A Podcaster looking for a mixer.(need advice)

[hellfire45]

So I do a podcast. I'm looking to upgrade my equipment and I want to go with a mixer that can use mics. Heres what I'm lookin for. I'm hoping somebody here knows about mixers and can recommend one that fits me because I'm honestly clueless about what I'm doing.

Basically there are 4 normal hosts and on some nights we have a guest, so I'd need 5 channels or inputs(i guess).

Good sound quality. It doesn't need to be AMAZING or anything like that. Just good(better than a webcam.)

Something that can use mics and headphones, MAYBE a USB port. (we have a Snowball mic)

Something that I can use with Adobe Audition.

Something no more than $400.


Can anybody give any advice on a good one for me? I'd really be thankful. Thanks!!

[edDV]

USB2 is going to add cost. Alternative is an analog mixer into a sound card analog input. Start with Behringer (cheap) or Mackie (mainstream).

Behringer models start around $80 street, This leaves more money for real microphones.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/
http://www.cheapbandgear.com/Unpowered_Mixers_s/226.htm?gclid=CK7u-rT3v6MCFQ5Xagod5xdRhA

The Mackie 802-VLZ3 model prices around $200
http://www.mackie.com/products/vlz3series/splash.html

For USB start with
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/1204FX.aspx ~$150
http://www.mackie.com/products/onyx820i/index.html ~ $400

Microphones are more important than USB interface. I'd put more of the budget there.

[hellfire45]

Thanks! I like this one. http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/1204FX.aspx

A couple questions though, is this mixer going to allow me to plug a USB mic into it? I see that I can connect the actual mixer to the computer using USB, which is fine, but how about plugging a MIC(Snowball) into the actual mixer using USB?

And will it work with Adobe Audition?


Thanks again!

[edDV]

These mixers are designed for analog pro XLR or adapted miniplug consumer mics. Are all your mics USB or just one? If one, you could use this as a premixer for the other three, then mix in the Snowball against the mixer in the sound driver. What is your OS?

I can't speak directly to Audition. I don't have it. Audition would see your Snowball, the mixer and the sound card as separte inputs.

Audition uses the ASIO driver model for live sources. You should talk to a Behrenger VAR about compatibility. Audition forums can help.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_Stream_Input/Output

PS: I see ASIO drivers in the Behrenger software download list.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/1204FX.aspx

[lordsmurf]

I like this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J5XS3C?ie=UTF8&tag=thdifa-20&linkCode=as2&camp=17...SIN=B000J5XS3C
Behringer, only $50, decent EQ and gain controls, made for analog work.
I suggest these for VHS>DVD pre-processing (post-process in software).

Why must it be a USB mic? Why not just run good analog mic?

As edDV is alluding to, I think you're making this harder than it needs to be.

[hellfire45]

We only have 1 USB input device. We are going to buy real mics. Also, I wanted to mention that sometimes we skype people in. How does skype work with a mixer such as the BEHRINGER 1204FX? http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/1204FX.aspx

[hellfire45]

On the topic, can anybody recommend mics that would work well with that mixer? I'm not trying to bust my pockets here either. I think $40 - $50 per mic is probably my limit.

[edDV]

Skype works best if done on a separate computer from the one streaming the show. Just take the audio card output to an audio mixer input.

If this is a live show, you can also feed a mixer aux bus from a separte mixer input for off air talkback from producer/call screener, etc to the Skype computer feedback input. This is all standard radio station practice.

See Leo Laporte's TWiT Live tech setup if you want multiple Skype callers (with video). He uses 4x PC computers, one for each caller feeding separate inputs on the audio mixer + video switcher.

You can also find much comment on mics there. The mic is most important for audio quality. If this is an audio only podacst, a Plantronics headset works well. Leo uses $300 Heil PR-40 studio mics but most Skype contributors use Plantronics USB headsets. For an XLR wired mic, Shure SM-58's are popular. If you want to go cheaper, try to find an SM-58 clone. The SM-58's emphasize bass when you talk close enhancing your announcer voice.
http://wiki.twit.tv/wiki/Equipment
http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/cat640035/cat1430032/audio-400-dsp
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=plantronics+400+dsp+headset&wrapid=tlif...ed=0CEoQ8wIwAg#

[hellfire45]

I noticed that the Behringer 802 only has 2 mic pre-amps. We have 4 podcasters and I imaging us all using mics. I think I'd need to go for the 1204FX, since it has 4 mic capability.