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What do you people think about Soundcraft products?

I'm thinking of getting a Soundcraft mixer, would like to have more than 8 channels, 12 would be good enough I think. I would like to use this mixer as an audio interface, is this ok to do? Or do i have to purchase an audio interface as well? I plan to have a powerful mobile studio and definitely want a physical mixer to do all of my mixing with.

Also another question, when a mixer has 4 mono, 4 stereo inputs and 4 stereo returns, what does this exactly mean on the mixer?

Soundcraft are top notch in terms of component and sound quality. TL Audio are another I'd recommend for small but good sounding desks.

Re: What do you people think about Soundcraft products?

I used Soundcraft boards during my live band/mixing days, as well as Allen & Heath and Mackies. I always preferred the Soundcraft because of their layout and their preamps. I had a Spiritfolio 12 for years in my studio, but got rid of it when I bought my MOTU 828mkII because it was pretty redundant and took up too much space. But, as as Richard mentioned, the quality is excellent and their preamps are excellent for studio or live use.

That said, based on some of your questions, I would definitely recommend that you do more research before getting too excited and buying a mixing console.

quote:

Originally posted by Ravist I'm thinking of getting a Soundcraft mixer, would like to have more than 8 channels, 12 would be good enough I think.

That shouldn't be a problem - Soundcraft offers many models in that format. What's your budget, btw? Also, what do you plan on recording (vocals/mics, synths, drums)???

quote:

Originally posted by Ravist I would like to use this mixer as an audio interface, is this ok to do? Or do i have to purchase an audio interface as well?

To the best of my knowledge (and a very quick look at the Soundcraft website), Soundcraft does not offer a model that works as an interface. However, I haven't really paid too much attention to studio consoles in the past five years, so I could be wrong. Definitely take a close look at their product line. Assuming that they dont', then yes you will need an audio interface. Now, here is the important part - if you are mixing 8 or 12 channels simultaneously into a console, they will have to be summed at the output and, with a small format console like you're considering, you'll probably only have one pair of stereo outputs, which means that the tracks that get "printed" on your will be grouped (i.e., more than one instrument per track), which will make editing individual instruments impossible. Hopefully, that made sense. However, some of the Soundcraft boards offer outputs on every channel (or you can use the aux sends), in which case your mixer can function as 8 or 12 individual channel strips. Honestly, that's a lot of money and a lot of space to take up/equipment to haul, when you could just get a good FW interface or two (e.g., two MOTU 8Pres or Travelers daisy-chained together, or a 24I/O) instead.

quote:

Originally posted by Ravist I plan to have a powerful mobile studio and definitely want a physical mixer to do all of my mixing with.

Why? Seriously, why do you specifically want a hardware console for a mobile setup? Based on your questions, I suspect that you think that it will give you more flexibility and/or be more convenient, when in fact, it might be just the opposite. I would strongly urge you to consider looking at getting a couple of good interfaces with good preamps (e.g., MOTU, RME, Focusrite, etc.) and doing your mixing in the box. It will probably give you more flexibility in terms of routing and monitoring, will be less to carry, and will possibly be cheaper, depending on what your interface needs are.

While I'm thinking of it, have you considered your monitoring needs (e.g., will you need a headphone distribution system & 8-12 sets of headphones?)?

quote:

Originally posted by Ravist Also another question, when a mixer has 4 mono, 4 stereo inputs and 4 stereo returns, what does this exactly mean on the mixer?

4 mono channels - each channel will receive 1 mono input (e.g., 1 microphone or 1 guitar); each channel has its own EQ, aux sends, etc. Or, you can use 2 mono channels (with the same settings) for a stereo instrument (e.g., hardware synthesizer).

4 stereo inputs - each channel will receive one set of stereo inputs (e.g., a synth with stereo outputs, stereo tape deck/CD); each channel has one set of EQs, aux sends, level, etc. that control both sides of the stereo input.

4 stereo returns - usually used for outboard effects; you control the amount fed into each aux output from each track (see above), into the outboard equipment, then back into the stereo returns. These can also be used as additional inputs for some applications.

Get yourself a Motu 24IO, problem solved

quote:

Originally posted by Ry Thomas Get yourself a Motu 24IO, problem solved

That would be fine, unless he needs XLR inputs/preamps, in which case he would need to buy separate preamps.

Re: Re: What do you people think about Soundcraft products?

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik I used Soundcraft boards during my live band/mixing days, as well as Allen & Heath and Mackies. I always preferred the Soundcraft because of their layout and their preamps. I had a Spiritfolio 12 for years in my studio, but got rid of it when I bought my MOTU 828mkII because it was pretty redundant and took up too much space. But, as as Richard mentioned, the quality is excellent and their preamps are excellent for studio or live use. That said, based on some of your questions, I would definitely recommend that you do more research before getting too excited and buying a mixing console. That shouldn't be a problem - Soundcraft offers many models in that format. What's your budget, btw? Also, what do you plan on recording (vocals/mics, synths, drums)??? To the best of my knowledge (and a very quick look at the Soundcraft website), Soundcraft does not offer a model that works as an interface. However, I haven't really paid too much attention to studio consoles in the past five years, so I could be wrong. Definitely take a close look at their product line. Assuming that they dont', then yes you will need an audio interface. Now, here is the important part - if you are mixing 8 or 12 channels simultaneously into a console, they will have to be summed at the output and, with a small format console like you're considering, you'll probably only have one pair of stereo outputs, which means that the tracks that get "printed" on your will be grouped (i.e., more than one instrument per track), which will make editing individual instruments impossible. Hopefully, that made sense. However, some of the Soundcraft boards offer outputs on every channel (or you can use the aux sends), in which case your mixer can function as 8 or 12 individual channel strips. Honestly, that's a lot of money and a lot of space to take up/equipment to haul, when you could just get a good FW interface or two (e.g., two MOTU 8Pres or Travelers daisy-chained together, or a 24I/O) instead. Why? Seriously, why do you specifically want a hardware console for a mobile setup? Based on your questions, I suspect that you think that it will give you more flexibility and/or be more convenient, when in fact, it might be just the opposite. I would strongly urge you to consider looking at getting a couple of good interfaces with good preamps (e.g., MOTU, RME, Focusrite, etc.) and doing your mixing in the box. It will probably give you more flexibility in terms of routing and monitoring, will be less to carry, and will possibly be cheaper, depending on what your interface needs are. While I'm thinking of it, have you considered your monitoring needs (e.g., will you need a headphone distribution system & 8-12 sets of headphones?)? 4 mono channels - each channel will receive 1 mono input (e.g., 1 microphone or 1 guitar); each channel has its own EQ, aux sends, etc. Or, you can use 2 mono channels (with the same settings) for a stereo instrument (e.g., hardware synthesizer). 4 stereo inputs - each channel will receive one set of stereo inputs (e.g., a synth with stereo outputs, stereo tape deck/CD); each channel has one set of EQs, aux sends, level, etc. that control both sides of the stereo input. 4 stereo returns - usually used for outboard effects; you control the amount fed into each aux output from each track (see above), into the outboard equipment, then back into the stereo returns. These can also be used as additional inputs for some applications.

I did a bunch of research already, read about the M-audio NRV-10, a yamaha mixer, and loads more i cant remember. My budget is less than $1000, I plan to record no vocals or instruments at the moment, just mainly instruments from plugins and my DAW.

I want a physical mixer because i want to physically move the knobs as i mix my music, i hate clicking and find lacking something real. And it has to be analog unless you guys state it wont make much of a difference on a mobile studio setup. And lastly, what do you mean by "mixing in the box?"

EDIT: Oh and this is the mixer i'm currently checking out, the mackie onyx 1220i:
http://www.mackie.com/products/onyx1220i/

What it sounds like to me is that you need a midi controller, MCU Pro or something, you dont really seem to have a need for an analogue desk

unless im missing something
Are you wanting to run your DAW through the mixers eq's etc? Or just mix with real faders??

i want to mix with real faders.
Thanks for the suggestion on the Motu 24IO but it costs too much for me at the moment, found it for approx $1200.

I've got a picture in my head of a really confused looking kid trying to plug a USB cable into a 1/4" jack. Better hope it doesn't have USB lamp power ports... that will REALLY confuse him.

It sounds like you have absolutely no idea what you're actually looking for. Kind of funny that you somehow concluded that you need an analog console though.

quote:

Originally posted by hexadecimal I've got a picture in my head of a really confused looking kid trying to plug a USB cable into a 1/4" jack. Better hope it doesn't have USB lamp power ports... that will REALLY confuse him. It sounds like you have absolutely no idea what you're actually looking for. Kind of funny that you somehow concluded that you need an analog console though.

Everybody needs analog, dood.

motormix

mcu pro

behringer bcf

quote:

Originally posted by hexadecimal I've got a picture in my head of a really confused looking kid trying to plug a USB cable into a 1/4" jack. Better hope it doesn't have USB lamp power ports... that will REALLY confuse him. It sounds like you have absolutely no idea what you're actually looking for. Kind of funny that you somehow concluded that you need an analog console though.

I'll explain again, I want an external mixer for the little studio I am building because I don't want to depend on the DAW to mix, I would rather have something physical because I think it makes mixing more interesting and I really don't like using a mouse to set my frequency ranges.

USB


1/4' jack


There's a big difference between the two, the only way someone would not understand the difference is if they never used a computer in their life.

its not a mixer you need dude as has been explained

So do I have to get an audio interface to do what I want?

if you dont already have one you will yes

don't some mixers have audio interfaces built right into the mixer itself? i believe the m-audio nrv-10 does this.

quote:

Originally posted by Ravist don't some mixers have audio interfaces built right into the mixer itself? i believe the m-audio nrv-10 does this.

Yes, the Mackie that you linked to earlier does, as do some of the Yamahas and Rolands. If you are on Cubase, I'd suggest looking at some of the Yamahas, because they integrate with Cubase; same goes for Roland/Sonar. Although they might be out of your price range. I'm not familiar with the M-Audio, but it looks like it also does. M-Audio quality is a far cry from Soundcraft though.

I still don't think that you're comprehending the difference between how an analog mixing console (e.g., the Soundcraft) boards differ from an integrated mixing interface (e.g., the Mackie that you linked, or the Yamahas and Roland that I mentioned), or from the control surfaces that Ry Thomas mentioned, but I think it's safe to assume that you don't want a dedicated analog console like the Soundcraft. This is why I suggested that you do more research.

"In the box" means that you do your mixing in the software environment, rather than in an external hardware environment. It's pretty important that you understand the difference before deciding which route to go. If all you want is to push the sliders on the hardware and see the sliders move in your DAW, then you probably just need a control surface, such as the ones Ry mentioned. An analog console like the Soundcraft is not going to do that - it will only control the levels going into your soundcard, not offer any control over your software. The Mackie, M-Audio, etc. is basically the same thing as a control surface, but with an integrated soundcard.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Yes, the Mackie that you linked to earlier does, as do some of the Yamahas and Rolands. If you are on Cubase, I'd suggest looking at some of the Yamahas, because they integrate with Cubase; same goes for Roland/Sonar. Although they might be out of your price range. I'm not familiar with the M-Audio, but it looks like it also does. M-Audio quality is a far cry from Soundcraft though. I still don't think that you're comprehending the difference between how an analog mixing console (e.g., the Soundcraft) boards differ from an integrated mixing interface (e.g., the Mackie that you linked, or the Yamahas and Roland that I mentioned), or from the control surfaces that Ry Thomas mentioned, but I think it's safe to assume that you don't want a dedicated analog console like the Soundcraft. This is why I suggested that you do more research. "In the box" means that you do your mixing in the software environment, rather than in an external hardware environment. It's pretty important that you understand the difference before deciding which route to go. If all you want is to push the sliders on the hardware and see the sliders move in your DAW, then you probably just need a control surface, such as the ones Ry mentioned. An analog console like the Soundcraft is not going to do that - it will only control the levels going into your soundcard, not offer any control over your software. The Mackie, M-Audio, etc. is basically the same thing as a control surface, but with an integrated soundcard.

Thank you so much for the clarification, I definitely understand the difference and will probably go with the mackie mixer.

quote:

Originally posted by Ravist I'll explain again, I want an external mixer for the little studio I am building because I don't want to depend on the DAW to mix, I would rather have something physical because I think it makes mixing more interesting and I really don't like using a mouse to set my frequency ranges.

Faders have nothing to do with frequency ranges, and I pity you if you're going to try EQing with only the mixer.

I strongly recommend you buy a DAW, maybe a soundcard and make some tracks before you decide what you think you need.

quote:

Originally posted by kitphillips Faders have nothing to do with frequency ranges, and I pity you if you're going to try EQing with only the mixer. I strongly recommend you buy a DAW, maybe a soundcard and make some tracks before you decide what you think you need.

I already have reason and have been working on a track, that is why I made the thread. I just didn't understand the difference between a mixing console and a control interface.

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