Small Mixer with USB or Audio Interface for basic recording?

[NorthTexasBass]

I am needing an inexpensive solution for doing a little recording into my laptop for files to share with my bandmates.

I have been looking at a few solutions like the PreSonus and Focusrite units that are around $100 as well as some of the Soundcraft or Allen and Heath mixers around the same $100-$150 price range.

I will be recording bass lines, with the possibility of mixing in some pre recorded drum tracks.

This is my first time doing any of this and I wanted to see if there are any advantages/disadvantages to either format.

 

[el jeffe bass]

I use a small format Behringer usb mixer as an interface to my iPad for recording in GarageBand. It works pretty well for what it is. The main reason that I use that instead of a dedicated interface is that I already owned it when I started recording and am incredibly cheap about things like that. The nice thing about the the small format mixer is that it is useful for many different situations.

 

[DirtDog]

Either one will work.

Just keep in mind those small format USB mixers send only the main output buss to your computer (via USB). For true multichannel outs, you’ll pay quite a bit more than $150.

if you truly only need one or two inputs and outputs, I’d recommend going with the best audio interface you can afford. All the usual players make many options in this space. I use the SSL2+ for that use case.

 

[bholder]

I'll second the Behringer Xenyx series. I use the one without usb since I have a separate interface. Solid little mixers.

 

[eliascalles]

I have one of the small Allen and Heath boards that doubles as a 4in 4out interface and it's been totally solid. I have used the heck out of it on live shows and for location recording never gave me any trouble. The mic pre's are good, has a couple of hiZ inputs, an aux send and the built in FX are totally useable (verb is quite decent for live vox). zed10ifx if memory serves (it's at my rehearsal space so I can't be totaly sure I got the model name right, but I think that's it). bargain for the price imo built like a tank

 

[spantini]

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB interface which comes with recording software. Your software (DAW) is your mixer. The interface and DAW are fully integrated with a single USB connection. A few bucks more but worth it.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

 

[NorthTexasBass]

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB interface which comes with recording software. Your software (DAW) is your mixer. The interface and DAW are fully integrated with a single USB connection. A few bucks more but worth it.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

It looks like the Solo at $109 comes with the same software. Which DAW is easier to use? The Ableton or Pro Tools?

 

[spantini]

The less expensive Solo is the bare minimum for this type of interface, you'll probably find yourself wanting that extra input on the 2i2 later.

When it comes to DAW's ease of use, it's all relative to the user. Each has their individual layout and ways of accomplishing things. Some have steeper learning curves and all will appear complicated at first until you get to know their ins and outs. That's when you get a feel for what's working for you, and what's not. Each DAW will have many happy users, so there's no best or easiest to use for everyone. It's like Goldilocks trying out all the Bear's beds until she finds the right one. Just start with one and see where it takes you - you can switch to another easily if needed.

 

[ObsessiveArcher]

I tried using Pro Tools, but ran into some technical issues getting it up and running.
We tried Reaper next and found good success! So that's what I'm currently using.
When recording solo, I use a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 through USB.
When recording the band, we use a PreSonus Firestudio through firewire.

 

[eliascalles]

+1 for reaper. I used pro tools for many years at work and it’s great, but reaper has so many things going for it, not the least of which being the user forums and learning resources like the kenny gioia vids.

 

[ComeHomeShane]

PreSonus AudioBox iTwo

 

[brianrost]

Which DAW is easier to use? The Ableton or Pro Tools?

Ableton Live by a long shot. More use of drag and drop, simpler setting of preferences, the "session view" simplifies working up drum loops. Just simpler everything The "arrangement view" is where you do more traditional linear song recording. No pop up windows, works well on small screens like laptops.

The less expensive Solo is the bare minimum for this type of interface, you'll probably find yourself wanting that extra input on the 2i2 later.

The Solo allows a DI of your bass and a mike (for vocals, acoustic guitar, etc.) at the same time. The 2i2 lets you record two DIs or two mikes as well as the single DI plus single mike which can be more flexible if you ever need to record with a buddy or a stereo DI (like from a keyboard).

One weird feature of the Solo is that plugging in headphones does not mute the line outputs that connect your speakers. If you don't need to go back and forth between phones and speakers a lot it's not a big deal but it is not intuitive! The 2i2 has seperate level controls for the phones and speakers.

 

[Wfrance3]

I use a combo approach. I have the littlest Mackie Onyx. It's just a couple channels.
I added the littlest Scarlet, which works out pretty well. You have a variety of options that way.

 

[DigitalMan]

I’d just add that sending the bass and drum tracks as separate files instead of mixed together is the better approach. Also, separating the drum tracks into multiple audio files or a MIDI file gives the greatest flexibility for mixing the whole song later.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I am needing an inexpensive solution for doing a little recording into my laptop for files to share with my bandmates.

I have been looking at a few solutions like the PreSonus and Focusrite units that are around $100 as well as some of the Soundcraft or Allen and Heath mixers around the same $100-$150 price range.

I will be recording bass lines, with the possibility of mixing in some pre recorded drum tracks.

This is my first time doing any of this and I wanted to see if there are any advantages/disadvantages to either format.

The Scarlett Solo works fine for that application. Keep it simple!

 

[NorthTexasBass]

Thanks everyone for all the great info. I ended up ordering the Scarlett Solo because I don't see any scenario where I am using more than just the one input for bass.

One question. I will probably just use the 1/4" input. If I wanted to use the XLR out on the Q Strip at the end of my signal chain, or a Tone Hammer I use when I don't feel like using my entire board, could I plug it into the mic input? I couldn't find much info on this, just one page saying it's not a good idea because of the mic preamp. Has anyone tried this?

 

[DCGuy]

The one thing I would say about the 2i2 favoring the solo is that if you’re writing a song with a guitar you just plug the guitar into one side and a mic into the other and hit record on the two tracks in your DAW. Easy.

 

[Tosh]

No, you can't put an XLR cable from your pedalboard into that jack on the Solo. Only use a microphone for that. The microphone preamp can be damaged otherwise.

 

[MNAirHead]

if it's just concept... just use a telephone and recording app

 

[LowActionHero]

I also use a small 4 channel Behringer.
I only sends 2 channels in through the USB, but I'm recording by myself anyways. If I was collaborating I'd probably still be recording one instrument at a time so it works for me.