Topic: USB mixer with more than 4 mic inputs + phantom for a n00b

[toodiesel]

Hey all:

I'm looking for a usb mixer with more than 4 mic inputs that can provide phantom power to at least 2 of the mics.  I'm recording rehearsals and plan to have 2 drum mics, one on guitar, one on bass, and one on vocals.  I'd like to be able to somehow patch in a keyboard too.  I've been browsing the behringer xenyx line but am not sure what to get.  I see xlr inputs on the boards but am not sure if all of them are for mic inputs. 

Thanks everybody!

Damjan

[jnorman34]

since you mentioned the "b" word, i assume you are on a smallish budget.  you might consider the tascam 1641, the lexicon U82s, or the m-audio fast track ultra 8r - those are all pretty good and pretty affordable.

[toodiesel]

thanks a bunch for the suggestions, that tascam 1641 seems great for my budget.  I can't tell from the specs, does it output a stereo signal through the usb port into the computer? 

One more question, are there budget usb/firewire mixers that can isolate each of the 8 mic-ins?

haha,  the 'b' word - i'll try and use codewords for behringer next time!!

[rastasean]

maybe you can consider the zoom r16 or zoom r24 as well.

[toodiesel]

thanks, those look nice...

since i'm on a budget, i have to ask:

does something like the Behringer Xenyx 802 accept more than 2 mics into it?  It has 2 powered xlr inputs, but can I run xlr into the 1/4" jacks, and should i put them in balanced or unbalanced?  I'd be running Shure SM57s into it, I believe they are balanced, but does the 1/4" conversion affect it in any fashion?

thanks everybody

[heyitsmejess]

you can get an alesis multimix8 usb 2.0 (make sure its the 2.0 version) used for around $200.
outputs all 8 channels plus the master mix to the computer.  has phantom on the first 4 channels.

the tascam 1641 outputs all 14 channels to the computer.  does 16 if you have something outputting an s/pdif signal (ad-20, for instance).
8 channels have phantom.

the alesis is more of a "traditional" mixer, while the 1641 is more of an interface, with little controlling of the channel before its captured.

(size intentional....)

[ArchivalAudio]

I would stay away from behringer

[Matt Quinn]

I own a 1641 and absolutely love it. Amazing box, especially for the price.