#247

Actually, here’s a thought, riffing on what jason suggested above: take a look at some of the Audio I/O devices offered by companies such as Metric Halo, particularly the LIO-8:

http://mhsecure.com/metric_halo/products/hardware/lio-8.html#tab=0

Initially, this doesn’t seem to fulfill your goal, but if you carefully examine the features offered, the ability to work in standalone mode, the programmable software mixer options, multiple high-density in/out track counts via D-sub connectors, and ability to order them without mic preamps (saving money on stuff you don’t need), this could be useful. Not cheap, but also would work in the studio, and is waaaaaayyyy smaller and more compact than any 1604. They can even be battery powered.

My one giant, MASSIVE complaint with Metric Halo is their as-yet total failure to adopt a more up to date computer interface than Firewire. A lot of users have been complaining about this, and MH has hinted they’re on the case, but…ugh…MH…Sound Devices 700 series…I personally have lost ALL patience with these manufacturers who drag their feet with this.

But, if nothing else, looking at MH might point you towards other interfaces that offer high density d-sub I/O.

Maybe RME?

#248

Yeah, but that doesn’t entirely deliver the same possibilities. I’d prefer not having to rely on having a DAW/laptop as a steady ingredient in live sets for example and therefore keep it as standalone hardware. Having to e.g. rely on a web app to control the newest Motu Ultralite as a standalone seems impractical at best? (it will be combined with an interface like that though for the recording side of thing, but need the tactility in front of that)
It might be important to note that this is not for an exclusively in-the-box or studio utility … need to take this out and play and travel with it also.

Will have to look into those manufacturers … but yeah, as you say, definitely not interested in hitting five figures. Or even four for that matter. I’d think most of us aren’t.

#249

Sure. That’s why a lot of us would love to find an answer to this. But I’m coming up relatively empty. I’m pretty much resigned to the fact that a computer is always going to be a part of my set. That being said, I’m not likely to become a touring musician in the near or distant future. I’d be thrilled with doing a couple/few performances a year.

#250

Have you looked into the above mentioned K-Mix? It strikes me when used as just a mixer (when not connected to a computer), it looks to do what you need. It is to my mind, however, compact but not minimal in the least. Appears the designer prefers to maximize functionality on everything.

If only we could get an 8-channel mixer with the audio i/o and footprint of the K-mix, none of the controller stuff, no pages/modes, no presets, and a simple set of front-panel controls (start with bare minimum of volume, pan, and 2 aux send levels per channel, and only add things from there that feel essential).

Dare to dream, most mixer manufacturers have shown that they’re happy continuing with the way things are done, and those who are willing to change either lean heavily on digital and touchscreens or fill the function list as full as it can possibly get.

2 Likes
#251

I have this

I think it’s capable of everything you listed. IIRC the inserts can be used as pre fader outs if your cables are wired a certain way. Also it’s got a 2-track rca input so it’s basically 8 mono 3 stereo in and 4 out +2aux. Don’t know for sure, but I think it’s about as small as mixers in this category will get

3 Likes
#252

Okay, how about this: The original Mackie Micro Mix LM-1602. This is from just before Greg Mackie incorporated as “Mackie Designs” - and was reportedly manufactured in a 3-room condo from spare inventory of prior ventures…

Hard to find info on line about this mixer from ca.1986. Here’s an e-bay listing with good pictures:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/mackie-micro-mix-lm-1602-line-level-mixer-used-exc-/400981573373

I have one, in much better condition than the one in that image, without the rack ears. It’s about 19" x 10" x 2"? (Mines in the rehearsal studio right now, and I’m at home so I can’t go measure it.)

16 line level inputs - 4 mono aux busses, with stereo returns (routing is a bit quirky, but works in practice) - very compact - unheard of all fader design - integrated power supply.

2 Likes
#253

Wow, okay, thanks for getting going here, guys. Seems we’re a bunch of people that have tried to give this particular need some thought.

Yeah, but exactly like you state - it’s very busy isn’t it?
I can definitely see the appeal of a thing like that one (once you get over the fact that it’s ugly as hell, in my opinion), but there’s far too much going on. Hardly need menu-riding on the mixer also, when you’re already dealing with a bunch of complex-enough-as-it-is gear that needs to get plugged into it. You can’t mess with the footprint though, that’s phenomenal.
But just like @jasonw22 says - I think we’re quite a lot of people that would actually be interested in a hardware mixer like this. And when googling around to try and find info on them, there seems to be a lot of people asking about that exact functionality.
It almost seems weird that there aren’t any major mixer manufacturers that have supplied something like this? It does make me wonder, if there’s really that few people who’re looking for live-capable multichannel mixers beyond quad set ups. Or just straight up bedroom producers that don’t need a ton of channels, but want the tactile mix option. Oh well.

Seems like this thing does pretty much the same as the new Motu Ultralite mk4 or the 828, right? And in pretty much the same way. Somewhat. But at a much higher pricetag and without pre’s as a standard?
Don’t mean to knock the suggestion. I can appreciate the option, but if going with the digital interface option, I’d probably be eying the options that give a lot in the box already and at a smaller pricetag.

Soundcraft definitely make great mixers, and that one seems very comparable to the Mackie 1202’s and 1402’s (and piles of other mixers) that I’ve gone through many of. The insert trick gets mentioned a lot, but I think it’s worth mentioning that it’s not functional in a live mix setting, since it is in almost all cases pre-fade and pre-eq, both of which are pretty crucial in a live context (and also just if you prefer to do your recordings, like I do, without have to create transitions and fades etc in-the-box)

1 Like
#254

Does anybody have any experience with these old Boss mixers? BX-8 or BX-800? The 8 has two aux sends, which is really appealing to me, and I’m typically only using 1/4" outs unless I’m recording.

7 Likes
#255

for those who really mean minimal: this thing on toronto craigslist sure looks interesting.

https://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/msg/5893171091.html

1 Like
#256

Do you need faders and physical controls? Otherwise Behringer and A&H have rack mount menu driven digital mixers that will do all that you want.

The Qu-Pac doesn’t look too big either.

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#257

The MOTU AVB series mixer is OSC-controllable (ref sheet here).
I use a faderfox midi unit (LC2 i think) with a PD patch (as a midi to OSC “converter”) to control some aspects of the mixer (fader levels + compression). It does not exclude looking at the software on screen, but allows me to use a compact setup (laptop+Ultralite AVB+ faderfox) for radio outside broadcasting.
One annoying detail is that the OSC port of the card changes at reboot and cannot be manually set up — so i need to edit my pd patch everytime.

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#258

i have had a few of these in the past and the first thing that comes to mind is that they are noisy.

#259

That’s pretty annoying about the UDP port changing each time. I wonder why they do that instead of assigning the same one.

#260

I really love mine, once I spent a couple of days using it I’ve found the ux pretty intuitive. The fades also take some getting used to but now feel good.I highly recommend trying one out for a few days before writing it off.

1 Like
#261

Thanks for that. I may give it a go.

#262

Any love for the Taula4?

#263

was mentioned upthread but thanks for posting it again, i’ll never tire looking at it… it’s the kind of device that makes me want to sell all of my equipment and just have a small set up of something like taula, nagra and synthi.

new kid on the block:

http://www.mastersounds.co.uk/shop/4573493857/radius-2-black---please-e-mail-ryan-mastersounds.co.uk-to-order/10965181

5 Likes
#264

Given the growth of what I guess we could call boutique DJ mixers, I’m surprised we’re not seeing Class A circuits.

Random aside: can you imagine the size and costs if all these crazy Euro modules were all Class A?

Can you imagine how they’d SOUND?

Oof.

#265

Tempting to find out! :wink:

1 Like
#266

So boutique, the web site requires Flash!

3 Likes