Mixer/USB interface recommendations

[LowEndOperative]

I’m a complete noob re home recording but since the band can’t get together we’re going to try to record individual instrument and vocal tracks separately onto a PC (for demos, social media, etc). Have heard good things about the Behringer Xenyx 502USB but am also looking for other inexpensive (<$100) solutions. Your suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

 

[Aloe]

don't buy a mixer for audio recording. been there and can say not expensive mixers are completely inferior to cheap audio interfaces.

just get a Scarlett or Audiobox.

 

[pfschim]

Not quite $100, but the Motu M2 is going for $169 and includes DAW software in the bundle. I believe I saw the latest gen Scarlett 2i2 interface selling for $159.
I just got done re-installing my somewhat aged Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 (1st gen) and although it was not exactly a snap, I did finally get it working well with Reaper as the DAW.

good luck. this stuff can be lots of fun to work with once you get it set up correctly.

 

[BucketOfFish]

I bought a Yamaha MG10XU mixer for 2 purposes.
1. Compact size for small gigs, solo, etc.
2. It has a usb out for recording. Oh! How convenient

Being a noob to recording, I learned a time consuming lesson. The usb signal is stereo L/R out only. I had a click track that kept showing up and I wasted a lot of time going nowhere. There might be a workaround but I haven't tried yet.

As suggested, I think I'll shop for an interface.

 

[juggahnaught]

I’m a complete noob re home recording but since the band can’t get together we’re going to try to record individual instrument and vocal tracks separately onto a PC (for demos, social media, etc). Have heard good things about the Behringer Xenyx 502USB but am also looking for other inexpensive (<$100) solutions. Your suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

If you'll be tracking parts by yourself...

Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURUBE?tag=duckduckgo-brave-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1. Same concept as the Scarlett, but less expensive and doesn't require any routing software to run (Scarlett requires MixControl, I believe). Unfortunately, it's a little over $100.

(These used to be a lot more inexpensive. I own the UMC404HD - the four-channel version - and I'm pretty sure I bought it for $99; the two-channel version used to be around $50. I don't remember, though. If the price difference between the Scarlett and the Behringer isn't much these days, it might be a toss-up.)

There's also the Behringer UM2, which is under $100 but seems to have two inputs - it might fit your needs.

Note that, if you're going to record, you'll want a way to hear yourself, meaning monitors or monitoring headphones. You'll also need recording software - there are a lot of options and I don't know what your band will be using, but Audacity is a free, open-source audio solution that could work for your needs if you're just sharing stems.

 

[skwee]

focusrite is my jam. Love my Scarlett interface.

 

[LowEndOperative]

Ordered an Presonus Audiobox 96, we’ll see how it goes.

 

[hbarcat]

Ordered an Presonus Audiobox 96, we’ll see how it goes.

Excellent choice.

 

[filmtex]

Ordered an Presonus Audiobox 96, we’ll see how it goes.

I can verify that PreSonus hardware and StudioOne are excellent. I can heartily recommend anything from PreSonus.