

The more instruments you track, the more channels you’ll ultimately need to mix. This is also an important consideration when it comes to mixing. Some engineers like to use 12, or even 24 inputs just for drums. For instance, you could purchase a more affordable two-channel audio interface if you don’t think you’ll be tracking drums, and you mostly plan to overdub and track one instrument at a time. This mostly depends on how many channels you intend to record simultaneously. It should be more than enough to begin the process of experimentation.Īlso, if you're planning to record using a digital audio workstation (DAW), they usually have effects plugins built in, too. If you aren’t sure what you need, most boards mentioned on this list have the basics, such as reverb and delay, covered. Effects quality can also vary from one console to another. Rackmount effects units may sound amazing, but they can also run you a pretty penny. This is both a matter of taste and budgetary considerations. Some engineers like built-in effects, while others prefer to use outboard effects. Will you be taking it on the road? Will you be using it for mobile recording purposes? Or, will it sit stationary in your studio? You need to buy a mixer that suits your purpose.Īnd, just because you take good care of it doesn’t mean it will last forever, but it can make a difference. So, you need to be thinking about how you’re going to be using the mixer. Even with mixers featured on this list, some customers have had this issue.

The best mixer in the world quickly turns into a problem when it breaks down two months after you’ve purchased it. What Should I Look For In A Studio Mixer?īut these are some of the elements I would consider when looking at what mixer to buy. Note: If you’re willing to spend more than $1,000, you can also pick up a 24 or 32-channel version of the same mixer. This PreSonus unit is a largely respected choice so worth comparing with others, but the main downside of it appears to be that the build quality could be better. The StudioLIve also comes with PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW, and can also be controlled with the use of an iPad or iPhone. The Presonus StudioLive is a 16-in/16-out FireWire recording interface, with eight mono and four stereo channel inputs, four auxiliary buses, two internal FX buses, three-band semi-parametric EQ, compressor, downward expander on all channels and buses, a 31-band graphic EQ on the main bus, and MIDI I/O.
