Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with mixer

How does one hook up a sixteen channel firewire mixer to a mac?

johannahdeschanel — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:36:10 -0800

How does one hook up a sixteen channel firewire mixer to a late 2008 mac? No firewire input. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

Paging the A/V Club

Mom — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:41:14 -0800

What do I call the device that would connect Tivo, DVD player, game console and cable input to my tv, so I don't have to unplug & replug RCA jacks all the time? Can you recommend a product that does this well and not too expensively? tv mixer? a/v mixer? A/B/C/D switch? Tv has multiple input types, but DVR, DVD player, game console and cable use RCA jacks. Ideally, this device would allow me to run the audio through the stereo, as well. Once I know what to call it, I can shop for it. Please save me a trip to The Shack. thanks.

Calling all live video ninjas.

liquado — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:05:51 -0800

I needs me a good/simple/cheap video switcher for live production. Every year, I'm part of running a live event (nonprofit fishing tournament) that uses multiple cameras for a live, switched video signal projected on a screen on top of the stage -- like the big screen at a live concert.

We've historically used a borrowed Videonics MX-1 Digital Audio/Video Mixer Switcher, but the borrowed one has developed signal glitching issues with the crossfade slider -- and, we'd really like to have one of our own. I have no idea what brand/type I should be looking for; so many of them seem far more complex than is required. I know what we need:

-Minimum four inputs (five or six would be ideal)
-Slider/Fader
-Multiple outputs (four or five would be ideal)
-*Maybe* text overlay capability

That's it. Doesn't have to be fancy, or need any audio capability or filters/special effects. I can also work around only a single output with a video amp, if I have to.

I'm open to any options, but cheaper is better -- I really like the idea of working used machines rather than new.

Thanks!

What's wrong with my mixer?

hellojed — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:54:10 -0800

A month ago I got my first DJ setup, a few weeks ago my mixer refused to turn on, what's wrong with it? Recently I acquired my first DJ setup, consisting of 2 Gemini pt 1000 turntables, a 19" Gemini Executioner mixer (looks like this), and a lovely flight case.

After putting it together and plugging everything in, I discovered that the mixer would not turn on when plugged in. It uses a 3 prong male to C13 female power cable, and I used several different cables, each one of them had no effect.

Then, a few days later, I flipped the switch on the mixer and it turned on. I guessed that it needed some time to get warmed up, as it had been sitting dormant in my friend's basement for years and hadn't been used in a long time.

So I was baffled when, a few weeks later, I flipped the switch on the mixer and it wouldn't turn on. I had not bumped or changed anything about it since last using it that morning, when I was practicing. It's been a few weeks since it's worked.

From what I can tell I'm using the correct power cable (rated at 125 volts) with the mixer at the correct voltage setting (115 volts). All of my equipment (turntables, mixer, small amp) are all off the same power strip, but it doesn't matter if the mixer is plugged into the wall or otherwise, it refuses to turn on.

What, if anything, is wrong with this mixer?

What powered mixer do I need?

rumsey monument — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:58:43 -0800

I have two 200-watt, 8 ohm speakers. What PA head do I buy? I received 2 PA speakers as gift. On the back, its says they are 200 watt, 8 ohms. What would be the proper powered mixer to buy to complete my little PA system? I don't really need any more than 8 inputs, and do not need anything with bells and whistles. Thanks!

What's the best (cheap) setup to do on-site podcasting?

HostBryan — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:45:51 -0800

What's the best solution for my podcasting situation? I've checked the other podcasting questions on AskMeFi, and I haven't found quite what I'm looking for, so here's my situation:

I started off doing my podcast on the campus radio station, then recently moved to a podcast-only format. We've been using Skype since our crew is now dispersed around the country, and that works well. Thing is, a local business wants to do more promotional stuff with the podcast and wants us to do live-to-tape shows on location store during big events. We've done one already that was sort of cobbled together and it was OK, but I'd like to have my own setup tailored especially to my needs.

Basically, I'm looking for a good mixer and microphone to record directly to my computer. Here are the stipulations:

1. I'm running a 2007 Macbook Pro. It's a great computer but has no mic preamp built in, which makes a lot of un-powered mixers useless.
2. I want a mixer that preferably has 3 or 4 mic inputs. I can live with two, though.
3. I don't have a preference between USB and line-in mixers, but I would like a traditional board setup.
4. I'm recording voice only. No music.
5. I would prefer this to be on the inexpensive side. Preferably sub-$200, since I make no money on this podcast and I am but a poor grad student.
6. Something that works with Garage Band or Audacity would be preferable.
7. I'm not adverse to flash/other media recorders, but I still want a good mic input.

If you feel this question has been answered well in another thread, don't hesitate to point me towards that thread. Otherwise, I kneel prostrate before you, oh great hive mind.

Different kinds of partay....

fvox13 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:51:51 -0800

What's the difference between various types of parties? Why are some called hootenannys, others called hoedowns, still others called mixers, balls, dances, shindigs, etc? Can anyone point me towards a (semi-serious, or totally facetious... either one would be valuable) list or comparison of various types of parties? Bonus points for descriptions of linguistic / dialectical differences.

Figuring out UK rates for sound mixers

mooza — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 02:41:25 -0800

What's the going rate for a freelance re-recording ("dubbing") mixer in the UK? This is for an independent feature documentary. My bf is quoting for a job based out of London. We're both Australian and don't know if it's as simple as charging what one would back home. It's a three week job.

We found the minimum rates on the BECTU site but we're not sure what it's like in the "real world".

Any information or advice great appreciated!

Looking for the perfect non-KitchenAid mixer

Capri — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:04:30 -0800

Help me find a good stand mixer that's not a KitchenAid, please. I've read several posts on here singing the KitchenAid's praises. I've had one for years and despise the thing. I'm looking for a replacement that doesn't make me swear at it and frighten the cat.

What I don't like about my KitchenAid Artisan is:

1. The mixing attachment is centered in the bowl, so there's no way to get a spatula in the bowl while the mixer is going. To scrape down the sides or help get a blob of dough out of the beater, I have to stop the mixer, lift the head, and then scrape. Even then it's difficult because the blade/whisk/whatever is right in the way. My mother's old mixer had a pair of beaters that were placed off to the side of a wide bowl which spun around underneath the beaters, and you could just scrape down the other side of the bowl while it was running. So convenient!

2. Also because the blade is in the middle of the bowl, when I go to add dry ingredients, they land right on the spinning blade and are returned to the air, typically right into my face, if the mixer is operating. Again, I have to stop the mixer, lift the blade, add the ingredients, and even give them a hand stir to get them settled into the dough so they're not sent skyward when I turn it back on. Yes, I have the little plastic shields. No, they don't work. They still leave a hole at the top which flour comes flying out of. And they're chitnzy pieces of crap and now they're in the way too, so if I want to scrape down the sides of the bowl I have to stop the mixer, lift the blade, and remove the interlocking pieces of plastic too. Arg!! I prefer to drape a dish towel over the whole thing when adding dry ingredients, which is just ridiculous with a $300 mixer.

3. And finally, the shape of the bowl and the shape of the paddle blade conspire to keep unmixed ingredients hidden at the very bottom of the bowl, so I have to finish the mixing by hand, which makes for very imperfectly mixed ingredients.

Anyway, I want a mixer with the power, versatility, durability and counter-appeal of a KitchenAid, but one that is actually a pleasure to use instead of cause for kitchen cursing. I've looked for this for several years and never found it. I am hoping that someone here can help me out. I think the main solution I need is a wide flat-bottomed bowl on a base that turns relative to the head holding the attachments. Has anyone seen one of these for sale, in any country?

Thank you so much (and apologies to KitchenAid fans if my anger at this appliance has colored my language too much).

Need a stand mixer - what do I choose?

ninazer0 — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:22:59 -0800

I am treating myself to a stand mixer for Christmas. Do I go with the trusty Kenwood Chef or should I consider one of those KitchenAide jobs that seem to be so popular right now? Or is there another brand entirely that I should look at? My main requirements are; sturdy, repairable, takes dough-hook, takes balloon whisk, parts are easily available (bowls etc). I don't care if it comes in pretty colours. I'd prefer one where the mixer arm swings down into the bowl.

I do a LOT of cooking and I need something with grunt. Please advise me, HiveMind!

Podcasting Equipment

mpls2 — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:31:02 -0800

Podcasting questions Yeah, there's a lot of how-to guides for podcasting out there, but it's scattered all over and confusing my ADD brain. Can someone tell me why I might want the following things, and what I should look for when buying them? (suggestions are also great)

Mic - yeah, I know I'll need one of these
Pre-amp
mixer
compressor
audio interface
digital recorder (? I've heard that it's good to record externally to spare your computer the burden of recording while its busy doing other things)

Do pros usually use more than one computer when creating a podcast? FYI, I have a MacBook pro, and will probably be getting a new iMac in the near future.

Thanks!

Before I buy a new stand mixer...

cwhitfcd — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:04:31 -0800

Will a Kitchenaid stand mixer work well with small volumes - such as a single egg white?

Classic Cocktail

charlesv — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:35:19 -0800

Help me become a better drinker. I turned 30 last year d and have resolved to become a more sophisticated drinker. Specifically, I would like to start enjoying classic cocktails. I saw this post on recipe books but no other useful AskMeFi stuff on classic cocktails.

I have set a personal goal of drinking 50 classic cocktails within the next 12 months. So far I have started working my way through the scotch drinks like the Roy Roy and Rusty Nail and sampled a Mint Julep at Seven Grand.

So: what drinks should absolutely be included on a must-drink list of classic cocktails? Which ones should I leave out? What ingredients should I consider? Is there any particular strategy I should pursue? Any particular bar in LA where I should head to make sure my drinks get made properly?

What sort of music equipment should I get for my brother?

aielen — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:30:15 -0800

What piece of music equipment should I get for my brother's birthday? Are there really only certain types of interfaces compatible with Pro Tools? My brother mostly plays drums and guitar, but is also proficient on the bass and keys. He's in a few bands. He has an electronic drumset, an Epiphone Les Paul 100 electric guitar, a Boss ME 50 guitar pedal, and recently got a MacBook, installing Pro Tools there. He has a small amp for his electric guitar, and a larger one for his drumset.

Right now, he also has a Wharfedale Pro R-1604 mixer which he connects to a Line 6 Toneport UX1. This isn't really ideal for recording his bands' music, since all the instruments wind up on one track when he records. There's also some lag.

I know he has been wanting an analog Firewire interface for some time (e.g. something like this Alesis Multimix). Basically, he wants the speed and simultaneous multi-track recording capabilities afforded by Firewire, coupled with the more tactile option of mixing his bands' music through the analog controls.

1) Are there specific audio interfaces meant to be used with Pro Tools? If I ever get him something like that Alesis mixer, will he be able to use that with Pro Tools?

2) Can you recommend any audio interfaces (that would work well with Pro Tools) I could get him?

3) I'm not sure I can even afford to get him a firewire mixer. (Unless I buy him a gift certificate from MusiciansFriend and let him fork out the rest?) Are there other music-recording-gear alternatives you can think of, based on what he already has and the type of music he wants to do? Or just music-equipment alternatives?

(I have some music equipment as well, which he shares when I live with him. But most of this equipment goes where/when I go. It includes some microphones (two cheap condensers and an SM57) and an M-Audio 410 Firewire mixer (which he doesn't think ideal for recording band-type music, anyway)...)

Your help is much appreciated!

Good production mixers for a podcast?

clockworkjoe — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:28:13 -0800

I am looking to get a mixer for my podcast, 300 bucks or less. I would like to get the Alesis IMULTIMIX8USB but I'm not sure if the recording to ipod is worth the extra 100 bucks. Can someone recommend a good usb or firewire mixer? I am recording to the latest version of garageband on my macbook. You can hear the quality of my work here http://www.slangdesign.com/rppr

Also, would a USB mixer send each channel to a separate channel in garageband? When I record two voice now, it mixes to a single channel. This is a pain obviously, as my cohost has a different voice than mine so it needs to be mixed differently.

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=IMULTIMIX8USB

Hooking Up a Tascam TM-D1000 to My SoundCard

FireStyle — Thu, 17 May 2007 10:02:02 -0800

How do i intergrate a Tascam TM-D1000 mixer into my setup? A friend let me borrow his Tascam TM-D1000 digital mixer. I have never owned a mixer (I do everything "in the box") so setting it up is a bit of a msytery. I have a M-Audio Delta 1010LT soundcard, so I need to hook the Tascam into that. I want to plug in my Shure SM58 mic, and Roland Fantom XR into it. What kind of cables will I need to do this?

Creative Mixer Applications

exceptinsects — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:57:26 -0800

What is the neatest thing you do (or have done) with your KitchenAid mixer? I, because I have a very very nice boyfriend, am now the proud owner of a bright red Artisan Series KitchenAid stand mixer. Yes, I rule.

In order to fully take advantage of the awesomeness of this gift, I would like to know what your favorite uses are.

Recipes are good; MacGyver-like creative applications are even better! (Preferably those that leave the mixer still usable for food preparation.)

Interview with a podcaster

La Cieca — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 09:56:48 -0800

How to mix two microphone inputs for recording on a PC? Right now for voiceovers in my podcast I'm using a USB VOIP headset -- the sound is tinny but it's convenient. That setup, however, can't be used (so far as I know) to record an interview. I understand that what I will need is probably 2 microphones plus a headset to monitor. But how do I get the mixed interview through USB into the PC for recording? If it's some kind of external box I have to patch through, please let it it be a) inexpensive b) smallish c) easy/intuitive to run.

What do I do with this thing?

ObscureReferenceMan — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 17:23:35 -0800

I received a Braun hand mixer as a gift. What are some good ways to use it? Here's the mixer. I'm a pretty good cook, but I have yet to find a need for this device. Any suggestions on recipes, or specific tasks this thing is good for? It bugs me that I have this apparently useful tool, and haven't used it yet. Thanks!

Cabling: how do I run stereo audio from my mixer to my breakout box?

cortex — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 12:27:11 -0800

Audio Cables 101: tell me exactly how to feed a stereo mix from my mixer to my breakout box. This cannot be hard. I have got to just be stupid. Please take pity on me. Here's what I've got:

Mixer: a Yamaha MG10/2.
Breakout box: an M-Audio Fast Track USB

Simple task: take a stereo mix from the mixer and feed it into the breakout box. The mixer has a variety of output options -- stereo RCA, stereo 1/4" headphone jack, etc. The breakout box has two inputs -- a stereo** 1/8" minijack, and an XLR female jack.

(**Is it possible? fathomable? reasonable? that M-Audio would have a mono input jack here?)

I ought to be able to do something simple like run an RCA-pair-to-stereo-1/8" cable from the mixer to the jack on the breakout box and just call it a day. And I tried that, and it didn't effin' work. Buh?

I've been getting by on a frankensteinian kluge, handling each half of the stereo singal with a seperate solution:
- single-RCA-to-1/8" running from one channel of the mixer's stereo RCA out into the minijack on the box
- 1/4"-phone-jack-to-XLR-male cable running from an unrelated output channel on the mixer into the XLR-in on the box.

And doing some crazy panning and leveling control on the mixer to get these signals isolated to left-and-right respectively and approximately equalized in volume.

And that's been working, but it's a pain in the ass and just seems wrong besides. And all I can figure is that I am just plain missing something, something obvious/essential/basic. Help! Reveal my fundamental ignorance!

2x2 mixer w\ 2 level controls

mr.dan — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 09:14:32 -0800

AudioFilter: Looking for a mixer that does just enough to get by. I am looking for a mixer that has an XLR (no phantom req.) input, and two stereo inputs, along with two stereo outputs. Here's the kicker: it needs to have seperate level control for each output, and it needs to be under $100.

I've looked at the baby EuroRacks and some Nady equipment, but I haven't come across anything that meets my requirements.

Looking for a software based audio mixed for OS X

jazon — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 07:55:21 -0800

I am looking for a simple to use, Mac OS X based, audio mixer that my son can use to edit mp3 clips for a class project. And I need it today! My son, who is 9, is doing a report for class and wants to present it as a radio interview. We have software to record clips and save them as mp3, but we need a way to mix the clips and any background sound fx. Multi-track capability is a must, and free, or low cost, would be great!

We are using an G3 iBook running OS X 10.4, if that makes a difference.