USB Mixers?

[hamerhead]

I have the bright idea that the band should do some recording this winter. I currently have a Tascam 2488 that locks up in the middle of anything important, so I'm going PC-based and hoping for better luck.

What I need is a mixer big enough to track the whole band at once: 4 voices, 2 guitars, 1 harp, 1 bass, and stereo Roland drums, plus whatever else that might get thrown in. I tend to use multiple mics on everything, so 16 channels should be the minimum. Onboard effects are OK if they're tweakable.

I don't want a toy, but don't want to break the bank either.

Any ideas? Anything to look for or to avoid? Anything else I should know going in (besides "don't do it")?

Thanks.

[RichRS6]

We use an Allen and Heath ZFX live which we have had no problems with, it has a good EQ and some pretty useful onboard effects.

It has a USB socket, never got round to using it though so can't give you any idea about how well it may work but it comes in at a reasonable price.

I think they do a 16 channel version.

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

I got a BOSS BR-600 (8 real tracks + 64 virtual). Look at the next model up (BR-800 or BR-900) - may be what you're after. Great piece of kit & you'll get a good price (if you're lucky) on eBay (paid $100 for our BR-600: retail = $300+)...

[Hackubus]

Dude. Presonus Studiolive. We record our live gigs all the time. Not USB tho, firewire.

[geoff_hartwell]

Depends on what you're actually going to be tracking at once. For example, it might make more sense to track the rhythm section (bass, drums, keys, gtr, scratch vocals) on about 6 or 8 channels, then overdub up to 12 or 16 or so - especially if you have 4 voices and want to tweak the harmonies.

I got a BOSS BR-600 (8 real tracks + 64 virtual). Look at the next model up (BR-800 or BR-900) - may be what you're after. Great piece of kit & you'll get a good price (if you're lucky) on eBay (paid $100 for our BR-600: retail = $300+)...

If you're used to the standalone thing the BR series is pretty intuitive and sounds good. I actually have a BR-1180CD sitting in my music room that has been back in the box since I got into ProTools and Logic. If you want to go that route feel free to email me at <geoffhartwell@geoffhartwell.com>.