Thank you for your response, it helped quite a lot. Check and make sure whatever you decide is compatible with the operating system you plan on using. Be aware the interfaces/mixers in the lower price ranges are not considered semi-pro.
The M-Audio probably has better hardware than the Behringer although I don't know that for sure.
#Used behringer xenyx q502usb software
For instance, here's the software mixer for an old MAudio Auidiophile 24/96. The Behringer is an audio interface with a mixer front end, the Fast Track is similar and has some of the same mixer function but in software.
#Used behringer xenyx q502usb professional
You could record bass and guitar, and then add the other instruments.Ī decent semi-pro or professional audio interface offers discrete audio channels so that several tracks can be recorded at once You can only record a stereo output into the DAW so you would have to Mix all the instruments with the Behringer faders and hope it's right, you cannot record each instrument on it's own separate track at the same time. Let's say you have one of the Behringer 6 or 8 input mixers and you want to record acoustic guitar, bass, percussion and flute. While you may have 4, 6 or 8 inputs you can still only record a stereo pair. they still only output a stereo mix to the DAW. Some mixers now have an audio interface built in, however, and this is a biggie. I thought to myself: "why? Why do all those 'experts' who explain it in video's tell me to specifically get an interface?" this is because I found that the more input channels you want from an interface, the higher the price.Ĭan anyone help me explain why the Fast Trak MK II is twice as expensive as the Xenyx 802 while it offers half the amount of inputs?Ī true mixer is often stand alone, and can be used to mix several sources into a stereo output, usually with a separate send/mic for monitors. I happen to know that the Xenyx 802 has 2 XLR inputs AND 2 jack inputs and I can get my hands on one (2nd handed version) for about half the price of the Fast Track. One of the most popular beign the Avid Fast Track MK II USB interface. So I guess I have to start looking for an interface." I found that a lot of interfaces <€100 have only 2 inputs, mostly an XLR input and a Jack/instrument input. Then I started searching the web for different audio-interfaces because I thought: "well they must know what they're talking about. I assume that the mixer in question has a built in audio interface (since it has, amongst other features, phantom power), so it's not neccesary to have an audio interface, or is it? Now i've been wanting to set up my own little home studio myself and basically every tutorial/video out there says: "in order to record multiple instruments into your Mac, you need an audio interface." Now I don't get exactly why, because i've seen someone do it with a mixer. The main question I'm asking is: what's the difference between a mixer (either w/ or w/o built in audio interface) and an external audio interface?īut the answers to this exact question weren't sufficient because I ran into a practical problem, wich is as follows:Ī friend of mine uses his Behringer XenyX 802 mixer as a way to input the signals his mic's send into GarageBand/Logic (kind of DAW is irrelevant). I know there are tons of question out there who are quite similar to mine, but yet none of 'em seem to be able to solve my question.