Mixer Pro We need a new 16 channel mixer. How about the Mackie CR1604, 1604 VLZ, or 1604 VLZ Pro? Recommendations...?
Our Behringer Eurorack 2004A MX Mixer just died. We need a new 16 channel mixer. I've been reading a lot about the old Mackie CR1604, its predecessor the 1604 VLZ, and its predecessor the 1604 VLZ Pro. Unfortunately the VLZ Pro sounds like it has a lot of ribbon connector problems, and I'm not sure about buying an older mixer like the CR1604 or 1604VLZ. We have $240-$300 to work with. Anyone have a recommendation on an excellent 16 channel mixer? It's for gig's we play and band practice. We're a rock band and don't mind used equipment.
Do not worry about buying mackie mixer. You donot need to buy the new model with built in effect . Just buy the old model , then buy effect device(s) for best playing . just buy mackie , not anyone else . Here could be the good deal
BEHRINGER Digital pro mixer DDM4000, A look at the back.
Choosing Your Audio Mixer
For your home recording projects, what kind of audio mixer is best suited for your needs? You can choose from analog, digital or software mixers so you will have to learn a bit more about them before you can decide.
The first question you should ask yourself is whether you even need a mixer at all. When recording audio from a microphone, you will need to have a preamp in order to boost the strength of the audio signal. With an audio interface with a microphone preamp included, then you shouldn't need a separate mixer. One exception would be if you intent to record two or more instruments at a time.
When using a hardware effects processor that takes the audio signal from the mic and runs it through a processor before actually recording it, then you will likely need to get a mixer of some kind.
A Mixer's Functions
Basically, a mixer just takes two audio signals and combines them into one. Mixers can also add effects to the sound, with functions like reverb, compression, chorus or equalizing. A mixer can also pan the sound from side to side. Any of these effects can be added to the audio before the signal arrives at the computer for final recording.
Kinds of Mixers
There are primarily three different types of mixers: analog, digital and software. Each one has its own pros and cons and should be looked at before you decide what you need.
Analog: Signals are mixed without first converting into digital. These types of mixers don't need any AD/DA converters, but you will get some background noise with analog mixers. They are fairly inexpensive though not as cheap as software mixers.
Digital: These mixers are the most expensive and can be harder to master than the analog version. The original analog signals is converted into digital, and you need to have an AD/DA converter to use one. The routing is more flexible, but digital mixers can have latency problems.
Software: Most DAWs have software mixers, so there is no need to get extra equipment. These are the cheapest mixers available but you can only use them to record one signal at a time. You control the mixer through your computer, with mouse and keyboard.
Analog and digital mixers can be connected to your computer with analog connectors (phono jacks), a USB connection or with Firewire.
Go to your Start menu, right-click on My Computer and click Properties. From there, go to the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
You'll see a big list, expand the "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" list. First, look for any yellow exclamation mark icons next to any drivers. Double-click any of them and Repair or Update the drivers. If there aren't any yellow icons, make sure every single driver is updated anyway. You can do this by just double-clicking each one and clicking Update Driver.
Once everything is updated, reboot your computer.
If there's still no sound, there's also a possibility you're missing the sound driver for your sound card completely. If this is the case, go to Start, and click on Run. Type in "dxdiag" without the quotes and click on the Sound tab once the box shows up. You'll find the name of your Sound device in this screen. Google the sound device and download the latest driver for it and reboot your computer.
This should fix your sound problem. I don't know what else could be wrong. Good luck
Go to your Start menu, right-click on My Computer and click Properties. From there, go to the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
You'll see a big list, expand the "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" list. First, look for any yellow exclamation mark icons next to any drivers. Double-click any of them and Repair or Update the drivers. If there aren't any yellow icons, make sure every single driver is updated anyway. You can do this by just double-clicking each one and clicking Update Driver.
Once everything is updated, reboot your computer.
If there's still no sound, there's also a possibility you're missing the sound driver for your sound card completely. If this is the case, go to Start, and click on Run. Type in "dxdiag" without the quotes and click on the Sound tab once the box shows up. You'll find the name of your Sound device in this screen. Google the sound device and download the latest driver for it and reboot your computer.
This should fix your sound problem. I don't know what else could be wrong. Good luck