Any other 8 channel mixers, apart from Soundcraft worth gett

Sup everyone. I'm looking to get a 8 channel mixer, are there any any other manufacturers worth looking out for apart from Soundcraft, but for that sort of price? (£200ish) Nothing against getting a Soundcraft, but could do with a few more options seeing as I'm pretty clueless when it comes to studio equipment brands etc.

I've heard Mackie should be avoided.

Preferably second hand to save some money!

Thanks.

Oh yeah and I'll be using it to put finishishing touches on my beats off of my 1k/S950 whilst recording.

Why not Mackie?

I have 2 Mackie mixers, a 1202-VLZ3 and an 802-VLZ4, and I've have no issues with them.

but that's just my experience.

Not sure, just remember being told they're not as good as Soundcraft, can't remember the specifics.

Just after general info on mixers in that sort of price range, or cheaper if possible!

I got an Mackie Onyx 1220i and I'm also very happy with it. Never had any other mixer though. There is an 8 channel version of the Onyx.
Do you also need an interface or just a mixer?

Basically I'm rubbish with any studio tech because all I usually use is my 1k and S950. Now I want to have a mixer so I can add a few final tweaks to my beats and then record them onto my Mac.

So do I need and interface to do that?

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

You need some sort of interface to get the sound from the mixer into the computer.

though some mixers have one built-in. IMO, a separate interface is more useful though, just for the added flexibility.

Ah I see. So going from mixer output to mic jack on my mac won't be any good? Assuming the sound quality won't be as good as doing through a interface.

Would be useful having the interface seperate, you're right.

More expense it is then! Ah well, still not sure on what other mixers are worth getting, other than Soundcraft and Mackie...Just so I can broaden my search for a decent second hand one.

Thanks!

45addict wrote:Ah I see. So going from mixer output to mic jack on my mac won't be any good? Assuming the sound quality won't be as good as doing through a interface.
Thanks!

absolutely not... Mac soundcards are quite terrible.

So, if you also need an interface I can only recommend the Mackie Onyx line. As I said I got no other mixers to compare but I'm more than happy with mine. Just google some user reviews.

Elias wrote:I got an Mackie Onyx 1220i and I'm also very happy with it.

Same here.

It's perfect for a small setup.

When you are recording to DAW... the recorded signal is PRE-fader, right? I remember reading that a while back ago, it was a breaking point for me at the time... but I'm starting to think that was a silly way of thinking.

medearis wrote:When you are recording to DAW... the recorded signal is PRE-fader, right?

Yeah, I'm not sure why they made that design decision.

The gains for each channel control the level going to the DAW. Everything else operates as a regular mixer.

Mackie usually has internal jumper/trace cut/etc. methods for changing pre/post/etc. signal flow in their mixers.

http://www.mackie.com/Products/onyxiseries/faq.html#8

Onyx-i Series FAQ

8. Are the FireWire outputs pre-fader or post?

Either. Onyx-i mixers offer a pre/post EQ switch on each channel that lets you determine whether you are recording with or without EQ and/or inserts. Additionally, there are several available modifications that our service center network can perform, including post-fader FireWire sends, fixed post-insert FireWire sends (instead of needing to engage the EQ button), and pre-EQ auxiliary sends. Feel free to visit our Support page to learn more