Mackie PROFX8 Mixer W/ USB? or other?

//edited, see my post near the end about the mackie mixer.

So I need some kind of mixer, and some kind of audio interface to a computer.

I figured that a mixer with a built in usb interface would probably be the least expensive option, but obviously not for certain.

I was looking at the Alesis multimix 8 usb 2.0, and I was wondering what anybody who has it thinks of it. I like the 4 mono inputs, as opposed to other mixers that still have 8 inputs, but more are tied together in stereo channels. (I'm doing some diy synth stuff, so the mono tracks are nice) I also like the 2 sets of auxiliary outputs/inputs, I presume they could be used for 2 fx sends/returns.

Also, does anybody have any other suggestions for options? It could be separate mixer and interface, but I'd like to keep the total price at most $300.

I'm obviously not looking for the the highest quality mixer out there, based on my budget, so I don't need suggestions for much more expensive mixers, insisting that the cost is worth the quality.

it truely depends on what functionality you are looking for. I use a multimix 8 usb 2.0 and actually preferred it over my yamaha DAW to the point i got rid of the yamaha. If you plan on tracking multiple tracks all at once then i would say get something alot more flexable but for general purposes and to run what ever through it I prefer the multimix joint. I record vocals through it, run my MPC, & 2 Motif keyboards through it woth no problem at all. It serves the purpose.
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I think that the multimix 2.0 can be used to record up to 10 tracks at once on the computer, but I'd still be fine even if it were just one stereo mix, so that's not a concern.

What is the sound quality like on the multimix? Internally, like through the audio output jacks, and externally, thru the usb connection?

How well is it built? Does it feel solidly constructed and is it durable/reliable?

Still looking for some kind of answer to my other questions, but another quick random question:


Does the power adapter for the multimix have a cable for wall outlet --> adapter box --> cable for multimix socket
Or are the prongs for the outlet like a normal wall-wart, directly out of the adapter box?

I am not 100% sure on the one you are looking at but I suspect they are all the same... basically they have a DC adapter (like a sega genesis or what have you.. a cylinder jack and block on the wall) and the build quality was not amazing. It was slightly below average when it comes to mixers but seems to be common amongst newer gear.

Some of those dont have faders but instead they put pots (knobs) for the volume control... I hate that. That makes half the use of the mixer void because you cant change several channel volumes at once and are stuck tweaking each knob one at a time.

So I looked around some more for other options
How about the Mackie PROFX8 Mixer W/ USB?
It doesn't have the USB 2.0 multitrack recording, but I don't really need that.
Otherwise, it seems to be similar in features to the alesis.
And Mackie seems to have a much better reputation for their products.
And it's cheaper than the alesis (even the 12-track one is $30 cheaper)

So I think the multimix is out of the question, but what do people think of the mackie?

Edit: so apparently a lot of people have issues with a high pitched hum when using USB on the mackie mixer, is there any solution to this?

From what I've heard, Mackie isn't the same company it once was especially where mixing boards are concerned. I'm not sure about the preamps for each of the units you're discussing, but i'd probably go w/ the best preamps of the two. I was thinking the multimix was firewire for some reason. I'd probably roll w/ the alesis, personally.

i've got a mackie u420 firewire and i've experience NO hiss or hum

but there is another mackie that, when/if i upgrade, this will be what i will get more than likely

The Mackie 1202-VLZ3

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Mackie-1202 ... 172627.gc#

2 aux sends and 2 stereo returns, onboard eq, knobs instead of faders

its unpowered also, so no usb connection to worry about hiss/hum.

I've got an old 1402 VLZ Pro, it's solid as a rock and it was dirt cheap. Got mine for about £75, which I guess is about $120 or something. You can push the gains and trims for some very useable dirt!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEcVXsLyiWg

Fracture and Neptune use a slightly larger Mackie desk, you can see what they do to an 808 kick using an old EMU sampler and a Mackie desk for inspiration.

The VLZ mixers look good, but I'm also looking for a USB audio interface.
Like I said, I'm good with getting a separate mixer and audio interface, so does anyone have any suggestion for a good interface? I dont need a lot of channels, I'd only need stereo in/out to connect to the mixer.

http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/mackie-onyx-blackjack-premium-usb-audio-interface--76317

I look like a promo bot for Mackie right now but to be fair this seems pretty decent for the price, but there's a million cheap USB audio interfaces on the market. Go for the one with features you need, and try to future-proof yourself a little so you're not buying again 6 months down the line.

I've also used an Edirol FA-66 which was brilliant.

So I'm thinking I'll go with the Mackie 1202-VLZ3, and the Onyx blackjack interface.
Pros:
Durable
Good quality
Reliable
Separate mixer+interface, more flexibility
Cons:
Some features different, like no FX on the mixer, but I'm fine with that, the fx apparently are not great anyway
Only 2in/2out interface, but that's fine for me.
A little more expensive than I planned, but I think it's worth it

So yeah, I'll go with those

Thanks for the advice