Topic: Would this mixer allow me to record three sources mixed down to 2 tracks?

[disco]

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/brand,zzounds/MG82CX_straight-b87670f716d265de7fdb8569366f0039.jpg

I would like to know if this mixer would allow me to record from the sbd, and both pairs of my CA-14's? I'm a bit confused on having 2 inputs for some channels vs. just one, so I thought I'd ask. I'd be looking at running both sets of mics mixed with the sbd and want a mixed down recording. I don't need to record in separate tracks, just three sources mixed down to one. Also with the RCA in's could you conceivably run a fourth source in the mix? If anyone has an alternate piece of gear that does this I'd love to hear it. Thanks

[fmaderjr]

I imagine it will do what you want, but that mixer is really inexpensive for all it does. I'd be scared it would degrade the sound and would want opinions from people who have actually used it on how it sounds before buying one.

[runonce]

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/brand,zzounds/MG82CX_straight-b87670f716d265de7fdb8569366f0039.jpg

I would like to know if this mixer would allow me to record from the sbd, and both pairs of my CA-14's? I'm a bit confused on having 2 inputs for some channels vs. just one, so I thought I'd ask. I'd be looking at running both sets of mics mixed with the sbd and want a mixed down recording. I don't need to record in separate tracks, just three sources mixed down to one. Also with the RCA in's could you conceivably run a fourth source in the mix? If anyone has an alternate piece of gear that does this I'd love to hear it. Thanks

It will work just fine...probably sonically in the same ball park as the UA5.

I would actually recommend that model...one of the few that has peak lights on all 4 main inputs...very handy for mixing on the fly...

Im assuming you have battery boxes/preamps for the CA-14s? Running 4 mics and SBD on the fly will be a toughie...do you really need to run both sets of mics?

I run the older, 10 channel version of that mixer...

and here's a 3 source mix...an onstage split pair + M/S DFC in the room, and the board mix (vox, keys, acoustic, kick, overheads)

http://www.archive.org/details/mightychondria2009-05-30

I think I like the traditional 2 source matrix better though...

http://www.archive.org/details/mightychondria2009-10-31

(same room, different show)

[bgreen]

Just keep in mind if you are mixing these down to two channels in the field and not tracking them to separate files on a 4 channel recorder, your going to get a delay between sources. Depending on how far your mics are from the stage, it can sound pretty bad.  I ran 6 mics stage lip and the sbd feed this last weekend and even being at the lip, I wouldn't be happy with the recording without lining up the waves in post. Just an FYI

[runonce]

Just keep in mind if you are mixing these down to two channels in the field and not tracking them to separate files on a 4 channel recorder, your going to get a delay between sources. Depending on how far your mics are from the stage, it can sound pretty bad.  I ran 6 mics stage lip and the sbd feed this last weekend and even being at the lip, I wouldn't be happy with the recording without lining up the waves in post. Just an FYI

"Stage Lip" doesnt mean much as every stage is different...its still about distance from the soundmakers....

For the money - this is cheap and dirty way to get into multichannel recording.

Especially for small club/bar recording, you can make use of what are often unrecordable/incomplete soundboard mixes, and augment them with your mics...

Not trying to downplay the delay factor, but its not always a huge issue...

[Walstib62]

Not sure how much this thing sells for, but chances are you could get a 4 channel unit for comparable $, and you would get better results. Mixing on the fly is difficult at best in terms of getting a well balanced mix.

[runonce]

Not sure how much this thing sells for, but chances are you could get a 4 channel unit for comparable $, and you would get better results. Mixing on the fly is difficult at best in terms of getting a well balanced mix.

Thats about 150 bucks...is there is anything in that ballpark in 4 channel recorders beyond the zoom stuff?

[disco]

thanks for all the input fellas.
I guess I was just under the assumption that more is better when it comes to the number of sources. I don't have a ton of taping experience and don't wanna get in over my head for the time being. Maybe just using something simpler like the DR-008 would be more up my alley? A simple mix of the two sources would be sufficient, I think shooting for more will overcomplicate things.

[runonce]

Do you mean the DP-008? -  I think that is only 2 tracks at a time...

[Walstib62]

Not sure how much this thing sells for, but chances are you could get a 4 channel unit for comparable $, and you would get better results. Mixing on the fly is difficult at best in terms of getting a well balanced mix.

Thats about 150 bucks...is there is anything in that ballpark in 4 channel recorders beyond the zoom stuff?

Nah! $150 won't go very far. I didn't realize it was that cheap.

[bgreen]

I was 5 feet from the bands mics. I personally would rather record 2 aligned tracks than 4 misaligned tracks. If your running cards back by the soundboard and it's 100 feet from the stage, you'll come close to hearing two snare hits for every one that the drummer bangs out. Unless your going to be running the CA's onstage with a board feed, it ends up muddy and unnatural. Just letting you know before you spend your cash on something your not going to be happy with. I guess it all depends on what you want back out of your recording too.

[disco]

maybe I should state my intention then let the pieces fall where they may...

I've been taping small venues that I can usually patch into the sbd and set up my mic stand near the sbd cage. I'd like to be able to make an on the fly mix that requires nothing but tracking or small editing after the fact.
The reason/thoughts for running a second set of microphones would be to run my Card's and Omni's on the same pole (thinking this will give me a "better" recording than just one of the sets) and to have those mixed with the sbd. I've seen a few recorders that can handle two sources and mix to one but thought it might be a nice option to have a third input if needed (back to the mixer linked in the OP)
I currently have 2 recorders so I thought purchasing just a mixer would save a lil' $$ and not duplicate something I already have 2 of. Thanks fellas....

[runonce]

I was 5 feet from the bands mics. I personally would rather record 2 aligned tracks than 4 misaligned tracks. If your running cards back by the soundboard and it's 100 feet from the stage, you'll come close to hearing two snare hits for every one that the drummer bangs out. Unless your going to be running the CA's onstage with a board feed, it ends up muddy and unnatural. Just letting you know before you spend your cash on something your not going to be happy with. I guess it all depends on what you want back out of your recording too.

5 feet is significant...thats a lot...not nearly as problematic as 100...

I would not expect my bar setup to work unless Im able to be within 3 feet of a guitar amp...just a little further than where the PA feed mic might be. Its more like Im adding the missing channels to the PA mix...

Disco - sounds like you might be back a bit too far to get away with OTF mixing.

[disco]

so I am reading correctly that a mix of sources (1 sbd & 1 aud-taped near sbd) would have issues, even if mixed on the fly, because of the differences in distance between the the sbd's mics and my aud mics?

[bgreen]

yep. I track mine and then lline them up in post. I run stage lip or in front of the monitors, plus sbd feed, plus aud mics in the back. If I don't line tem you, it's plauged with phase issues and cavernous sound. If your going to do live mixing, you really have to be on the same plane or darn close,  with the same cable run length as the sound guys to get good results. Ilm working on a festival now where I ran 10 cannels if you want to hear what it sounds lie.

on top that, imo you will have a hard time mixing in a high spl environment. You'll need really good isolation cans or you'll crank the volume really high and destroy your ears. Just things to think about.