Store Hours, If you have any questions, please call us at First, the analog signal from your instrument travels to your computer and converts to a digital signal for your DAW. 40-input, 25-bus Digital Rack Mixer with 32 x 32 USB Audio Interface, Dual AES50 Network Ports, 8 Effects Engines, Expansion Slot, Wireless Remote Control, and Ultranet Integration with Powerplay P16 Systems, 22-channel Digital Mixer with Touchscreen Interface, 12 Mic Inputs, 4 Mic/Line Combo Inputs, 2 Stereo Line Inputs, Built-in FX, and Remote Control via Wi-Fi, 8-ch Digital Mixer and 10 x 2 USB Audio Interface with Bluetooth Connectivity and Remote Control App, 32-channel Digital Mixer with Touchscreen Interface, 24 Mic Inputs, 6 Line Inputs, Stereo USB Input, Built-in FX, and Remote Control via Wi-Fi, 18-input Analog Recording Console with 4 SuperAnalogue Preamp Channels with Per-channel Compressors, Per-channel 3-band EQ, 9 Long-throw Faders, 18 Summing Channels, G Bus Compressor, Talkback with LMC, and 16-in/16-out USB-C Audio Interface, 12-channel Multitrack Recorder/10-channel Digital Mixer with 12-in/10-out USB Audio Interface and Built-in Effects. Analog mixers, on the other hand, are generally cheaper. Sweetwater Sound Suppose youre a less tech-savvy individual or have a hard time keeping track of what function you assigned to which control. Furthermore, mixers can include an audio interface and make them adaptable to digital audio production and analog. Insert jacks accommodate other devices on a channel without getting affected by any other controls further down the column. Audio mixers have a lot of controls. One of the most important questions you might find yourself asking is this: do you need an audio interface or mixer? Think about it: frame rate means the number of visual snapshots recorded in a second, and higher frame rate results in a smoother, more fluid video. An audio interface is best for those creating digital music who prefer working with DAW software in real-time. Speaker connections vary depending on what youre using. However, suppose youre using your interface to record voice overs or a vocal and acoustic guitar setup. When working with MIDI instruments, your interface will need MIDI connections to accommodate. For instance, an auxiliary port can connect to a set of monitor speakers so the musician can accurately hear what they are playing. If the audio mixer does not feature aux return inputs, the rendered sound from the effects unit will get routed down an input channel (or channels) on the mixer. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly. If youre an audio engineer who wishes to save time editing background noise, digital is an obvious choice. The extra features justify the higher cost, mainly since a digital mixer also includes the price of the drivers one will have to install on a computer for it to work. Analog mixers belong to a category of devices known as audio mixers. Suppose youre recording one instrument at a time and layering them into a multitrack mixdown. The choice between an audio interface and mixer is a pretty complex one. On the opposite end of the sound spectrum, higher bit depth allows one to record quieter sound without introducing noise. Audio interfaces can sport a multitude of inputs, but how many are necessary? If you hear a significantly delayed playback on your monitor after playing a note, the issue is latency. However, working with an analog mixer will save you the trouble of adjusting for latency. This quality provides some great benefits while still offering the precise controls of an audio mixer. So, youre ready to pursue your creative ambitions and upgrade to a professional home studio. Unfortunately, latency is virtually unavoidable in digital audio production. Working with the idea that each audio source is a different channel, we can see that each column of knobs and buttons sport the same controls. A great way to guarantee you stay on the right path is consulting with fellow musicians and audio engineering experts. However, once you decide between an audio mixer or a standalone interface, there is even more research to be done. Panorama, more commonly called the pan, is the physical placement of the audio when it gets played back on the output devices. While there are multiple factors your computer may contribute to latency, the most significant is buffering. It is best to research the speakers you plan to monitor and their needs in this case. While digital mixers allow one to pre-program multiple functions to one button or control, analog mixers do not. The other highly recommended option is buying an audio interface with a direct monitor. Lets take a look at some key points to consider. It is still best to apply the adage you get what you pay for to this purchase. An audio mixer takes in multiple inputs, adjusts their levels, adds effects, and sends all of these sources to a stereo or mono output. It transfers your playing to music software. Therefore, we recommend asking yourself if you prefer working with a computer or a tangible, physical interface. In short, the mute controls allow you to cut out undesired inputs or highlight specific ones. Plus, analog audio signals have lower latency, making analog mixers better for live performance. A person engineering a concert at a giant arena like Madison Square Garden would utilize the pan for that massive speaker system in order to maintain a perfect balance of sound throughout the area. If you have a long-term career plan that fits the features of your current interface, you can get a longer life out of it. To learn more about our cookie policy, please visit our Privacy Policy. For even more information on this subject, please read our article, Analog vs. Digital Mixers: The Pros and Cons Explained. However, there is no point in putting money into more inputs and features than you need. Latency is the delay between when a command gets entered and when the action occurs. First, channel faders control the mix of sound levels for each instrument. How do you know which device is best for you? Each stream of audio is a channel. However, keep in mind that some mixer/interface combos only send the master output to the DAW and not individual tracks. Whether you plan on recording in a studio or performing live, these mixers improve your sound, in addition to other benefits. Exclusive deals, delivered straight to your inbox. Happy customers, one piece of gear at a time! Recording mixers also offer a simple signal flow thanks to hardwired inputs that take the guesswork out of channel processing. Everything you love about Sweetwater in the palm of your hand. However, digital music recording introduced the need for an audio interface. While computers, tablets, and even smartphones have recording hardware and soundcards inside, that does not mean they meet professional quality standards. The bit depth measures how much headroom can get recorded. Other issues can further cause latency, like your computers operating system and buffering capacity. Here is a great video explaining audio interfaces: Lets take a closer look at what you can expect should you choose to purchase an audio interface. Other reasons to choose analog may be due to their generally lower price points, as well as being customizable when it comes to switching out components. 7 Reasons, Why Do Guitar Pickups Sound Different? Conversely, rotating the pan knob to the right-most point sends all of the sounds out to the right speaker. 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 The gain is to the input device as volume is to the output. On one end, smaller buffer sizes do not process as much information. In that case, your interface probably needs no more than a couple of inputs. However, once one understands the workflow of a mixer, operating one becomes relatively simple. At a certain point, the sample rate, or the number of details processed in a recording, becomes less noticeable. When it comes to music, CDs, MP3s, and music streamers playback music at 41,000Hz. With a massive amount of controls and ports, an audio mixer may take up more room than your studio can provide. Audio enters the input, flows through various effects and faders like a filter, and the resulting sound comes out of the output device. If youre still unsure, continue reading this article for more information. In short, an analog connection is direct, with no signal conversions in between. Furthermore, USB microphones include a built-in audio interface so you can record directly to your computer. Analog mixers also tend to run more budget-friendly than their digital counterparts. , This price gap is definitely according to the adage of you get what you pay for. Digital mixers offer more features, which makes them cost more money. Lets take a closer look at what they do so you can make the most informed choice for your audio needs. However, a 3ms delay is a professional standard since it is less noticeable. Line outs from an audio interface are often in (0.64 cm) jacks. 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Gear4music (Holdings) plc is listed on AIM, part of the London Stock Exchange. Still, even on the low-budget end, these devices can provide high-quality recording capabilities. Therefore, it is essential to consider what type of sound you wish to utilize. Feel free to call us toll free at (800) 222-4700, Mon-Thu 9-9, Fri 9-8, and Sat 9-7 Eastern. While USB mics can run inconsistent in terms of quality, they are a great low-budget option. Furthermore, you may be recording multiple instruments, but not at the same time. If you choose an audio interface, make sure it includes direct monitoring to help solve latency problems when recording. It translates the analog signals from your instruments to digital for rendering in your DAW. Then the signals get adjusted for various attributes. The faders control the sound levels, or volume, coming through the output devices. Connecting your instruments to an audio interface varies depending on the musical instrument. Thank you for your request. On the other hand, most standalone interfaces can fit on a computer desk or set aside on a separate rack. This direct connection eliminates any possibility of latency. So when does latency become a significant problem? Another significant plus of digital mixers is the ability to pre-program controls that you can pull up at any moment. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly. While a standalone interface connected to a DAW can often produce similar results to a mixer, that does not render mixers obsolete by any means. Therefore, you can get away with a lower sample rate if the result is a less delayed sound. The best way to decide for yourself is to consider your needs and consult with an audio expert. While digital mixers have more advanced features, analog mixers come with a simplicity and honesty that some musicians will love. High-performance compact mixer with a full-duplex 16-bit/48kHz USB interface, The perfect blend between performance and production, The perfect blend between production and performance, This product is currently unavailable for delivery to your country, 6-channel mixer engineered for quick, high-quality music capture, Take control of your broadcasts and livestreams, Warm, musical tones thanks to three-band EQ modelled on iconic British consoles, Clear, precise sound from 12 professional-grade inputs. An audio interface accomplishes three tasks: Since computers often have recording software and USB ports to support digital microphones and instruments, you might be wondering why you should invest in an audio interface? It allows you to monitor your playing in real-time. When deciding the bit depth and sample rate you wish to record, more is not always better. Both devices get used for similar tasks but work quite differently. Digital tools, whether they are standalone interfaces or mixers that include an interface, will cost more. If you invest in a more powerful computer, feel free to play with these values as you see fit. Here I want to share my experiences and what I learn when I spend (too much of) my free time reading, testing and learning more about music and other audio-related topics. Audio mixers commonly feature stereo inputs as well. Why does latency not occur with analog devices? When choosing an interface, the number of inputs you need will affect your choice the most. An important factor to consider when purchasing any kind of mixer is whether you plan on using it for live audio or studio purposes. Latency interferes more at 10ms, which makes recordings sound out-of-sync as if one was lip-synching. One well working analogy is the comparison of mixers to water pipes. There are a couple of ways to reduce latency. An audio interface provides more convenience and functionality for recording instruments and transferring the audio data to your digital audio workstation. Therefore, adjusting the EQ to reflect this range eliminates unnecessary noise and creates a clean, pure sound. Many interfaces connect via USB, Thunderbolt, or Firewire. Another option for you to consider is USB condenser microphones. In that case, this makes choosing between analog and digital rather obvious. Larger buffer sizes provide more audio details but raise higher levels of latency. Tactile creators working with analog and electronic music would prefer a mixer with a built-in interface. This article will explore everything you need to know about audio interfaces compared to mixers, including the benefits of each. Analog recording mixersoutput to multitrack recorders and other locations, so they are often larger and have more inputs and routing options. A unique feature is the ability to provide natural texture to the audio, thanks to a process called "summing," in which analog components combine signals from all channels. In that case, you will have an easier time with an analog mixer. Dont feel like reading? Rugged design makes the ZED-10 ideal for live use. On the other hand, live sound mixers are more compact since they don't output to as many places. These mini mixers only offer a handful of inputs, but their small size makes them portable, lightweight, and convenient for small live shows and casual recording. However, when using plugins from a DAW, MIDI connections can sometimes be unnecessary. The mute button mutes the input of an individual channel. For example, companies like B&H and Sweetwater offer excellent customer service for those having difficulty finding the right audio tools. A USB mixer is a combination of the two. In digital recording, the process of converting analog signals to digital causes latency. Audio interfaces can connect to your computer in a variety of ways. Still, some audiophiles swear by high-end sample rates. Learn More. Two paths contribute to latency. Pan becomes increasingly essential as more output speakers get added. Check out the selection of analog mixer accessories, consoles, and more at B&H Photo and Video. Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Audio Connector Types, You can also connect a mixer to your audio interface and record the combined audio channels in stereo. For instance, if the sample rate is 48,000Hz, 48,000 audio snapshots get taken per second of recording. Lastly, the audio ends its journey through the master output device, where it gets played back. So, what is the industry standard for sample rates? So before we go any further, it is vital to break down the differences between digital and analog mixers. While audio interfaces are often associated with recording, mixers also work well in live performance due to the lower latency. Related article: Do DAWs Really Have Their Own Sound? If youre working with two-speaker stereo output, turning the knob to the furthest point left sends the sound to the left speaker. The sample rate is the number of snapshots taken from an audio wave per second. Analog mixers, as the name suggests, utilize analog signals instead of digital. While the function of analog and digital mixers is the same, there are a few differences to be aware of before purchasing. However, it is possible to record at sample rates as high as 96,000Hz. The other consideration is how youre recording. USB mixers are ideal for recording and mixing instruments, synths, or audio from microphones into your computer. If you prefer the classic lived-in sound of a studio session, you will be happier with an analog mixer. Accurately managing the gain is vital to prevent distortion to the sound of each channel. Audio mixers can feel intimidating due to their massive number of controls. However, the speaker end may have a female XLR, a in (0.64 cm) jack, or both. DVDs playback audio at 48,000Hz. Without the available lightning port, keeping your Apple device charged while you work is impossible. Direct monitoring on an audio interface is excellent because it sends the audio signals straight to your monitor while allowing you to record to your DAW simultaneously. Gain is the level of sound coming through the input, and the gain knob controls the amount of gain on each channel. Like an audio interface, one would connect each musical instrument to a channel via the corresponding input. Their hardware lacks sound quality and connectivity. On the other hand, audio mixers suit those who like working via analog connections or controlling their audio physically. It is vital to remember that more bit depth and sample rate require more processing power on your computer. In terms of simplicity, analog mixers are easier to operate over digital. Another standard device attached to this port is an audio effects unit. In most cases, each channel would connect to the effects units input. Furthermore, audio mixers can include a built-in audio interface, further complicating the issue. When working with a multi-bus mixer, each pan control will operate a different pair of output speakers. Our recommendation is to stick with 41,000 Hz at 24 bits. This reduced size can cut back latency but also introduces cracks and clicks to the audio. The visual feedback offered by analog boards also makes it easier to troubleshoot various challenges that may arise regarding sound flow. Another factor to consider is how your recording habits will change in the future. (800) 222-4700. It is worth thinking about the size of your studio space and which device would better suit your needs without becoming cumbersome. If youre working with a mixer with buses, the master output area usually holds the faders for each bus. Read full affiliate disclaimer. Full Explanation, How To Pack a Subwoofer for Shipping (7 Steps), How To Fix a Single Jack Headset Mic Thats Not Working, How To Keep an Amp in the Trunk Cool (9 Tips and Tricks). Since youre working digitally, audio interfaces introduce the unique issue of latency. 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