USB Mixers

[Christian LeBlanc]

Mods, feel free to move this into the proper thread if this has already been discussed elsewhere, but:

Does anyone know of any mixers that can be used to control software mixers in a computer multitracking program?

My example: Cubase has it's own eq capabilities. I believe I could mix my own songs a little faster, and learn more about eq and different frequencies at the same time, if I had access to a board full of knobs and faders that allowed me to make changes in 'real time,' as opposed to opening up different tracks in the software and pointing and clicking everywhere.

Do such beasties exist? Are they quite common, and therefore on the lower end of the price scale, or so specialised that they're quite costly? (I'm only willing to spend a few hundred for something, as I'm quite willing to just 'make do' and save my money).

I'd like to be able to change volume, panning, have 4 selectable eq ranges (by which I mean: I choose the frequency, as well as how much to cut/boost), change the Q, bypass everything, etc.

[macrae11]

Hi Christian

There are a number of products that do exactly what you're asking. Unfortunately there aren't that many in the price you're asking about.

First of to clarify something, I think what you're asking for is actually a control surface, not a mixer. The difference being a mixer passes audio and actively manipulates it, while a control surface merely sends information to a computer about how to adjust sounds. Just so we have our lexicon straight.

The only units that I can think of off the top of my head are the behringer B-Control series. While they don't come in a full on "mixer" format like you're talking about, they can be combined and program to essentially do what you want.
Combining one or more of these guys with one or more of these will give you a pseudo "mixer" type environment. Each of these units can be had for around $200, but if you were to build a whole console, say 24 tracks, you'd still be looking at over $1000. And also a few hours of programming time. The nice thing though, is that you can slowly build up to that over time. Having even a basic control surface makes mixing in the box much more enjoyable.

The only all in one solutions that do exactly what you're asking are very pricey, and often proprietary to the software they're tied to. This is the one I've been lusting after. Unfortunately not going to happen any time soon.

[Christian LeBlanc]

I'll check out those links later; I just had to post to say thank you for a crystal-clear response, and yes, 'control surface' would be exactly what I'd be after. Thanks for getting my search started in the right place!!

[Malcolm Boyce]

I don't think it's exactly what you're looking for but something that has caught my eye is the Korg nanoKontrol:

http://www.korg.com/Product.aspx?pd=415#feat

Under $100CD if I read correctly.

[macrae11]

Hey that's pretty cool. I'd get one if they had a rotary control only version. I don't have the patience for non motorized faders anymore.