Affordable Mixer recommendations?

I think I need a mixer, what I have at the moment:

MPC
Synth
laptop
Effects Unit and Bass Guitar plugged in.

Ideally I wish to have a mixer so I can sample from there the synth,laptop and bass guitar without having to switch cables all the time.

Not sure if this is the right thing I need to do, but any cheapish affordable mixers that are any good to handle this kind of thing?.

a used MACKIE mixer is the best for your money in my opinion... just make sure it doesn't have anything you can't live with [like noisy pots or hum or whatever]... and stay away from behringer mixers...

crossings wrote:a used MACKIE mixer is the best for your money in my opinion... just make sure it doesn't have anything you can't live with [like noisy pots or hum or whatever]... and stay away from behringer mixers...

haha I was looking into buying a behringer had some good reviews?, any type of mackie am I meant to be looking at?.

you can probably get a used mackie VLZ PRO [first series] for under $100 bucks on ebay... a great price for a basic analog mixer with 8-12 channels... should fill your needs...

a much nicer step up would be the Mackie Onyx line of mixers which are not only analog but also have firewire to enable you to multi-track directly from the mixer into your computer's DAW. just make sure the mixer has the firewire output.

behringer will get you out of a tight spot on a budget, but their equipment doesn't last long... mackie on the other hand

cheers looking into the vlz 402

get something with at least 8 channels... you'll need them down the line.

the whole point you're getting a mixer is to not have to disconnect/connect different inputs you wanna record... you will get more gear over time and then not have enough inputs... i'd say get a 12 channel mixer actually, but 8 may be enough... 4 channels ain't sh!t... it'll leave you hungry in no time. remember that a stereo signal takes up 2 channels.

I still use a Mackie 1604 VLZ Pro. It can do everything that you are looking to do. Make sure that you get one with enough inputs and enough sub outs, like the 1604, to accommodate all your gear if you want to track and send audio to different pieces without messing with changing wires in and out.

^I love mine, agree 100.

Also, if you do end up getting a mixer, especially if you get a robust Mackie, take the time to learn the mixer as well. It's an instrument, too.

i'd bid on this here... only 8 hours left on the auction... it'll most likely sell for under $100

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mackie-1202-VLZ ... 0661888264

I wish I lived in America but everything is jacked up in prices here in the UK.

acronym wrote:I wish I lived in America but everything is jacked up in prices here in the UK.

I have to disagree there. Mackie mixers are ten a penny over here, good ones go for fair money. Shop around and don't be impulsive, and be realistic with your budget. That way you'll get a good mixer in good condition. Can't go too wrong with a Mackie, Allen and Heath boards are quality too. Also consider Soundcraft and possibly Yamaha who have plenty of good used boards.

^Yeah Scooby paid less for his used Mackie in the UK than I paid in in the US.

Got a mackie tapco 220fx mixer for a really good price,all sorted now.

Hope you get good mileage out of those 8 channels!