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Boy can this be hard thing to figure out. I am starting to build out my little podcasting setup and need some advice on what type of mixer. what would be appropriate for someone who knows nothing about this stuff. I will be doing a show alone so no need for anything big
Paul,
I still have to start myself but after seeing (too many) podcasts there are some questions tou have to ask yourself.
1. How many inputs do you need (how many talents, background music, ...)?
2. Are you going to use Skype? If yes, you'll need one aux out for every skype guest.
3. Do you want an analogue or digital mixer?
4. Do you want a "real" mixer or an audio interface+software?
5. Budget?
6. ...
Depending on these answers there are still a lot of possibilities... Brands like Mackie, Behringer, Presonus, ... seems to do very well.
I'm going to another music shop this afternoon to hear what they propose and then I'll make a decison.
Kind regards,
Rudy
I would suggest getting something that you can grow with. I know many people who have bought small 4 channel boards and end up buying something within a few weeks. There are limitations with smaller mixers like the lack of aux send ( Don't worry you don't need that right now)
I suggest looking at these mixers :
Behringer XENYX X1204USB 12-Channel Mixer
Mackie PROFX8 8-Channel Compact Effects Mixer with USB
Or you could simply go crazy like I did and get a Allen and Heath XB14-2. I should be receiving mine this week and will be doing an un-boxing over the weekend. My path to this lunacy was spending way to much time learning how to do pod/webcasts rather than doing my first one. I think Andrew's advice is probably the most sound...figure this out by doing it with some modest investments and then go crazy later :) I'm more of a ready shoot aim kind of guy...
That Al... he shol'is crazy :rolleyes:
Yep start small, make sure you will stick with it and then open up a can of Crazy Al!
Thank you for the wonderful feedback. I am looking to spend around 149 dollars. Anything good at that price?
First of all you need to ask yourself. Do you need a mixer? If you are doing a solo podcast the answer is NO. You can record your voice, and mix in music later with software like Audacity, or Garageband. What a mixer does for a solo podcaster is it can boost the tone of your voice.
If you are doing interviews over skype. You don't need a mixer. You can record into a portable recorder. (And again mix in music later) See this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYAzr...MsauFO1k3ANgiA
If you are mixing in sounds live, or you have people in the same room with you, you need a mixer and everyone needs their own mic. I recommend the Audio Technica 2100. (under $40 *aff link).
If you are looking for a good value on a mixer I test drove the Seismic Audio stuff and its well built, good sounding stuff, for less money (and it has inserts so you have room to grow into outboard gear later). YOu can get a 7 channel mixer for a little over $100, or a four channel for $70ish.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulSaunders
Dave Is right. Start small if you are doing it on your own there really is no need for a mixer
I suggest starting small first. You do not need to spend a lot of money to get everything you need. If you want to have more then one micorphone set up then get a mixer. If not you can get away with using a atr2100
I like Yamaha mixers myself, but any of the major brands will do.
You can use more than one USB mic too.Quote:
Originally Posted by TommySulivan
