Why, exactly, is a mixer necessary?

Or is it?

Dr. Frank Boogie wrote:Or is it?

,, necessary for what,, ?

That's kind of my point. It seems like a lot of people on here have their MPCs running through mixers. But unless you're adding vocals or other instruments, it's pointless. Right?

Would there be a reason for running your MPC through a mixer before going into the interface to record? I have yet to use a DAW, but I imagine the EQ and panning are way better in the software than on some mixer, so it's not that.

Am I missing something here?

Well, I use a DJ mixer to connect a CD player, a turntable and a DVD player all into the MPC500's inputs. Its convenient for sampling what source I want instead of unplugging and plugging jacks. Plus I can have control over the EQ as I'm sampling, which is most important to me.

An analoge mixer will saturate the sound better and let you do "pre" and post sends. It should be used, but you dont have to.

Using a mixer will save you repatching instruments for input to your DAW/ Audio Interface.

It should also allow you to integrate outboard gear (HARDWARE) into your setup using inserts/ sends.

A mixer may have useable EQ and FX, handy for studio or live work.

A mixer will help you to route audio signals to you MPC/ sampler from a variety of sources effortlessly.

A real mixer can be used without a mouse or a computer.

If you don't know why, exactly a mixer is necessary, it's probably because YOU DON'T NEED ONE.

http://www.tweakheadz.com/choosing_a_mi ... tudio.html