For more information about how audio interfaces work inside of a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), check out this video here: ruclips.net/video/BKogTtEy3EU/видео.html
With Covid many are streaming live through Face Book. I have a Zoom 24 which we plug into a 222 interface then into a Iphone then Facebook. Limited with only one Camera. worse is getting the 6222 interface to fireup plugging into phone. Using a flimsy patch chord for USB and phone charger into IPhone. I have a mac, ( wife’s)
Why did anyone give a thumbs down? If you're new digital audio, and really don't what's what, everything can seem overwhelming. This video is spot on when it comes to understanding some important fundamentals. It lets beginners know what features might or might not matter for their purposes. Nice job Matthew!
This is SO helpful! Never knew mixers like the Zoom existed! So you could multitrack record a live band gig with the Zoom L12 with each instrument on a separate channel to be mixed later. This is great. Thank you!
A USB mixer is very valuable when you're in a band. Every time a band I'm in has a jam session, I mic everything up and hit record. I still have a Presonus Studio 24c on top of my Presonus ar16 mixer. Both serve different roles for me but if you can only justify buying one or the other and you think for one second that you will need 8 or more inputs at once, get the mixer. It will still run studio monitors and will do everything an interface can while being much more flexible for monitoring yourself
this is exactly what i needed to hear/learn . thank you. the bit about the zoom having its own ability to record multi-track as opposed to the master, thats gold right there
I'm kind of surprised that some important points were not touched on... - Types: There are 2 kinds of USB mixers... stereo and multitrack (able to record more than 2 channels at a time to separate files) - Functionality: Audio interfaces record to computers, as do some mixers, but some mixers also capture multitrack to SD/SSD/externals drivers, no need for a computer! - Size: Though more limited in features, audio interfaces are generally smaller. Mixers offer more options, but are bigger. - For home recording, both can do a good job. For live work, only a mixer can get that job done properly. - Price: Pretty good audio interfaces are available at ridiculously CHEAP prices nowadays (under $50!), good mixers are much more expensive. Basically they service different needs, but the most versatile one is definitely a good USB multitrack mixer, those simply "do it all". Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
"There are 2 kinds of USB mixers, stereo and multitrack (etc)" This is the very first thing he compares in the video, that the behringer only supplies 2 inputs, in the computer, compared to the zoom, which provides 14. I'm not sure how anybody watching the video could miss the differences in size of the different hardware... I'm also not convinced that a 1u audio interface, with multiple inputs, would be much smaller than the zoom
Instead of being surprised that someone else hasn't measured up to what you deem as an acceptable info video, why don't you do your own one? That way you'll avoid sounding pretentious and entitled.
ROFL... instead of telling someone that they sound entitled, post something of value, at least I added something it terms of types, functioanlity, size and price. You added what... a smartass comment? Don't overextend your mental capabilities my friend.
Thank you for providing a clear understanding on the difference between these units. I've been trying to wrap my head around this topic for six months. This knowledge is going to save me $$$ now that I can make an informed decision.
Please do a 2nd part to this comparison and test out the difference in round trip latency, preamp gain, signal to noise ratio, A/D conversion, and D/A conversion. It's not a full comparison without comparing and testing these crucial properties.
I also agree the need for a 2nd part, the DAC's are as f'ing crucial as good monitors, preamps come in second. Granted most think videos done on a phone are good enough, but not doing that and doing the research on getting clean audio will make your crap shine like cougars cooch who spots a young busboy...
More important than discussing what “shows up” as inputs in your DAW, are the differences of analog to digital conversion, latency, and the quality of pres between devices. Many interfaces allow for switchable impedance that a lot of even high end mixers don’t bother with. There is a lot missing here and I just hope that beginners don’t just go running for a USB mixer when a cheap mixer in front of a decent interface can accomplish wonders.
Thanks for mentioning the impedance issue. It almost seems like a dirty little secret that USB mixers for home use are no good for guitars or a bass . The output is very weak and requires a DI box to connect to the XLR inputs. I wonder how many are wondering why their electric guitar sound is so weak using the built in inputs
@@peterbelanger636 The Zoom does have a switch for Hi-Z input impedance on channels one and two. But yeah, understanding levels and where/how to apply gain are difficult things to understand if you don't have an electronics background.
I have both the L12 and 2i2, the L12 has much lower latency which is great for soft synths and I love having everything connected and just selecting which inputs to record. L12 all the way!
I prefer to get an outstanding interface without a mixer and without any effects. I have an Apollo Quad. Through that unit I connect outboard gear such as a stereo compressor graphic equalizer and a lexicon digital effects processor. Most of time however, I do everything through my DAWS and use my Waves, Softube, or Universal Audio plugins. Or use the Logic Pro / Pro Tools plugins. I control my DAWS and through a Beringher X Touch console designed solely for that purpose. Through this set up, I have the best of all worlds: high end interfacing with practically no latency (the clarity without noise is hard to describe). Moreover, there is no redundancy associated with using a separate mixer (use either the mouse or X Touch to control this through the DAW). There also is no redundancy of having effects on a mixer\interface. Unless I had a 100k SSL Board, I would never use onboard compression or EQ.
This was very helpful. I think I would look at it as Focusrite - USB recording multi-track, play to Amp or Monitors, headphones Behringer - performing, play to Amp or Monitors, simple recording (USB) Zoom - performing, USB multitrack recording, AND later remixing via a DAW - you have each channel AND the Mix Out. You have to read the manuals, I guess(!)
Not the most experienced guy here, but I feel like if you're going to spend a good bit of time in the daw, then the focusrite recording straight to the daw would save a step or 2 over the zoom. But I have 0xp in the zoom. Focusrite sounds good and suits my needs and space constraints, but I don't run a studio, just like to record for myself. I also use Superior drummer 3, so no need for a bunch of extra channels for me. Just my 2¢
I've struggled to find videos that explain all this in the way you have. My main take away is which devices output more than 2 channels through the USB post. Thank you.
That may be the way that mixer works.. but your usb mixer should record each channel individually and you should be able to assign channels on 1-8 as mono and 9-12 as stereo. The master outputs are only for monitor referencing
Thanks for clarifying this. The behringer xenyx 1204usb is everything I needed for my home studio / jam band setup. Drums, bass, keyboard, synth. No nonsense, live setup. I prefer to do less post-production. The only purpose of the usb interface is for recording to DAW. The idea of having each signal it’s own track is nice too but it’s not everything for me, plus the xenyx mixer is just so affordable, does everything I want it to do. i used to connect a Scarlett 6i6 and a mini mixer and patch parts together, with some bad signals , and some options lacking. I also use wireless set up for in ear monitors (the cheapest) which works good enough. Technology is just getting so much more accessible now
Hi Matt, of all the guys on RUclips that describe how to do things in detail and slowly, you are the one the best. Everything you describe how to use in your tutorials, you do so very well. I've learnt so much from you already. Appreciate your videos so much. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much for this Video :) I`m was planning to buy a Behringer Q802 USB and all Reviews dont explain how it`s interacting with USB-PC-Interfaces. You are the first one I could find who explains this for an uninvolved guy :D Thank you so much!
Finally someone to explain the things I need! Thank you! I thought I could use my 3rd gen 2i2 to record karaoke, but now I know why there is no mixing :) I can use XLR1 with mic, XLR2 with mono track, which will result in left and right channels in DAW. Then I have to use the software to mix them......
Good basic overview. One thing left out is “who” might choose each option. Home recording only project studio- interface. Small combo doing pub gigs and also some live or studio recording 2 tracks only- usb mixer Full band performing live that wants to record live multitrack and mixdown later- multitrack mixer. This is not set in stone and there is a little crossover but this is the most likely application.
Good video Matthew - i have the Zoom L-12 and its awesome. What some people probably wont know is that whilst you can use it as an audio interface like you mentioned, it can also record simultaneously to the SD card by the same 14 channels - ie 12 inputs plus the L/R master. Say for example you want to record a live gig - then when you get home take the SD card and all the individual files per channel are saved plus the stereo mix. You can then pass that (SD card or copy of the riles) around the band and everyone has all material to then copy straight into their own DAW and play around with. The quality is absolutely excellent. Also i just bought the scarlet 2i2 since i travel a lot and wanted something dedicated to just me, my guitar, mic and my laptop - only just got it but already love that. I cant recommend the L-12 enough - its amazing live mixer - and the USB and SD side are real bonuses - plus there are 9 scene recalls for the mix - not automated but easy to use. Also the blue channel strip function with all the EQ etc is brilliant and easy to use - plus the built in effects are very good - although i didn't get that to give two different effects at same time - say one effect for vocal and another for acoustic guitar, but her - for $500 or so who's complaining. The L-12 is light quite robust and very very intuitive. Cheers
Sd card remains in the zoom and can be accessed by your computer without removing it.. it appears as a drive so you can copy to the computer or copy files from the computer. You just need to activate that mode in the zoom mixer menu
I don't speak English, but I put the translator and I could understand you clearly. I have the Behringer Xeny X1204 and I thank you for the explanation. Saludos desde Lima - Perú
I'm glad you did this video... I tried to integrate my Zoom r24 with Cubase 10 and was unsuccessful. I ended up using my Yamaha mixer 12 channel as my audio interface...great info thanks
Why was it unsuccessful ? I was using my R24 with Reaper without any problem.. Maybe you didn't manage to switch it into audio interface mode, or didn't install the Asio driver ?
A little of both for the r24, it was very unstable, with crazy latency, but you are very close with your assumptions, lack of experience and needing to read more case instructions would have helped... but now I'm happy with my work flow
Dude! In the past year I've purchased a new Focusrite, a Zoom L-12, AND a MPC LIVE II...came across your videos recently and you cover everything I have. THANK YOU!!!
When trying to make a decision on what type of USB mixer interface to buy, it is crucial to know the difference between multi-tracking verse a stereo mix into your computer. When you are recording a band you definitely need multi-tracking into your computer. Thanks for the great information. I've been trying to figure this out for weeks. Excellent job, Matthew!
One important point that should also be addressed is why choose the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 or a similar interface instead of the Behringer 1202 or a similar USB mixer. On the surface they do the same thing (2 channels inside the PC) plus the Behringer can be used as standalone mixer and you have much more functionality/knobs etc while Focusrite is also a bit more expensive. Keep in mind that the quality of the ADC in the Scarlett is supposed to be higher quality so you will get a much better signal inside your PC. It is also worth checking the latency that both give you since this also plays a big part in recording especially if you create multiple tracks one after the other to create a song. So it depends on what you what to do. If you don't have a live setting where you want to mix a lot of instruments/mics and record them (for example you have a DAW + a midi keyboard + maybe a microphone and you are creating some EDM or you connect a guitar once in a while to layer some chords) the Focusrite could be the better choice.
@@MatthewStratton Thanks bro, I haven't gotten any new hardware in awhile so I have mostly just been making new music and playing with what I got. You are my go to spot when my studio gets bigger. Because I live in Colombia and only buy stuff when I go see my parents in USA I haven't got anything new because I don't want to get on airplane until this current situation is a little safer. What about rack recording? Do you have a rack compressor? Equalizer? I see those thing sweetwater.com and a compressor can be 2000 dollars! All the pro studios have them, is that hardware compression and equalization the difference between that homemade DAW sound and a professional mix? I am saving up and thinking about getting less and less digital and more and more analog. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Two companies that have caught my eye Tube Tech (super expensive but the stuff sounds amazing and looks incredible) Retro audio, they really look to get the sound from the time period of my favorite musicians, and lastly Warm Audio. They seem to be the entry level into hardware production, for sure the cheapest of the three but the products look beautiful and sound great from what I can hear. Thanks brother!
I have a Focusrite 2i2 interface and also a Yamaha mixer with USB interface. However I would not use the Yamaha mixer as a DAW recording input or a monitoring output simply on quality grounds. The Focusrite will have better quality convertors both for recording and for monitoring and that is why you would probably buy the Focusrite over the mixers shown.
Hi Dave. Looking at your comment I assume you must have the Yamaha AG03 or AG06 right? I am in doubt about getting the AG03 or a pure interface because I intend to record not only tracks but also videos covering songs with backing tracks, and this is where I believe the mixer would be really useful, to get my bass and the auxiliary backing track to the mixer and directly to the video recording software. Since you have both devices, maybe you could share some thoughts. Thanks!
Hi Thiago, I've got an MG10XUF so 4 mic ins but full length faders. To be fair the AG series look to be more like interfaces with extra features rather than mixers and looking at the specs they look to have good convertors in them. That puts them in the same category as the Focusrite interfaces and at that point you are looking for a particular set of facilities like mixer inputs in your case. My focusrite is not so good at premixing signals before recording and sometimes wish I had more signals permanently plugged in like a couple of mics and stereo keyboard even though I'm only recording two at a time! Looks like a good choice for you!
I've just checked the specs of the MG10XUF and it has a 24bit/192kHz converter built in as well which suggests good conversion quality after all! Still feel happier using the Focusrite as final convertor particularly for monitoring.
I can do all that on my Behringer XAir 18 but I don’t, I use the XAir 18 as just an 18 channel interface, I set the usb tap point pre fader so I get a flat unprocessed recording that I then can import into a DAW so that I can mix and master at a later time I do all my live recording that way because as everyone knows a live FoH and a recording mix can be two very different animals! I can also replay that recording back through the XAir and use it as the processing in the XAir to mix the recording. I see to many people that try to record there FoH mix to get a bad recording when with the gear we have available today is not the right way to go! Yes if you are a big budget recording company and have the money to run multiple mixers and have a sound guys, one for recording and the other FoH mix then more power to you I’m just one guy on a very limited budget and if I need to record a live gig I prefer to do it the easy was then to try and keep track of how two different mixes need to sound!
I have the Alesis Multimix8 USB which looks a bit like the Behringer shown here. It cost about 150€ and does have the possibility of recording all the 12 different inputs separately to a computer, unlike the Behringer that only can send a stereo signal to the DAW. In other words, there are cheaper solutions than the Zoom. I read though that the sound quality and treatment is not identical. But I’ve been using the Alesis and for me it did the job. I agree there’s better stuff on the market, but as a non professional I can do with a little less
I'm using a Yamaha MW12c USB mixer that has a nice feature: it enables you to individually arm tracks for recording. In my case, I can talk to my audience through the mains while recording a track (with the mic's channel disarmed). Lots of cool choices out there.
I bought Zoom L12 as my very first USB interface and mixer and I love using it. Definitely an overkill. I didn’t even imagine the tons of features and possibilities it throws at me.
@@legacyShredder1 I have a Yamaha mg10ufx analog with FX and usb out to pc with Adobe audition. I want to record my drums with 3 mic setup, then edit and mix on the pc, then record a bass guitar direct into the mixer. Combine the drums and bass so I can send an MP3 to the singer of my band so he can work on his vocals at his house with his boss digital 8 track recorder he has for 15 years, dunno the model no. This current setup is awkward to figure out, thanks.
In other words, the three different interfaces can achieve the same outcome, (if you use EQ and compression in the DAW) but with varying levels of effort? (Yes, I understand that the mixer capabilities will allow you to record multiple tracks at the same time, but this can still be reproduced separately...)
This is how it was explained to me. If you have 1-2 devices. Get a regular Focusrite interface. If you're hooking up more than 2, go with a mixer. Get one with USB so you can record the main mix on your DAW. I got a Allen & Heath Zed10.
@@ShouriSeifuku I'm looking at the Zed10 myself but on the fence after I see how all these other hybrids get mixed reviews regarding the interface quality, ease to use etc...with the four channels/tracks that can be sent out via USB they don't carry over FX set on the mixer correct? I can live with it. I'm about to give up on a hybrid the Zed10 is my final possible solution. Thx
Focusrite-Instrument/Mic/Vox/or Podcast for 2 mono/stereo, Behringer-Instruments ready to go on the fly (pre-fader) mono/stereo, Zoom-Drum mic seps (kick,snare,rack etc...) mono/stereo (the Golden ticket) how I have always used or imagined these three different tools.
The difference between a mixer (that happens to have a USB to PC interface) and a dedicated audio input device (e.g. Focusrite Scarlet) is that the Scarlet is designed to capture into your DAW the _cleanest_, _purest_, _best sounding_ audio possible. It achieves this by having FAR SUPERIOR preamps than mixers have. By having order of magnitude better electronics for real-time monitoring and signal quality. The DAW is then used to compress, add effects, equalize, etc after the signal is captured in your PC.That's what DAWs are for! This is why mixers are a fraction of the price of a true audio input device, like the Scarlet. They are designed for 2 different purposes. :)
1 Audio interfaces are Input and Output of DAW Mixers, 2 Mixers are Signal routing Devices 3 Mixers with audio interfaces included are like separate Mixers that have their output connected to audio interfaces Inputs
There is a MAJOR difference in a MIDI interface, and any kind of mixer. The MIDI interface is also your EXTERNAL SOUND CARD for playback. My playback is generally through JBL LSR 308's. and for my size recording area is great. This is why I prefer Steinberg to several others, because there are options like Rupert Neve transformers, and once you are at the 8 input level, they may be stacked to provide 24 inputs, all on individual tracks. In your DAW, all of those effects may be added, (such as compression, delay, reverb, etc.). With a mixer, you are recording to the tracks "wet", which cannot be changed once you have laid the track, without recording the track again with the changes. With an interface, (except for gain), you are recording "dry", and may make changes in the DAW, even after people have left.
Knutsel Smurf I came here looking for what Daw is. So I guess it just means “computer” right? That is, if we are going to use our computer to edit the audio?
Zoom for me, I've been waiting for a USB mixer that gives me 12 outputs to USB and this is it. I'll be using it with the Presonus Studio One 5 DAW. Thanks for all the good, clear information! Keep up the good work brother!
I think this explained well the differences. However, it also gave the impression that the Zoom is having advantages over the Focusrite unit. However, it also has a significant disadvantage: the sound. The Focusrite is a much better sounding device than the Zoom unit.
On the behringer, would you be able to run a signal into channel 1 then feed it back through channel 2 and record both? If so, how much latency would that cause? What I’d like to do is record a straight clean signal on one channel and then use the onboard compressor and eq to create a monitoring channel with some simple/quick processing without running any plugins
Quality? How can you approach quality? When someone doesn't know what the shit actually is? And the quality? Every piece of this cheap equipment available surpasses minimum NAB specifications. So quality discussions are not even a factor here. Everything passes 50-15,000 Hz ± 2 DB with, 55 DB signal-to-noise ratio and 1% distortion. And if you don't know how to get a professional great sounding recording out of that? You are a rank amateur beginner. I mean I do prefer my personal vintage Neve or API audio consoles. But I will use anything that works.. And it was good enough for live, worldwide, coast-to-coast broadcasts of music entertainment events and multiple major music award nominations. With a 100% technical and acoustic compromise. So what the hell are you talking about? A Beringer. Can do it just as well as my Neve and API. And I've proven that. What have you proved? Quality? You don't know what you're talking about. The quality is in the engineering. Not in the equipment. In case you hadn't noticed? So you might want to think about that next time before you Popoff on an assumption over equipment. As I know how to design and build the shit.. So I don't have to. Everyone else has. Sometimes I do. I used to. I got tired of building large frame 24 input audio consoles by myself. Much easier just to purchase a Neve, API or Beringer. To get the job done. It doesn't matter which. I'm sorry I picked you out from all of the others. But I just thought you should know that. I'm a 50 year professional here. And 20 of that was spent with NBC TV & Radio. And I would have between 3 million and 10 million people listening to my audio every fucking night of the week. Now, that get a little intimidating. Ya think? And if something fails or blows up. You grab what ever you can that works. And it still has to sound like a hit record in 60 seconds or less. Try that. I'm a different kind of recording engineer. You only know one kind. I'm the other kind. A real true to life professional one. Because I'm also a live network coast-to-coast broadcaster. And you have to get everything right on, Take-1. And you need to push up your hit mix in 60 seconds. Without ever knowing the band you are recording and mixing. And it has to sound like hit record, instantly. On whatever equipment has been put before you. And all cheap microphones. Cheap PA microphones. Not a single decent studio microphone. So of course you can't get a good recording that way, right? Wrong! You have to. You don't have any choice. It's do or die. You are coast-to-coast and worldwide on the satellite. On the MTV satellite. And that's not a gold record's worth. That's not a platinum records worth. That's 10 platinum records worth! In 60 seconds or less. And I am never sober doing that. You can't be. Because if you are? You think it through too much. And that screws you up. That bogs you down. So you must consume a lot of green combustibles and/or vapor. And lots of beer. You can never do that sober! You're not supposed to! That's not how you get rock 'n' roll hits. Being sober. Much less having 10 million people listen to your mixing all at once. And with chart topping groups. Groups I don't listen to. I just record them. I record music. I don't record computers. I record actual musicians and singers. What a concept! Who would have ever thunk you didn't need a computer? But I still like them and use them every day for my audio and my video productions. And because as an actual Audio Engineer. When you work for a major television network for 20 years. You learn about video through osmosis. Reverse osmosis. And so I can produce network television coast-to-coast shows of rock 'n' roll entertainment events no problem. Even television coast-to-coast news programming. I cover all the food groups. Expertly. At the top of the heap of Audio Engineers. There is no finer I happened to be one of the greatest in the world. Through no fault of my own. I went to the University of Marijuana. And got a degree in Fucking Around Sound. I know how to FUCK sound better than anybody else on the planet. And I do it with all cheap microphones. I've got the really expensive luxury collectors microphones from Germany. I hardly ever use them. And I certainly don't use them on cheap rock 'n' roll productions. You don't really need them in the digital age today. You can get everything you need from a SM-57. Along with a large oversized foam pop filter. Don't forget that foam pop filter. The oversized ones. Not the one designed for the 57 or 58's. Those are too small. You need lips to be a certain distance from the microphone diaphragm. And when they are too close they don't sound good. They sound blatty. From all of that proximity effect. Ugh! And so you high-pass filter heavily at, 250-300 Hz. And then you limit the crap out of it at 50:1. And make that meter look like your windshield wipers on your car during a torrential downpour in a hurricane at 70 mph. And you get a vocal that sounds good. That will sound very natural. In that very unnatural way. I mean I also used to work with Bob Clearmountain and George Massenburg for Christ sake! So I learned a few things. What have you learned? And from whom and what? Are you the voice of real experience? Somehow I think not. So I'm really not here to batter you. I just want you to understand what you said was wrong. Flat wrong. Or maybe it was sharp wrong? Do you have Auto Tune? I do. I use it sparingly. I only use it on people that are worthy to use it upon. Those that can actually deliver a great performance to an audience. Not a fake no talent. I won't do that. I refuse.. I have my integrity and track record still intact. I am not an engineering prostitute. I don't take on every Tom, Dick and Harry. Unless it's a live broadcast. Then I am under contract to do so. And my rates are higher for those I don't care much for. So I'm selective. With what I take on and whom. Because when you're good you're good. And you don't work with amateurs. I don't work with amateurs. I mean I will if they are friends. So there's a lot to learn about audio. It's like voodoo. Like black man. You can do all the wrong things and get a great recording. Or you can do all the right things and get a simply miserable sounding recording. And maybe because you are using state-of-the-art equipment? Which I don't care much for. It's too brittle and too metallic,, too thin and wispy sounding. I like the old stuff. It has more bite. More balls. More warmth. More impact. And it is familiar sounding. Everybody knows the sound even if they don't know the sound that they are listening to. They just know they like what they're hearing. Because it's familiar. It has nothing to do with the specifications. In other words. So FUCK the specifications kiddo. They all exceed NAB specifications. It's up to you to make it sound good. That's our job. That's my career. RemyRAD FETsounds.com
@@RemyRAD I didn't mean to suggest you don't know it all, just simply if you are going to buy one of these boxes like the MOTU and Presonus Audiobox, you might as well get the one with the best specs.
Good info. I'd add that which one may work best depends on how you work...if you are doing the 'one man band, one track at a time thing', and have , say, a single single guitar amp and/or keyboard and vocal mic that you use most of the time , the Focusrite is great for that. If you have buddies that you want to record them at the same time, the Zoom is great for that. If you are just one person doing the 'one man band, one track at a time' thing but have multiple amps , preamps that you'd like to use on a whim or other gear (like maybe an acoustic drumkit that you've got mic'd up) , the Behringer works great for that because you can leave each devices output (or mic'd output) plugged into it's own channel without having to constantly re-patch like you would on the Focusrite. I wouldn't worrry about sound quality either amongst the three. They are all going to be good and the real deciding factor on your end results will still come down to your sound mixing/engineering chops which you can hone over time.
how to connect audio interface to a mixer or connect mixer to audio interface with a condenser mic and which option is resulting a great audio quality : audio interface to mixer to computer or mixer to audio interface to computer ?
Thank you so much my friend. I’ve been shopping for an interface even though I already have a Yamaha mixer I use live and I have zoom HR 16 I’ve used for recording. Realizing now I’m already holding two methods to get into a DAW. Which I’m also shopping for both a new computer and then a daw. I’m excited. Thank you sir.
The A/D converter and the preamps of the Focusrite are far superior than those that are built in to a mixer, though many may argue. The mixer style interfaces are simpler and are multi use devices. I don't believe the preamp quality is as good as a stand alone interface but the average Joe probably couldn't hear the difference. There is some versatility with the Focusrite as it can be used as stand alone A/D converter only. This allows the user to use his or her's favorite "flavor" external preamp, processors, etc... Great explanation! Thanks for posting.
hello average joe, you can even get like behringer uca 222 for like 20 bucks and ad converter wise it will be completely comparable with far more expensive dedicated interfaces.
I take my mixers main outs to a 2ch USB audio interface. Voc, bass, guitar amp, fractal, roland drums, keys, bass pedal all ready to go at all times in my DAW and to the PA. Individual drums would be ideal but then I am into 25 or more inputs if all instruments were input seperate.
Thank you very much! So basically Audio Interface is intended for recording and getting clean signal directly from microphone, while mixers are intended for live mixing and playing on stage. What mixer model would you suggest for small performances with following options? - USB powered or with portable power - Small and portable - 2 mono in (48V not necessary), 1 stereo, 1 stereo out - sound effects (Reverb + delay with option to control delay speed if possible) - As cheep as possible for normal quality
I got confused! ‘Cause even though the Scarlett interface doesn’t have a mixer you can still manage the mixer with the software right? Like I have Ableton Live and also logic. Do you understand what I’m trying to get too?
You are correct, you can set levels and et cetera with the software, but if you have 2 or more people there and you are concentrating on making music it is very, very nice to just have a physical knob that you turn without having to point and click on the computer.
Bro I had no idea but now I got an understanding. I’m a beginner. I had no idea of how they worked. You’re way of explaining is good. I’d take it is on the coffee a little but regardless you aught to be a professor. It was easy for me to understand. Thank you.
Looking for some advice on what to buy. A new audio interface or a mixer? I currently have an audio interface (m-audio fast track pro) with 2 mic/line ins. I have a hardware sampler as well as a turntable as my only current external gear. I do all my other production work and mixing in my DAW. When I record something into my DAW it is either the output of my sampler or the turntable. Always one at a time. So when my sampler is plugged into the two line ins I can't hear the record thats playing on the turntable and vice versa. Also, the interface only has 2 outs. So lets say, when I hear something I wanna sample, I take one of the cables (line out) that goes into one of my monitors, and plug into the sampler. After I'm done sampling (usually in mono) I switch the cable back up and i'm good to go. While this works ultimately, I end up fiddling around with cables more then I like. Also, I should note that I plan on adding a mic to my setup to record stuff like vocals as well. So while I won't be recording a bunch of stuff at the same time, I do want to hear everything without switching up cables. So what is the better choice? An audio-interface with at least 4 line-ins and outs? Or a mixer with multiple line-ins and outs? Thanks in advance.
XLR = Neutral, Left , Right. Each XLR input needs two faders, one for left ch. and one for right ch. to have stereo! Each sound 'Board' is rated by how many 'Line inputs" the machine has. Usually the more the better for other instruments & vocals. I'm using old school Tascam has a wave file pc capability.
I think you left out the most important question which is why would anyone want a simple interface instead of a mixer that has so many extra features. It seems that simple audio interfaces are usually more expensive than similar mixers so why would anyone choose the interface? It seems by the info in your video that it makes no sense to buy an interface instead of a mixer with the same in/out capability. What about sound quality? What about flexibility? I think this video is to answer questions that a beginner would have and a beginner would still not know which one to choose. We see simple interfaces costing more than a fancy looking mixer with the same number of ins and outs. So how does a beginner decide which one to get. My suggestion is to think about answering beginners questions when making beginner videos so they walk away much less confused and now knowing what to do. Thanks for caring and making music production videos.
Oh wow. Thanks for actually providing constructive feedback rather than simply poking fun or insulting me. Seriously, thanks for the feedback. I am sorting out the feedback and questions and planning some follow up videos. Keeping the beginner questions in mind is valuable.
Best video with the simplest and precise information. Thanks bro. If the mixer I can buy only have two recognizable channels on the daw, then there is no point in getting rid of my scarlett for a mixer. Thanks God I watched this video before I get the mixer.
I have both an interface (Presonus Audiobox) and a usb mixer (Behringer X2222). They're both really good. But, I found using the mixer suits me more. It gives me the option of both analog and digital recording. I have 16 tracks with built in effects that can be used to record guitar, turntables, multiple vocals, etc into my DAW without too much worries about unwanted background noises.
I never was able to record using only the Behringer mixer (I have tge same model of your vídeo). The ASIO driver simply didn't work or I did something wrong. Thanks for your video.
One big difference is many audio interfaces have MIDI in and out while mixers generally don't. My MOTU audio interface (and I presume other audio interfaces) does have EQ compression and reverb which is tricky to do in hardware but you can use the included software.
I use the Scarlet 2i2 and a Tascam Model 24 mainly because I can't figure out how to use the model 24 for a live performances while live streaming online. You can either be in PC mode or Live mode. I need both at the same time so I use the Tascam M24 to push the live performance through the main stage speakers and I connect the Scarlet 2i2 via usb to my mac and then regular audio inputs from the Tascam. If anyone knows a better way I'm all ears. If not for the need to livestream the Tascam M24 would be the only interface and the ultimate tool.
Wow man. I didn’t know multitrack mixers were a thing until this video - I was researching USB mixers until I saw this. I really needed this basic info. I’m getting started and this is so helpful.
Nice video my friend. The Zoom L-12 looks like a great solution! I get asked about a good hybrid interface/mixer a lot and currently recommend the Presonus Studiolive, but this Zoom looks great for the price point.
Thanks again, Matt! Great breakdown . I have a Behringer board usb . Try to record live band in the garage and send a signal to my studio one DAW in the most efficient easiest way possible. Good start. Going to work now.
An expected quality comparison would be interesting. I would guess the Focusrite gets better quality than the Behringer because all signals have to go through the channel strip filters. Any filter introduces noise and distortion. The Zoom gives you DAW inputs right after gain/comp to avoid this thing exactly. Imagine summed up noise and distortion from 12 channels in your project. So yeah I think quality considerations should be discussed a bit due to how these things work.
Most all audio interfaces suffer from latency issues, that's just how it is... low end mixers also suffer from the same issue, high end ones do not. I am sad to have seen the demise of FireWire. I own a Mackie 1640i (16 channel firewire mixer with integrated 16 channel audio interface). With all 16 channels sending to my computer, being processed for EQ, reverb, compression limiters and several other plug-ins and latency is still at 8.6ms (on a well optimized setup, of course), well under the threshold of being audible. There is no audio interface to my knowledge that can do that. :)
@INFINITE 2020 Several other options out there too, QSC Touchmix (8, 16, 30), Presonus, etc... and no the Mackie 1640 was a great analog mixer with integrated firewire interface. I *think* it was Mackie that started it all way back then. :)
Behringer uca is cheap and fast! RUclips with beamer and audio set.... Hall with 150 persons, 500w active speakers,. No latency seen in video's! No hum or hiss, video stop is complete silence... Using earplug from computer always gives extra sounds...
thanks! this was by far the best explanation about multitrack going through the daw above all on RUclips ❤
4 года назад+5
Hello, can you help me? I have Rode Procaster and Behringer Umc22. But i have environmental noise like PC's fan and my voice is muffled. What should i do? I want most clear voice. Nowadays im looking to "Triton Audio FetHead". But i think my audio interface is bad. Should i buy mixer or audio interface or fethead? I have a few models on my mind. Scarlett 2i2 or Behringer XENYX Q802USB. I will use only microphone so i dont need more channels.
hi! i used to be in the same situation as you if you have room noise neither of your option will help it, but if the problem is the interface preamp adding white noise to your recordings, the fetheat works amazing i used myself with a sm58 and got noise free recordings
What microphone are you using? If you have a condenser microphone it will pick up a lot of background noise. A dynamic microphone is better at rejecting it.
Put the pc in another room or in a closet. I have the furnace room behind my room so I routed the cables to that room with a wall plate with connections and have my 2 towers there. From my room I can switch video inputs with a video switcher and have 2 monitors for each desktop pc. I have USB and FireWire extensions on my desk to those machines, no more noise problems and pure quietness. Total was about 100$ wall plates and female extension cables for FireWire and USB. No more noisy GPU fans !!!
I use the 18i20 in combination with Cakewalk and when it comes to that there is no limitation to the possibilities compared to the L12. In reality the Focusrite (IMHO) would be the best option for home studio recording. The L12 is nice to have in a rehearsal environment or even small live settings... All EQ'ing and other options like effects etc. can be done through the virtual mixer present in the DAW... On top of that, the Focusrite takes a lot less space which in turn is a big advantage to me... Nice video though...
Advice I've gotten from different, knowledgeable people is, that for vocals or voiceover, at least, the 2i2 and other comparable interfaces are the better choice. My take was that the pre-amp is better. I'd like to hear your thoughts on that subject. You didn't discuss the mixers' pre-amps. I have an old Soundcraft 16-channel, analog mixer that I'm running my mic through, and it's connected to my 2i2 Gen 3 interface. I'm using the mixer strictly as pre-interface/DAW and I haven't done any lengthy recording with it yet because I just got the interface. But I like the fact that I can use the mixer's EQ before it goes to my DAW. The down-side as I see it, I'll have to document all the mixer settings because they aren't saved in the recording itself, and to change EQ settings i'd have to re-record the track(s) or add an EQ plugin to re-EQ the track after it's been recorded. The mixer doesn't have a compressor so I can use the one in Pro-Tools 12.6 or add an external compressor, but that's too much money when I can do it in PT. By the way, I got the mixer free, so I don't have any investment in it. My church upgraded their mixer; I saw the old mixer in a drawer and asked if I could have it or purchase it for little cost to me. The sound guy gave it too me. I love it. Never hurts to ask. The worst they could've said was "No."
Nice review, but what is the difference between those build in preamps, because Focusrite has already some famous ones onboard. Is that the same with the two mixers?
The more slidey things the better! Get the big one, then plug it into an even bigger one and then, Only then, will you make good music. Or something like that
Amazing review, thank you so much! I've seen other videos but yours made me see the actual difference. I have a question that I think your input would be very helpful for. I want to record a great sounding record at home. Is Focusrite Scarlett a must? I have been reading reviews and the manufacturer, as well as clients, praise it for great sound quality. Now here's my problem - I really love how the Behringer mixer(or some other brand, doesn't really matter) provides a live knob control over the sound. Would the quality of the recording suffer if I used a sound mixer instead? My understanding is, a mixer offers more functions at the expense of the sound quality. Am I right in this? Can I make a great sounding record using a mixer instead of the Scalett Solo?
If you're to record real drums, get something like the L12. If you're going to use sample drums, get a Scarlett with 2 inputs (not the Solo, thats not for making record, as you'll want to record stereo sources, I'm guessing keyboards and possibly acoustic guitar). Dont bother with something like the Berhinger, it's more suited as a live mixing board that can record. You can trust my word with this stuff. Youll get the knobs on the screen, and then some. Not as fun to play with, but welcome to the century!
That's really a good explaination. At this stage I'm considering Zoom L-20 and Behringer x18 air for my band which I expect to have a double function ie. as a mixer and as an audio interface for home studio recording. Could you please review those items and describe the pros and cons. Thanks
I use the L12 (and the tascam model 16) for my personal recording work and business, and the xAir for our church studio. It all depends on what User interface you prefer. I Came up doing live sound in the early 2000s, so the best part of the L12/20 for me is the knobs and faders for gain, compression, and eq. If you don't want or need the physical knobs, the xair has better slightly preamps, better effect options and a smaller footprint. If you're doing all your mixing in the DAW anyway it's a bit less important to have the knobs. plus being able to use the app to do gain reduction or baked in eq/effects from anywhere in the studio is great. but like the option to do a rough mix and recording without having to menu dive, and sometimes you miss the feel of knobs, you know? lol. xAir also seems to have lower latency standard, but you can just lower the sample rate.
I bought the Behringer Xenyx UFX 1204. I like it. I can have untill 16 inputs and it has a standalone recording function where I get all tracks seperated exept just the stereo master signal like usual interfaces do.
Very helpful and very detailed!! Thank you so much!! I was able to comprehend most of this...I do like your way of presenting the material...with actual examples...i.e. plug this microphone, guitar or synth, etc. into this input, and then follow the channel. :D
I have the Livetrak L-12. And the L-8. And the L-20. I love them. =) Prior to getting the L-12, I've always used a mixer to an interface, but having the interface built in to the mixer is so much more convenient. (Although I actually still use my interface... in order to get a separate input for voice chat so I can work on music and still be logged into Discord at the same time.) One thing about the Livetrak is that they include SD recorders. So you don't even need a computer for live recording. This lets you record on site, then bring the recording home and work with it in your DAW without taking your computer to a gig.
MAN!, you forget the importence of the drivers!... damn, that is the most crucial thing ever!... the Focusrite 2i2 has better driver than the Behringer Q1202, because Focusrite makes their own custom drivers which is way better then what the Behringer utilizes, the Q1202 only uses the generic ASIO driver. Basicly it means a lot compared to each other, especially when talking about latency, which you will most definitely get to experince the bad side of... With the Focurite 2i2 you can go down to under a 100m/s, which is almost unhearable BUT the Q1202 which uses generic ASIO and ASIO4ALL can only go as low as 512m/s which is easily hearable especially when recording voice or solo guitar and drums...
A very good point to bring up. There is a third party audio driver called "ASIO4ALL" that is free to use. It offers very low latency. Just install it and select it as the driver in your DAW.
@@elilegault693 you dont read what i'm saying..... i'm saying that ASIO4ALL is also a bitch to work with. allways select a Audio interface that has their own designed drivers...
2CH USB interface like the Focusrite 2i2 is redundant if you have mixer with 2CH USB connection. Only reason you'd want the Focusrite 2i2 is if you need much higher sampling rate and bit depth.
For more information about how audio interfaces work inside of a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), check out this video here: ruclips.net/video/BKogTtEy3EU/видео.html
Very informative, despite not having a mixer this was a well done visual explanation. No more doubts after watching your video. Cheers
With Covid many are streaming live through Face Book. I have a Zoom 24 which we plug into a 222 interface then into a Iphone then Facebook. Limited with only one Camera. worse is getting the 6222 interface to fireup plugging into phone. Using a flimsy patch chord for USB and phone charger into IPhone. I have a mac, ( wife’s)
Would like to start streaming from mac and use Camera’s or Camera. Mac has built in Recorder. Connected to WiFi.
Can U DO A TUTORIAL GOING IN DEPTH WITH THE ZOOM PLEASE SIR
I LIKE YUR VIDEOS BEST CAUSE U DONT DO ALOT OF TALKING ABOUT BS. U GET RIGHT TO IT. THX. AND I AM SUBSCRIBED
Why did anyone give a thumbs down? If you're new digital audio, and really don't what's what, everything can seem overwhelming.
This video is spot on when it comes to understanding some important fundamentals. It lets beginners know what features
might or might not matter for their purposes. Nice job Matthew!
Don't focus on the 1 negative person compare it to the huge number of positive people.
This is SO helpful! Never knew mixers like the Zoom existed! So you could multitrack record a live band gig with the Zoom L12 with each instrument on a separate channel to be mixed later. This is great. Thank you!
yeah this thing seems like exactly what i need.
its a great zoom mixer , the best and ecomic option, the livetrack L20 its a incredible
They also have the L20. This guy just talked me into buying it!!! Awesome
A USB mixer is very valuable when you're in a band. Every time a band I'm in has a jam session, I mic everything up and hit record. I still have a Presonus Studio 24c on top of my Presonus ar16 mixer. Both serve different roles for me but if you can only justify buying one or the other and you think for one second that you will need 8 or more inputs at once, get the mixer. It will still run studio monitors and will do everything an interface can while being much more flexible for monitoring yourself
this is exactly what i needed to hear/learn . thank you. the bit about the zoom having its own ability to record multi-track as opposed to the master, thats gold right there
I'm kind of surprised that some important points were not touched on...
- Types: There are 2 kinds of USB mixers... stereo and multitrack (able to record more than 2 channels at a time to separate files)
- Functionality: Audio interfaces record to computers, as do some mixers, but some mixers also capture multitrack to SD/SSD/externals drivers, no need for a computer!
- Size: Though more limited in features, audio interfaces are generally smaller. Mixers offer more options, but are bigger.
- For home recording, both can do a good job. For live work, only a mixer can get that job done properly.
- Price: Pretty good audio interfaces are available at ridiculously CHEAP prices nowadays (under $50!), good mixers are much more expensive.
Basically they service different needs, but the most versatile one is definitely a good USB multitrack mixer, those simply "do it all".
Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
"There are 2 kinds of USB mixers, stereo and multitrack (etc)"
This is the very first thing he compares in the video, that the behringer only supplies 2 inputs, in the computer, compared to the zoom, which provides 14.
I'm not sure how anybody watching the video could miss the differences in size of the different hardware... I'm also not convinced that a 1u audio interface, with multiple inputs, would be much smaller than the zoom
Instead of being surprised that someone else hasn't measured up to what you deem as an acceptable info video, why don't you do your own one? That way you'll avoid sounding pretentious and entitled.
ROFL... instead of telling someone that they sound entitled, post something of value, at least I added something it terms of types, functioanlity, size and price. You added what... a smartass comment? Don't overextend your mental capabilities my friend.
Thanks a lot!
Infrasound Ultrasound you would struggle to hear the difference between them these days...
Thank you for providing a clear understanding on the difference between these units. I've been trying to wrap my head around this topic for six months. This knowledge is going to save me $$$ now that I can make an informed decision.
Please do a 2nd part to this comparison and test out the difference in round trip latency, preamp gain, signal to noise ratio, A/D conversion, and D/A conversion. It's not a full comparison without comparing and testing these crucial properties.
exactly, I agree with you! second part please
I don't think the goal was a full comparison, just an overview... but having latency comparisons would have definitely been nice.
Mixer vs Latency. Nuff said.
I also agree the need for a 2nd part, the DAC's are as f'ing crucial as good monitors, preamps come in second. Granted most think videos done on a phone are good enough, but not doing that and doing the research on getting clean audio will make your crap shine like cougars cooch who spots a young busboy...
Yes, and an audio quality test! Audio quality between different interfaces varies widely in my experience.
More important than discussing what “shows up” as inputs in your DAW, are the differences of analog to digital conversion, latency, and the quality of pres between devices. Many interfaces allow for switchable impedance that a lot of even high end mixers don’t bother with. There is a lot missing here and I just hope that beginners don’t just go running for a USB mixer when a cheap mixer in front of a decent interface can accomplish wonders.
Thanks for mentioning the impedance issue. It almost seems like a dirty little secret that USB mixers for home use are no good for guitars or a bass . The output is very weak and requires a DI box to connect to the XLR inputs. I wonder how many are wondering why their electric guitar sound is so weak using the built in inputs
@@peterbelanger636 The Zoom does have a switch for Hi-Z input impedance on channels one and two. But yeah, understanding levels and where/how to apply gain are difficult things to understand if you don't have an electronics background.
I have both the L12 and 2i2, the L12 has much lower latency which is great for soft synths and I love having everything connected and just selecting which inputs to record. L12 all the way!
I prefer to get an outstanding interface without a mixer and without any effects. I have an Apollo Quad. Through that unit I connect outboard gear such as a stereo compressor graphic equalizer and a lexicon digital effects processor. Most of time however, I do everything through my DAWS and use my Waves, Softube, or Universal Audio plugins. Or use the Logic Pro / Pro Tools plugins. I control my DAWS and through a Beringher X Touch console designed solely for that purpose. Through this set up, I have the best of all worlds: high end interfacing with practically no latency (the clarity without noise is hard to describe). Moreover, there is no redundancy associated with using a separate mixer (use either the mouse or X Touch to control this through the DAW). There also is no redundancy of having effects on a mixer\interface. Unless I had a 100k SSL Board, I would never use onboard compression or EQ.
I just discovered your channel. I swear I’m gonna get my degree in audio engineering with your tutorials.
This was very helpful.
I think I would look at it as
Focusrite - USB recording multi-track, play to Amp or Monitors, headphones
Behringer - performing, play to Amp or Monitors, simple recording (USB)
Zoom - performing, USB multitrack recording, AND later remixing via a DAW - you have each channel AND the Mix Out.
You have to read the manuals, I guess(!)
Not the most experienced guy here, but I feel like if you're going to spend a good bit of time in the daw, then the focusrite recording straight to the daw would save a step or 2 over the zoom. But I have 0xp in the zoom. Focusrite sounds good and suits my needs and space constraints, but I don't run a studio, just like to record for myself. I also use Superior drummer 3, so no need for a bunch of extra channels for me. Just my 2¢
I've struggled to find videos that explain all this in the way you have. My main take away is which devices output more than 2 channels through the USB post. Thank you.
The Allen and Heath Zen 10fx sends out four seperate channels/tracks to a DAW apparently. What I'm looking at, for now.
That may be the way that mixer works.. but your usb mixer should record each channel individually and you should be able to assign channels on 1-8 as mono and 9-12 as stereo. The master outputs are only for monitor referencing
You can record the master bus as 13/14 with the L-12.
I chuckled when you said "Give me your input".. While talking about audio interfaces. Lol
Thanks for clarifying this. The behringer xenyx 1204usb is everything I needed for my home studio / jam band setup. Drums, bass, keyboard, synth. No nonsense, live setup. I prefer to do less post-production. The only purpose of the usb interface is for recording to DAW. The idea of having each signal it’s own track is nice too but it’s not everything for me, plus the xenyx mixer is just so affordable, does everything I want it to do. i used to connect a Scarlett 6i6 and a mini mixer and patch parts together, with some bad signals , and some options lacking. I also use wireless set up for in ear monitors (the cheapest) which works good enough. Technology is just getting so much more accessible now
Hi Matt, of all the guys on RUclips that describe how to do things in detail and slowly, you are the one the best. Everything you describe how to use in your tutorials, you do so very well. I've learnt so much from you already. Appreciate your videos so much. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much for this Video :) I`m was planning to buy a Behringer Q802 USB and all Reviews dont explain how it`s interacting with USB-PC-Interfaces. You are the first one I could find who explains this for an uninvolved guy :D Thank you so much!
Finally someone to explain the things I need! Thank you! I thought I could use my 3rd gen 2i2 to record karaoke, but now I know why there is no mixing :) I can use XLR1 with mic, XLR2 with mono track, which will result in left and right channels in DAW. Then I have to use the software to mix them......
Good basic overview. One thing left out is “who” might choose each option.
Home recording only project studio- interface.
Small combo doing pub gigs and also some live or studio recording 2 tracks only- usb mixer
Full band performing live that wants to record live multitrack and mixdown later- multitrack mixer.
This is not set in stone and there is a little crossover but this is the most likely application.
Good video Matthew - i have the Zoom L-12 and its awesome. What some people probably wont know is that whilst you can use it as an audio interface like you mentioned, it can also record simultaneously to the SD card by the same 14 channels - ie 12 inputs plus the L/R master. Say for example you want to record a live gig - then when you get home take the SD card and all the individual files per channel are saved plus the stereo mix. You can then pass that (SD card or copy of the riles) around the band and everyone has all material to then copy straight into their own DAW and play around with. The quality is absolutely excellent. Also i just bought the scarlet 2i2 since i travel a lot and wanted something dedicated to just me, my guitar, mic and my laptop - only just got it but already love that. I cant recommend the L-12 enough - its amazing live mixer - and the USB and SD side are real bonuses - plus there are 9 scene recalls for the mix - not automated but easy to use. Also the blue channel strip function with all the EQ etc is brilliant and easy to use - plus the built in effects are very good - although i didn't get that to give two different effects at same time - say one effect for vocal and another for acoustic guitar, but her - for $500 or so who's complaining. The L-12 is light quite robust and very very intuitive. Cheers
Sd card remains in the zoom and can be accessed by your computer without removing it.. it appears as a drive so you can copy to the computer or copy files from the computer. You just need to activate that mode in the zoom mixer menu
I don't speak English, but I put the translator and I could understand you clearly. I have the Behringer Xeny X1204 and I thank you for the explanation. Saludos desde Lima - Perú
I'm glad you did this video... I tried to integrate my
Zoom r24 with Cubase 10 and was unsuccessful. I ended up using my Yamaha mixer 12 channel as my audio interface...great info thanks
Why was it unsuccessful ? I was using my R24 with Reaper without any problem.. Maybe you didn't manage to switch it into audio interface mode, or didn't install the Asio driver ?
A little of both for the r24, it was very unstable, with crazy latency, but you are very close with your assumptions, lack of experience and needing to read more case instructions would have helped... but now I'm happy with my work flow
@@pumpalBo thank you for your input, I'm not sure what the issue was because I did both of what you mentioned
Dude! In the past year I've purchased a new Focusrite, a Zoom L-12, AND a MPC LIVE II...came across your videos recently and you cover everything I have. THANK YOU!!!
Nice. Fun times!
When trying to make a decision on what type of USB mixer interface to buy, it is crucial to know the difference between multi-tracking verse a stereo mix into your computer. When you are recording a band you definitely need multi-tracking into your computer. Thanks for the great information. I've been trying to figure this out for weeks. Excellent job, Matthew!
how can i tell if a mixer has multi-tracking?
One important point that should also be addressed is why choose the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 or a similar interface instead of the Behringer 1202 or a similar USB mixer. On the surface they do the same thing (2 channels inside the PC) plus the Behringer can be used as standalone mixer and you have much more functionality/knobs etc while Focusrite is also a bit more expensive. Keep in mind that the quality of the ADC in the Scarlett is supposed to be higher quality so you will get a much better signal inside your PC. It is also worth checking the latency that both give you since this also plays a big part in recording especially if you create multiple tracks one after the other to create a song. So it depends on what you what to do. If you don't have a live setting where you want to mix a lot of instruments/mics and record them (for example you have a DAW + a midi keyboard + maybe a microphone and you are creating some EDM or you connect a guitar once in a while to layer some chords) the Focusrite could be the better choice.
It has been awhile since I have connected with your content, good to see you are killin' git man!
Hey! Yeah I haven't seen you on here in a while. Good to hear from you.
@@MatthewStratton Thanks bro, I haven't gotten any new hardware in awhile so I have mostly just been making new music and playing with what I got. You are my go to spot when my studio gets bigger. Because I live in Colombia and only buy stuff when I go see my parents in USA I haven't got anything new because I don't want to get on airplane until this current situation is a little safer.
What about rack recording? Do you have a rack compressor? Equalizer? I see those thing sweetwater.com and a compressor can be 2000 dollars! All the pro studios have them, is that hardware compression and equalization the difference between that homemade DAW sound and a professional mix? I am saving up and thinking about getting less and less digital and more and more analog. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Two companies that have caught my eye Tube Tech (super expensive but the stuff sounds amazing and looks incredible) Retro audio, they really look to get the sound from the time period of my favorite musicians, and lastly Warm Audio. They seem to be the entry level into hardware production, for sure the cheapest of the three but the products look beautiful and sound great from what I can hear.
Thanks brother!
I have a Focusrite 2i2 interface and also a Yamaha mixer with USB interface. However I would not use the Yamaha mixer as a DAW recording input or a monitoring output simply on quality grounds. The Focusrite will have better quality convertors both for recording and for monitoring and that is why you would probably buy the Focusrite over the mixers shown.
Hi Dave. Looking at your comment I assume you must have the Yamaha AG03 or AG06 right? I am in doubt about getting the AG03 or a pure interface because I intend to record not only tracks but also videos covering songs with backing tracks, and this is where I believe the mixer would be really useful, to get my bass and the auxiliary backing track to the mixer and directly to the video recording software. Since you have both devices, maybe you could share some thoughts. Thanks!
Hi Thiago, I've got an MG10XUF so 4 mic ins but full length faders. To be fair the AG series look to be more like interfaces with extra features rather than mixers and looking at the specs they look to have good convertors in them. That puts them in the same category as the Focusrite interfaces and at that point you are looking for a particular set of facilities like mixer inputs in your case. My focusrite is not so good at premixing signals before recording and sometimes wish I had more signals permanently plugged in like a couple of mics and stereo keyboard even though I'm only recording two at a time! Looks like a good choice for you!
@@dpallant thanks for your reply Dave! Really appreciate your answer and your opinion. Take care!
I've just checked the specs of the MG10XUF and it has a 24bit/192kHz converter built in as well which suggests good conversion quality after all! Still feel happier using the Focusrite as final convertor particularly for monitoring.
I can do all that on my Behringer XAir 18 but I don’t, I use the XAir 18 as just an 18 channel interface, I set the usb tap point pre fader so I get a flat unprocessed recording that I then can import into a DAW so that I can mix and master at a later time I do all my live recording that way because as everyone knows a live FoH and a recording mix can be two very different animals! I can also replay that recording back through the XAir and use it as the processing in the XAir to mix the recording. I see to many people that try to record there FoH mix to get a bad recording when with the gear we have available today is not the right way to go! Yes if you are a big budget recording company and have the money to run multiple mixers and have a sound guys, one for recording and the other FoH mix then more power to you I’m just one guy on a very limited budget and if I need to record a live gig I prefer to do it the easy was then to try and keep track of how two different mixes need to sound!
I have the Alesis Multimix8 USB which looks a bit like the Behringer shown here. It cost about 150€ and does have the possibility of recording all the 12 different inputs separately to a computer, unlike the Behringer that only can send a stereo signal to the DAW. In other words, there are cheaper solutions than the Zoom. I read though that the sound quality and treatment is not identical. But I’ve been using the Alesis and for me it did the job. I agree there’s better stuff on the market, but as a non professional I can do with a little less
I'm using a Yamaha MW12c USB mixer that has a nice feature: it enables you to individually arm tracks for recording. In my case, I can talk to my audience through the mains while recording a track (with the mic's channel disarmed). Lots of cool choices out there.
I bought Zoom L12 as my very first USB interface and mixer and I love using it. Definitely an overkill. I didn’t even imagine the tons of features and possibilities it throws at me.
Thanks for the refresher man. I almost forgot that it is far easier to get multitrack recording support in an interface compared to a mixer.
What do you mean its easier to get "support"? I'm confused lol
@@alexwright4275 output support for DAW.
I have the Tascam Model 12...amazing sound Quality and Multitrack no latency recording..
@@legacyShredder1 Do those tascam outperform the zoom shown here, it seems a good option?
@@legacyShredder1 I have a Yamaha mg10ufx analog with FX and usb out to pc with Adobe audition. I want to record my drums with 3 mic setup, then edit and mix on the pc, then record a bass guitar direct into the mixer. Combine the drums and bass so I can send an MP3 to the singer of my band so he can work on his vocals at his house with his boss digital 8 track recorder he has for 15 years, dunno the model no.
This current setup is awkward to figure out, thanks.
Thanks for doing this Matthew. I never looked for a USB on the back of my Mackie mixer. There it is!
In other words, the three different interfaces can achieve the same outcome, (if you use EQ and compression in the DAW) but with varying levels of effort?
(Yes, I understand that the mixer capabilities will allow you to record multiple tracks at the same time, but this can still be reproduced separately...)
This is how it was explained to me. If you have 1-2 devices. Get a regular Focusrite interface. If you're hooking up more than 2, go with a mixer. Get one with USB so you can record the main mix on your DAW. I got a Allen & Heath Zed10.
@@ShouriSeifuku I'm looking at the Zed10 myself but on the fence after I see how all these other hybrids get mixed reviews regarding the interface quality, ease to use etc...with the four channels/tracks that can be sent out via USB they don't carry over FX set on the mixer correct? I can live with it. I'm about to give up on a hybrid the Zed10 is my final possible solution. Thx
Focusrite-Instrument/Mic/Vox/or Podcast for 2 mono/stereo, Behringer-Instruments ready to go on the fly (pre-fader) mono/stereo, Zoom-Drum mic seps (kick,snare,rack etc...) mono/stereo (the Golden ticket) how I have always used or imagined these three different tools.
The difference between a mixer (that happens to have a USB to PC interface) and a dedicated audio input device (e.g. Focusrite Scarlet) is that the Scarlet is designed to capture into your DAW the _cleanest_, _purest_, _best sounding_ audio possible. It achieves this by having FAR SUPERIOR preamps than mixers have. By having order of magnitude better electronics for real-time monitoring and signal quality. The DAW is then used to compress, add effects, equalize, etc after the signal is captured in your PC.That's what DAWs are for! This is why mixers are a fraction of the price of a true audio input device, like the Scarlet. They are designed for 2 different purposes. :)
I was looking for an answer about this coz i see many mixers available for cheap but i prefer maximum sound quality! Thanks
@@RTCLR123 Thanks for this. I was hoping the video would cover this issue.
That livetrack is all you need
1 Audio interfaces are Input and Output of DAW Mixers,
2 Mixers are Signal routing Devices
3 Mixers with audio interfaces included are like separate Mixers that have their output connected to audio interfaces Inputs
EXCELLENT this DESCRIBES the 3 of them PERFECTLY.
I stumbled across this at just the right time, thanks!
Thank Google
There is a MAJOR difference in a MIDI interface, and any kind of mixer. The MIDI interface is also your EXTERNAL SOUND CARD for playback. My playback is generally through JBL LSR 308's. and for my size recording area is great. This is why I prefer Steinberg to several others, because there are options like Rupert Neve transformers, and once you are at the 8 input level, they may be stacked to provide 24 inputs, all on individual tracks. In your DAW, all of those effects may be added, (such as compression, delay, reverb, etc.). With a mixer, you are recording to the tracks "wet", which cannot be changed once you have laid the track, without recording the track again with the changes. With an interface, (except for gain), you are recording "dry", and may make changes in the DAW, even after people have left.
I just looked it up. A Daw is a Digital Audio Workstation.
Knutsel Smurf I came here looking for what Daw is. So I guess it just means “computer” right? That is, if we are going to use our computer to edit the audio?
@@dustinoverbeck Hi Dustin. It' s computer software like Pro Tools, Nuendo or Cubase. So basically: Yes, you're right.
The computer is the computer lol . DAW just refers to the actual program being used to put together audio/music
LUDATHESHOOTER ah, ok. Thanks. It’d not obvious to me as I’m really at the beginning stages of this stuff.
You didn’t know that? 😂
Zoom for me, I've been waiting for a USB mixer that gives me 12 outputs to USB and this is it. I'll be using it with the Presonus Studio One 5 DAW. Thanks for all the good, clear information! Keep up the good work brother!
I think this explained well the differences. However, it also gave the impression that the Zoom is having advantages over the Focusrite unit. However, it also has a significant disadvantage: the sound. The Focusrite is a much better sounding device than the Zoom unit.
On the behringer, would you be able to run a signal into channel 1 then feed it back through channel 2 and record both? If so, how much latency would that cause?
What I’d like to do is record a straight clean signal on one channel and then use the onboard compressor and eq to create a monitoring channel with some simple/quick processing without running any plugins
I was hoping you'd touch on "Quality", like signal to noise, dynamic range...
StringGene I’ll put the Scarlett up vs both those mixers as far as signal quality
@@jclbuxfan Seems Motu is now the way to go regarding "advertised" s/n and dynamic range.
StringGene I’ll have to check it out
Quality? How can you approach quality? When someone doesn't know what the shit actually is? And the quality? Every piece of this cheap equipment available surpasses minimum NAB specifications. So quality discussions are not even a factor here. Everything passes 50-15,000 Hz ± 2 DB with, 55 DB signal-to-noise ratio and 1% distortion. And if you don't know how to get a professional great sounding recording out of that? You are a rank amateur beginner. I mean I do prefer my personal vintage Neve or API audio consoles. But I will use anything that works.. And it was good enough for live, worldwide, coast-to-coast broadcasts of music entertainment events and multiple major music award nominations. With a 100% technical and acoustic compromise.
So what the hell are you talking about? A Beringer. Can do it just as well as my Neve and API. And I've proven that. What have you proved? Quality? You don't know what you're talking about. The quality is in the engineering. Not in the equipment. In case you hadn't noticed?
So you might want to think about that next time before you Popoff on an assumption over equipment. As I know how to design and build the shit.. So I don't have to. Everyone else has. Sometimes I do. I used to. I got tired of building large frame 24 input audio consoles by myself. Much easier just to purchase a Neve, API or Beringer. To get the job done. It doesn't matter which.
I'm sorry I picked you out from all of the others. But I just thought you should know that. I'm a 50 year professional here. And 20 of that was spent with NBC TV & Radio. And I would have between 3 million and 10 million people listening to my audio every fucking night of the week. Now, that get a little intimidating. Ya think? And if something fails or blows up. You grab what ever you can that works. And it still has to sound like a hit record in 60 seconds or less. Try that.
I'm a different kind of recording engineer. You only know one kind. I'm the other kind. A real true to life professional one. Because I'm also a live network coast-to-coast broadcaster. And you have to get everything right on, Take-1. And you need to push up your hit mix in 60 seconds. Without ever knowing the band you are recording and mixing. And it has to sound like hit record, instantly. On whatever equipment has been put before you. And all cheap microphones. Cheap PA microphones. Not a single decent studio microphone. So of course you can't get a good recording that way, right? Wrong! You have to. You don't have any choice. It's do or die. You are coast-to-coast and worldwide on the satellite. On the MTV satellite. And that's not a gold record's worth. That's not a platinum records worth. That's 10 platinum records worth! In 60 seconds or less. And I am never sober doing that. You can't be. Because if you are? You think it through too much. And that screws you up. That bogs you down. So you must consume a lot of green combustibles and/or vapor. And lots of beer. You can never do that sober! You're not supposed to! That's not how you get rock 'n' roll hits. Being sober. Much less having 10 million people listen to your mixing all at once. And with chart topping groups. Groups I don't listen to. I just record them. I record music. I don't record computers. I record actual musicians and singers. What a concept! Who would have ever thunk you didn't need a computer? But I still like them and use them every day for my audio and my video productions. And because as an actual Audio Engineer. When you work for a major television network for 20 years. You learn about video through osmosis. Reverse osmosis. And so I can produce network television coast-to-coast shows of rock 'n' roll entertainment events no problem. Even television coast-to-coast news programming. I cover all the food groups. Expertly. At the top of the heap of Audio Engineers. There is no finer I happened to be one of the greatest in the world. Through no fault of my own. I went to the University of Marijuana. And got a degree in Fucking Around Sound. I know how to FUCK sound better than anybody else on the planet. And I do it with all cheap microphones. I've got the really expensive luxury collectors microphones from Germany. I hardly ever use them. And I certainly don't use them on cheap rock 'n' roll productions. You don't really need them in the digital age today. You can get everything you need from a SM-57. Along with a large oversized foam pop filter. Don't forget that foam pop filter. The oversized ones. Not the one designed for the 57 or 58's. Those are too small. You need lips to be a certain distance from the microphone diaphragm. And when they are too close they don't sound good. They sound blatty. From all of that proximity effect. Ugh! And so you high-pass filter heavily at, 250-300 Hz. And then you limit the crap out of it at 50:1. And make that meter look like your windshield wipers on your car during a torrential downpour in a hurricane at 70 mph. And you get a vocal that sounds good. That will sound very natural. In that very unnatural way. I mean I also used to work with Bob Clearmountain and George Massenburg for Christ sake! So I learned a few things. What have you learned? And from whom and what? Are you the voice of real experience? Somehow I think not.
So I'm really not here to batter you. I just want you to understand what you said was wrong. Flat wrong. Or maybe it was sharp wrong? Do you have Auto Tune? I do. I use it sparingly. I only use it on people that are worthy to use it upon. Those that can actually deliver a great performance to an audience. Not a fake no talent. I won't do that. I refuse.. I have my integrity and track record still intact. I am not an engineering prostitute. I don't take on every Tom, Dick and Harry. Unless it's a live broadcast. Then I am under contract to do so. And my rates are higher for those I don't care much for. So I'm selective. With what I take on and whom. Because when you're good you're good. And you don't work with amateurs. I don't work with amateurs. I mean I will if they are friends.
So there's a lot to learn about audio. It's like voodoo. Like black man. You can do all the wrong things and get a great recording. Or you can do all the right things and get a simply miserable sounding recording. And maybe because you are using state-of-the-art equipment? Which I don't care much for. It's too brittle and too metallic,, too thin and wispy sounding. I like the old stuff. It has more bite. More balls. More warmth. More impact. And it is familiar sounding. Everybody knows the sound even if they don't know the sound that they are listening to. They just know they like what they're hearing. Because it's familiar. It has nothing to do with the specifications. In other words. So FUCK the specifications kiddo. They all exceed NAB specifications. It's up to you to make it sound good. That's our job. That's my career.
RemyRAD
FETsounds.com
@@RemyRAD I didn't mean to suggest you don't know it all, just simply if you are going to buy one of these boxes like the MOTU and Presonus Audiobox, you might as well get the one with the best specs.
Good info. I'd add that which one may work best depends on how you work...if you are doing the 'one man band, one track at a time thing', and have , say, a single single guitar amp and/or keyboard and vocal mic that you use most of the time , the Focusrite is great for that. If you have buddies that you want to record them at the same time, the Zoom is great for that. If you are just one person doing the 'one man band, one track at a time' thing but have multiple amps , preamps that you'd like to use on a whim or other gear (like maybe an acoustic drumkit that you've got mic'd up) , the Behringer works great for that because you can leave each devices output (or mic'd output) plugged into it's own channel without having to constantly re-patch like you would on the Focusrite. I wouldn't worrry about sound quality either amongst the three. They are all going to be good and the real deciding factor on your end results will still come down to your sound mixing/engineering chops which you can hone over time.
how to connect audio interface to a mixer or connect mixer to audio interface with a condenser mic and which option is resulting a great audio quality : audio interface to mixer to computer or mixer to audio interface to computer ?
Thank you so much my friend. I’ve been shopping for an interface even though I already have a Yamaha mixer I use live and I have zoom HR 16 I’ve used for recording. Realizing now I’m already holding two methods to get into a DAW. Which I’m also shopping for both a new computer and then a daw. I’m excited. Thank you sir.
The A/D converter and the preamps of the Focusrite are far superior than those that are built in to a mixer, though many may argue. The mixer style interfaces are simpler and are multi use devices. I don't believe the preamp quality is as good as a stand alone interface but the average Joe probably couldn't hear the difference. There is some versatility with the Focusrite as it can be used as stand alone A/D converter only. This allows the user to use his or her's favorite "flavor" external preamp, processors, etc... Great explanation! Thanks for posting.
hello average joe, you can even get like behringer uca 222 for like 20 bucks and ad converter wise it will be completely comparable with far more expensive dedicated interfaces.
Daw would be whatever software you’re using correct? Such as protools garage band etc.
yea, Digital Audio Workstation
I take my mixers main outs to a 2ch USB audio interface. Voc, bass, guitar amp, fractal, roland drums, keys, bass pedal all ready to go at all times in my DAW and to the PA. Individual drums would be ideal but then I am into 25 or more inputs if all instruments were input seperate.
Yo Evan, are you using a Multitrack Mixer or USB Mixer? This is the kind of set-up I'm looking to do.
TIA
Thank you very much! So basically Audio Interface is intended for recording and getting clean signal directly from microphone, while mixers are intended for live mixing and playing on stage.
What mixer model would you suggest for small performances with following options?
- USB powered or with portable power
- Small and portable
- 2 mono in (48V not necessary), 1 stereo, 1 stereo out
- sound effects (Reverb + delay with option to control delay speed if possible)
- As cheep as possible for normal quality
Yamaha mg10
we got the point but it better to hear the dfrnce between them, specially to thier quality ..
In youtube? Lol!
Your explanation is very clear.
Is extremely helpful
I got confused! ‘Cause even though the Scarlett interface doesn’t have a mixer you can still manage the mixer with the software right? Like I have Ableton Live and also logic. Do you understand what I’m trying to get too?
You are correct, you can set levels and et cetera with the software, but if you have 2 or more people there and you are concentrating on making music it is very, very nice to just have a physical knob that you turn without having to point and click on the computer.
Bro I had no idea but now I got an understanding. I’m a beginner. I had no idea of how they worked. You’re way of explaining is good. I’d take it is on the coffee a little but regardless you aught to be a professor. It was easy for me to understand. Thank you.
Looking for some advice on what to buy. A new audio interface or a mixer? I currently have an audio interface (m-audio fast track pro) with 2 mic/line ins. I have a hardware sampler as well as a turntable as my only current external gear. I do all my other production work and mixing in my DAW.
When I record something into my DAW it is either the output of my sampler or the turntable. Always one at a time. So when my sampler is plugged into the two line ins I can't hear the record thats playing on the turntable and vice versa. Also, the interface only has 2 outs. So lets say, when I hear something I wanna sample, I take one of the cables (line out) that goes into one of my monitors, and plug into the sampler. After I'm done sampling (usually in mono) I switch the cable back up and i'm good to go.
While this works ultimately, I end up fiddling around with cables more then I like. Also, I should note that I plan on adding a mic to my setup to record stuff like vocals as well.
So while I won't be recording a bunch of stuff at the same time, I do want to hear everything without switching up cables. So what is the better choice? An audio-interface with at least 4 line-ins and outs? Or a mixer with multiple line-ins and outs?
Thanks in advance.
XLR = Neutral, Left , Right. Each XLR input needs two faders, one for left ch. and one for right ch. to have stereo! Each sound 'Board' is rated by how many 'Line inputs" the machine has. Usually the more the better for other instruments & vocals. I'm using old school Tascam has a wave file pc capability.
I think you left out the most important question which is why would anyone want a simple interface instead of a mixer that has so many extra features. It seems that simple audio interfaces are usually more expensive than similar mixers so why would anyone choose the interface? It seems by the info in your video that it makes no sense to buy an interface instead of a mixer with the same in/out capability. What about sound quality? What about flexibility? I think this video is to answer questions that a beginner would have and a beginner would still not know which one to choose. We see simple interfaces costing more than a fancy looking mixer with the same number of ins and outs. So how does a beginner decide which one to get. My suggestion is to think about answering beginners questions when making beginner videos so they walk away much less confused and now knowing what to do. Thanks for caring and making music production videos.
Oh wow. Thanks for actually providing constructive feedback rather than simply poking fun or insulting me. Seriously, thanks for the feedback. I am sorting out the feedback and questions and planning some follow up videos. Keeping the beginner questions in mind is valuable.
Perry Pelican, I was thinking about same questions and a few others since I have acquired some equipment but don't have much much knowledge.
Best video with the simplest and precise information. Thanks bro. If the mixer I can buy only have two recognizable channels on the daw, then there is no point in getting rid of my scarlett for a mixer. Thanks God I watched this video before I get the mixer.
Yeah. Glad it helped.
I have both an interface (Presonus Audiobox) and a usb mixer (Behringer X2222). They're both really good. But, I found using the mixer suits me more. It gives me the option of both analog and digital recording. I have 16 tracks with built in effects that can be used to record guitar, turntables, multiple vocals, etc into my DAW without too much worries about unwanted background noises.
I never was able to record using only the Behringer mixer (I have tge same model of your vídeo). The ASIO driver simply didn't work or I did something wrong. Thanks for your video.
One big difference is many audio interfaces have MIDI in and out while mixers generally don't. My MOTU audio interface (and I presume other audio interfaces) does have EQ compression and reverb which is tricky to do in hardware but you can use the included software.
I use the Scarlet 2i2 and a Tascam Model 24 mainly because I can't figure out how to use the model 24 for a live performances while live streaming online. You can either be in PC mode or Live mode. I need both at the same time so I use the Tascam M24 to push the live performance through the main stage speakers and I connect the Scarlet 2i2 via usb to my mac and then regular audio inputs from the Tascam. If anyone knows a better way I'm all ears. If not for the need to livestream the Tascam M24 would be the only interface and the ultimate tool.
the quality of your preamps and ad/da converters is also very important.
Wow man. I didn’t know multitrack mixers were a thing until this video - I was researching USB mixers until I saw this. I really needed this basic info. I’m getting started and this is so helpful.
Nice video my friend. The Zoom L-12 looks like a great solution! I get asked about a good hybrid interface/mixer a lot and currently recommend the Presonus Studiolive, but this Zoom looks great for the price point.
The Zoom L-12 does a lot for the money. I will be adding more videos about it in the new few months. Thanks for checking out the video!
Nice one. I’ll be watching. Good work on the channel here my friend. 👍
DUDE! I have been looking everywhere for someone to clarify all this for me! Thank you.
Your welcome.
"I'm not going to pick it up" lol
hahaha lol
Thanks again, Matt! Great breakdown . I have a Behringer board usb . Try to record live band in the garage and send a signal to my studio one DAW in the most efficient easiest way possible. Good start. Going to work now.
Can you compare audio interface and mixer recording same microphone sound is it difrent ? Thank you
An expected quality comparison would be interesting. I would guess the Focusrite gets better quality than the Behringer because all signals have to go through the channel strip filters. Any filter introduces noise and distortion. The Zoom gives you DAW inputs right after gain/comp to avoid this thing exactly. Imagine summed up noise and distortion from 12 channels in your project. So yeah I think quality considerations should be discussed a bit due to how these things work.
I want a know about latency Audio interface vs mixer
Most all audio interfaces suffer from latency issues, that's just how it is... low end mixers also suffer from the same issue, high end ones do not. I am sad to have seen the demise of FireWire. I own a Mackie 1640i (16 channel firewire mixer with integrated 16 channel audio interface). With all 16 channels sending to my computer, being processed for EQ, reverb, compression limiters and several other plug-ins and latency is still at 8.6ms (on a well optimized setup, of course), well under the threshold of being audible. There is no audio interface to my knowledge that can do that. :)
@INFINITE 2020 Several other options out there too, QSC Touchmix (8, 16, 30), Presonus, etc... and no the Mackie 1640 was a great analog mixer with integrated firewire interface. I *think* it was Mackie that started it all way back then. :)
Behringer uca is cheap and fast! RUclips with beamer and audio set.... Hall with 150 persons, 500w active speakers,. No latency seen in video's! No hum or hiss, video stop is complete silence...
Using earplug from computer always gives extra sounds...
thanks! this was by far the best explanation about multitrack going through the daw above all on RUclips ❤
Hello, can you help me? I have Rode Procaster and Behringer Umc22. But i have environmental noise like PC's fan and my voice is muffled. What should i do? I want most clear voice.
Nowadays im looking to "Triton Audio FetHead". But i think my audio interface is bad. Should i buy mixer or audio interface or fethead? I have a few models on my mind. Scarlett 2i2 or Behringer XENYX Q802USB. I will use only microphone so i dont need more channels.
hi! i used to be in the same situation as you
if you have room noise neither of your option will help it, but if the problem is the interface preamp adding white noise to your recordings, the fetheat works amazing
i used myself with a sm58 and got noise free recordings
Use Use a pop filter or windsheet
What microphone are you using? If you have a condenser microphone it will pick up a lot of background noise. A dynamic microphone is better at rejecting it.
Put the pc in another room or in a closet. I have the furnace room behind my room so I routed the cables to that room with a wall plate with connections and have my 2 towers there. From my room I can switch video inputs with a video switcher and have 2 monitors for each desktop pc. I have USB and FireWire extensions on my desk to those machines, no more noise problems and pure quietness. Total was about 100$ wall plates and female extension cables for FireWire and USB. No more noisy GPU fans !!!
Do not get the xenyx it has so much freaking usb noise
I use the 18i20 in combination with Cakewalk and when it comes to that there is no limitation to the possibilities compared to the L12. In reality the Focusrite (IMHO) would be the best option for home studio recording. The L12 is nice to have in a rehearsal environment or even small live settings... All EQ'ing and other options like effects etc. can be done through the virtual mixer present in the DAW... On top of that, the Focusrite takes a lot less space which in turn is a big advantage to me... Nice video though...
My thoughts exactly!
Focusrite will have better Analogue to Digital Conversion.
Provided you hear the difference.
Advice I've gotten from different, knowledgeable people is, that for vocals or voiceover, at least, the 2i2 and other comparable interfaces are the better choice. My take was that the pre-amp is better. I'd like to hear your thoughts on that subject. You didn't discuss the mixers' pre-amps. I have an old Soundcraft 16-channel, analog mixer that I'm running my mic through, and it's connected to my 2i2 Gen 3 interface. I'm using the mixer strictly as pre-interface/DAW and I haven't done any lengthy recording with it yet because I just got the interface. But I like the fact that I can use the mixer's EQ before it goes to my DAW. The down-side as I see it, I'll have to document all the mixer settings because they aren't saved in the recording itself, and to change EQ settings i'd have to re-record the track(s) or add an EQ plugin to re-EQ the track after it's been recorded. The mixer doesn't have a compressor so I can use the one in Pro-Tools 12.6 or add an external compressor, but that's too much money when I can do it in PT. By the way, I got the mixer free, so I don't have any investment in it. My church upgraded their mixer; I saw the old mixer in a drawer and asked if I could have it or purchase it for little cost to me. The sound guy gave it too me. I love it. Never hurts to ask. The worst they could've said was "No."
I'll save you 10 minutes by telling you the main difference is the little slidey things 😂
And 300 bucks
If I only had listened...
Eric Veritas Blair 😂🤣😂🤣😂👏🏽👏🏽
Nice review, but what is the difference between those build in preamps, because Focusrite has already some famous ones onboard. Is that the same with the two mixers?
The more slidey things the better! Get the big one, then plug it into an even bigger one and then, Only then, will you make good music. Or something like that
Preamp quality is also very important as is noise floor and sound coloring that mixers do add.
Amazing review, thank you so much! I've seen other videos but yours made me see the actual difference. I have a question that I think your input would be very helpful for. I want to record a great sounding record at home. Is Focusrite Scarlett a must? I have been reading reviews and the manufacturer, as well as clients, praise it for great sound quality.
Now here's my problem - I really love how the Behringer mixer(or some other brand, doesn't really matter) provides a live knob control over the sound. Would the quality of the recording suffer if I used a sound mixer instead? My understanding is, a mixer offers more functions at the expense of the sound quality. Am I right in this? Can I make a great sounding record using a mixer instead of the Scalett Solo?
If you're to record real drums, get something like the L12. If you're going to use sample drums, get a Scarlett with 2 inputs (not the Solo, thats not for making record, as you'll want to record stereo sources, I'm guessing keyboards and possibly acoustic guitar). Dont bother with something like the Berhinger, it's more suited as a live mixing board that can record. You can trust my word with this stuff. Youll get the knobs on the screen, and then some. Not as fun to play with, but welcome to the century!
Excellent explanation and so helpful 😁
Do the zoom man 👍 I wanna know more!
I definitely want to cover the Zoom more.
Second
Tell us how the zoom is a standalone multitrack recording device.
i use a analog Behringer sx3242 along with a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 and it sounds great.
I have both the Scarlett 2i2 and the Behringer XENYX 1202. The same two he's talking about.
Great info
Thanks. I'm trying.
"Dreams don't work unless you do." Nicely written... v nice video... cleared up all the doubts ! Thanks man !!
Glad it helped
That's really a good explaination. At this stage I'm considering Zoom L-20 and Behringer x18 air for my band which I expect to have a double function ie. as a mixer and as an audio interface for home studio recording. Could you please review those items and describe the pros and cons. Thanks
I use the L12 (and the tascam model 16) for my personal recording work and business, and the xAir for our church studio. It all depends on what User interface you prefer. I Came up doing live sound in the early 2000s, so the best part of the L12/20 for me is the knobs and faders for gain, compression, and eq. If you don't want or need the physical knobs, the xair has better slightly preamps, better effect options and a smaller footprint. If you're doing all your mixing in the DAW anyway it's a bit less important to have the knobs. plus being able to use the app to do gain reduction or baked in eq/effects from anywhere in the studio is great. but like the option to do a rough mix and recording without having to menu dive, and sometimes you miss the feel of knobs, you know? lol. xAir also seems to have lower latency standard, but you can just lower the sample rate.
I bought the Behringer Xenyx UFX 1204. I like it. I can have untill 16 inputs and it has a standalone recording function where I get all tracks seperated exept just the stereo master signal like usual interfaces do.
Very helpful and very detailed!! Thank you so much!! I was able to comprehend most of this...I do like your way of presenting the material...with actual examples...i.e. plug this microphone, guitar or synth, etc. into this input, and then follow the channel. :D
Wow. Took me weeks of video comparisons to just get frustrated. Only two videos with you and I now know what to do. Thank you man
Nice. Glad the videos are helping you out!
Such good info thanks so much!! Just got a mixer with interface today to upgrade. Thanks again!
What’s about latency. For me I think this is one of the most important things of an audio interface
True, but these days it isn't a problem, latency was a problem of the 2000's I found, not 2010's
thank you for that very basic but very helpful video for folks like me who dont want to buy the wrong things to start with!
So a mixer with usb input is like a super-interface?
Naiver Miigon depends. Some newer digital mixers have multitrack recording to usb. Most just send a stereo track tho.
I have the Livetrak L-12. And the L-8. And the L-20. I love them. =)
Prior to getting the L-12, I've always used a mixer to an interface, but having the interface built in to the mixer is so much more convenient. (Although I actually still use my interface... in order to get a separate input for voice chat so I can work on music and still be logged into Discord at the same time.)
One thing about the Livetrak is that they include SD recorders. So you don't even need a computer for live recording. This lets you record on site, then bring the recording home and work with it in your DAW without taking your computer to a gig.
MAN!, you forget the importence of the drivers!... damn, that is the most crucial thing ever!... the Focusrite 2i2 has better driver than the Behringer Q1202, because Focusrite makes their own custom drivers which is way better then what the Behringer utilizes, the Q1202 only uses the generic ASIO driver. Basicly it means a lot compared to each other, especially when talking about latency, which you will most definitely get to experince the bad side of... With the Focurite 2i2 you can go down to under a 100m/s, which is almost unhearable BUT the Q1202 which uses generic ASIO and ASIO4ALL can only go as low as 512m/s which is easily hearable especially when recording voice or solo guitar and drums...
A very good point to bring up. There is a third party audio driver called "ASIO4ALL" that is free to use. It offers very low latency. Just install it and select it as the driver in your DAW.
I'm new to recording and i don't know what any of that means, could you explain better please?
@@elilegault693 you dont read what i'm saying..... i'm saying that ASIO4ALL is also a bitch to work with. allways select a Audio interface that has their own designed drivers...
@@ialeg3710 se this video :) ruclips.net/video/ojnnP_GXNaM/видео.html
2CH USB interface like the Focusrite 2i2 is redundant if you have mixer with 2CH USB connection.
Only reason you'd want the Focusrite 2i2 is if you need much higher sampling rate and bit depth.
I use none and it's all good
I bet your recording sound like dog 💩
I use none and my latency goes through the roof
I use none interface, none computer, none hardware, none instruments, none microphones, and my mixes are totally transparent.
Very wonderfully produced video bro!! Love the content, the camera angles & lighting! Will be back for more!!