As the search function dug up nothing for me, I was hoping someone would be able to give some advice. I am looking for a cheap mixer (even 4 tracks is fine) for recording to the four recordable tracks on my tape machine simultaneously. Is there any option other than Behringer? (please let there be... please!)
Thanks!
Advice for a good-cheap 4 track mixer compromise please!
2What's the tape machine you are recording to?
Advice for a good-cheap 4 track mixer compromise please!
3sounds like you'd need a mixer with at least four direct outs so that you can send each individual signal to each track of the recorder
Disappointing the masses since 2006 http://www.low-point.com
Advice for a good-cheap 4 track mixer compromise please!
4Do you need a mixer, or would 4 pre-amps do? If you're sending 4 sources to 4 discrete tracks, there's not a whole lot of 'mixing' going on...
That said, sometimes you can hack a solution (as I do with an Alesis 12r) by using pre-fader sends, panning (right/left renders main buss two discrete outs obviously) and/or inserts to maximise outs from cheapo mixers.
The 12r is a pretty good, cheapo mixer for that type of hacking, not sure if you can get anything cheaper that has so many tinkering options.
That said, sometimes you can hack a solution (as I do with an Alesis 12r) by using pre-fader sends, panning (right/left renders main buss two discrete outs obviously) and/or inserts to maximise outs from cheapo mixers.
The 12r is a pretty good, cheapo mixer for that type of hacking, not sure if you can get anything cheaper that has so many tinkering options.
I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back.
Advice for a good-cheap 4 track mixer compromise please!
5If you can find a used one go for a Soundcraft Spirit M4, brand new is not cheap but used it is. They are better quality than most behringer&co stuff.
Consider that if you're going to make overdubs and you need to listen to pre-recorded material while recording you could prefer a mixer which could split between line/mic Input or having the double the channels of you recorder. This way you avoid to disconnect and connect cables each time, not a big task with a 4ch but can save you time.
With the Soundcraft you can't change between line and mic in with a button but you can patch the tape returns of your machine to the 4 stereo inputs available while keeping your outboards connected (if you have).
Consider that if you're going to make overdubs and you need to listen to pre-recorded material while recording you could prefer a mixer which could split between line/mic Input or having the double the channels of you recorder. This way you avoid to disconnect and connect cables each time, not a big task with a 4ch but can save you time.
With the Soundcraft you can't change between line and mic in with a button but you can patch the tape returns of your machine to the 4 stereo inputs available while keeping your outboards connected (if you have).
Advice for a good-cheap 4 track mixer compromise please!
6Look for early '80s Tascam boards.
You can get 8 Ch 4 buss boards with weird preamps and Eq for next to nothing. They are big but built well.
Like this...
Sometimes less than $100 on Ebay.
You can get 8 Ch 4 buss boards with weird preamps and Eq for next to nothing. They are big but built well.
Like this...
Sometimes less than $100 on Ebay.
Advice for a good-cheap 4 track mixer compromise please!
7+1 on the Soundcraft boards. I just got ahold of a mint condition Rac Pac board and this thing is really nice.
Advice for a good-cheap 4 track mixer compromise please!
8Try to find a used Yamaha MX. The MX series has 4 group outputs, and (with appropriate cables) you can use the inserts as direct outs. Great sound, low noise preamps, simple singnal path, dirt cheap.