Best Mixer for Podcasting

**BradShoemaker** · 07-25-2012, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by William Thomas

Obviously I am on the wrong forum. I know quite a few people that do this now and i havent talked with anyone using a 2k mixer. But maybe i am confused. You cant be talking about an audio mixer like 8-12 channels usb connection ????? I have an alesis 8 channel i bought for a buck fifty (thats 150.00) from ebay and it works great. Not sure what you would need besides this. But there are prices for every pocketbook thats for sure.

Good Luck,

Bill

You aren't in the wrong forum at all. This is a place for people of all levels of broadcasting. Those that have to boot strap it (like many of us do when starting up) and those who have the means to get a bit more expensive equipment. I think mcphillips said it best...

Originally Posted by mcphillips

Here's the good news. I challenge anyone to tell the difference in the quality of the audio over the Internet or Skype when comparing a Behringer mixer with a Presonus or even an SSL. The cheapest mixer is capable of producing better quality audio than the Internet or Skype is able to reproduce.

**andrewzarian** · 07-25-2012, 12:06 PM

The Presonus 16.4.2 is not expensive if you factor in everything that it does. I know a few people that use this Mixer and they have never looked back. Example of what it does EQ, compression, limiting, and gating on every channel, and there are DSP effects built-in. Save your settings for instant recall. Plus, Capture recording software is included with every StudioLive console.

**mcphillips** · 07-25-2012, 06:17 PM

William, the only reason to spend $2,000 on a mixer is to get functionality that a lesser priced mixer cannot provide. For example, how many auxiliary sends does your mixer have? You need one (post fader) aux send per mix-minus. You need one mix-minus per Skype computer. So, if you do a Skypezilla arrangement like Leo Laporte, you need four aux sends just for Skype computers. Joe de Max has the same set up. There are many other features on the 16.4.2 that justify its $2,000 price tag.

I'm not being snippy when I ask, what car do you drive? You can get a $1,000 Ford Taurus that will get you every place your present car will get you.

If your present mixer does what you need, there is NO reason to upgrade. However, if you spend $150 on a mixer, then upgrade to a $300 mixer, then upgrade to a $1000 mixer, then upgrade to a $1600 mixer, you would have been better off to spend $2,000 and get one that did not need to be upgraded as often (or ever.)

Price is relative. Someone on a podcast recently said, "Until recently, I thought $30 was expensive for a microphone." Well, I had a Neumann U47 long body, chrome top condenser microphone that I sold for $6,000. And as I said before, you would not be able to tell the difference over Skype or the Internet between the $6,000 Neumann and a $150 Apex 460.

**William Thomas** · 07-25-2012, 06:31 PM

i get ya on the mixer. I was being silly. However a mixer that works with podcasting that costs 2k is not only not necessary its overkill. Mix minus is also a think of the past. I am a newbie at this as you know, and i drive a Dodge Durango to get onto the beaches at the north end of carolina beach so i need 4 wheel drive. lol....

I guess i am just jeleous cause i am on ssi and dont have access to that kind of money for a hobby anymore.

Jeez 2k for a mixer....ok ok got it...

You all be good ya hear...

Bill

**andrewzarian** · 07-25-2012, 06:38 PM

Also put into consideration all the extra equipment you have in the studio. If I were to add up the Mixer , EQ and Compressors we have I would be at around 1400 dollars.

**mcphillips** · 07-25-2012, 06:46 PM

William, I am very interested in your statement, "Mix minus is a thing of the past." Please explain. I'm extremely intrigued!

**andrewzarian** · 07-25-2012, 07:51 PM

I also have to disagree. Mix Minus is extremely necessary when taking phone calls or using skype

**jamesdelfresco** · 07-25-2012, 08:13 PM

wow 2000 dollars for a mixer? I had no idea. Is there a big difference from a 100 dollar mixer and a 2000 dollar mixer? why would anyone in podasting need it? I mean I guess its cool if you are making money. But isnt it all the same in the end? Maybe im wrong

**mcphillips** · 07-25-2012, 08:27 PM

The only reason to buy a $2000 mixer is because it will do what the $100 mixer will not do. Six aux sends, built-in compression/equalization/gating, and subgroups are several.