording techniques, etc.

[4bi9]

Well, I'd say it's time for you to do some research then. Recording basics, recording techniques, etc.

 

 

Im mostly just working with midi and using a usb Keyboard. Are the techniques and terms mentioned in this thread applied mainly to live recording?

[Eriksimon]

Im mostly just working with midi and using a usb Keyboard. Are the techniques and terms mentioned in this thread applied mainly to live recording?

 

Also, but in this case to

mixing. Sorry, but this is a bit like asking what a steering wheel does on a petrolheads forum.

 

Well, I'd say it's time for you to do some research then. Recording basics, recording techniques, etc.

Al Coda.

[fader8]

....when the talent wants lots of multi-effects.....

 

Hmmm... is there an oxymoron in there? Yes, and his name is "the client".

Ironically, I had Occidental Petroleum as a client once, known in the oil & gas trade as simply "Oxy", so you had to be very careful how you used that term around their employees!