Small mixer advice

mortvillefugitive · Post by **mortvillefugitive** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:10 pm

Currently, I track in my control room, so I have to turn off my monitors before every take. Pretty annoying. I've been considering getting a cheap mixer to stick in the chain between my interface and my monitors so I can just turn down the volume. I'd like some advice from someone pretty well versed... How much is that going to mess with my signal? Obviously, I'm not going to use the EQ on the mixer, but I'm still worried about adding anything unwanted to my signal chain. I'm not looking to spend a lot on this, because all I'm using it for is basically a volume knob. I was looking at the Soundcraft Compact 4, which is about the price I'm looking for. I know I COULD spend a lot more, but the fact is, it's not really worth it to me if it costs more than that.

Newsles · Post by **Newsles** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 4:20 am

Hi

Have you thought about using one of those little Samson C-Control boxes? All the features you'd find on a mixer monitor/control room section but without the rest of the mixer? Basically it has paths for control room feed, monitor and main mix, 2-track send and return etc. - the whole shebang in a half-rack unit, AND much cheapness.

http://www.samsontech.com/products/prod ... &brandID=2

As for signal degradation - I guess that would depend on the quality of whatever you interrupt the signal path with.

By all the reviews ive seen of this little unit, it seems to hold up well for a budget box. I think there ARE other, more expensive boxes that do a similar job out there.

Good luck

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 6:18 am

I'd definitely NOT do a mixer as it will cause gain issues. However, the C-Control really isn't any better as it's not the quietest thing on the market, but for what it does it is a cool little box. I'd recommend to look at the Mackie BigKnob or the Presonus Central Station, quite a bit more but you will hear the difference...

Newsles · Post by **Newsles** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 4:14 am

Ah, I suspected there might be a noise issue, which of course would negate the reason for having it in the first place - the Mackie Big Knob - good thought.

Think the guy mightve gone on holiday for a few dasy tho by the look of it!!

cases05 · Post by **cases05** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 7:15 am

The little M-Patch box from SMProAudio is also very nice, features a passive Signal Path.

mortvillefugitive · Post by **mortvillefugitive** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 11:01 am

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice. I'll check everything out. After I get back from the holidays:-)

shankyboy · Post by **shankyboy** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 2:03 am

I second the Central Station recommendation. I have been going mixerless since the release of the 2408 MK3. Initially, i tried the Samson C-Control and it was noisy plus the patching features sucked. So I traded it in and got the Central Station. Wow, is all I can say!! I've been using it for over a year and a half now and it has performed flawlessly for me. Definitely worth the extra dough.