Looking for desktop mixer reccs.

[jdjk7]

I've got the beginnings of a recording setup going, but one thing I realize I should probably invest in is a mixer. Thus far, I've been getting along with using just the inputs on my Scarlett 4i4, but aside from limited inputs, a mixer where the connections are up front and on top would be far easier to use.

What desktop mixers are you guys using? I'm generally looking for 6 or 8 channels, something that would be handy in a desktop setup. Other than that I'm not sure what I'm looking for. Aside from that, what brands would be good to investigate? I don't know much about mixers. I know Yamaha and Mackie. There's a Midas mixer in my price range on the 'verb, but I only know Midas because we have one of their giant board mixers at work (never handled it much)

(Nevermind, because I looked again and realized the Midas is way too big...)

 

[Aloe]

don't get a small analogue-digital mixer if your goal is recording. those things suck at it, Yamahas especially IME.

seriously -- a Scarlett is a much better quality interface than the mixers, you're likely considering. a 18i8 or 18i20 should keep you busy for a while.

this said, I currently have a A&H ZEDi and it was a huge improvement over a Yamaha MG, but still largely inferior to a Scarlett. so I use it for live sound, not for recording.

 

[Basslice]

Consider using what you have (or as Aloe say, upgrade), but get a control surface for mixing. I use an Avid Dock. There are many other control surfaces out there with varying capabilities.

 

[seamonkey]

There's the Flow 8 that is actually 10 in, 4 out with the latest firmware upgrade
Behringer FLOW 8 8-input Digital Mixer with Bluetooth

 

[Geri O]

Any of the Presonus Series 3 mixers make great interfaces. But I think the smallest one you can get these days is the SL 24S.

I use an SL64S almost daily and it’s a great interface/mixer. Plus it can do software control with certain DAWs.

 

[And I]

for a small studio without outboard analog gear, a mixer doesn't really have that much utility. If you want inputs in the front perhaps a patchbay would serve your needs.