Audio Interface VS USB Mixer

[vickywin]

So I've been going back and forth between getting either an interface like the Akai EIE Pro or Presonus Audio Box 22VSL, or just getting one ov those USB mixers like the Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB. What do you guys think pros/cons-wise?

For what it's worth, my recording is pretty straight forward; pretty much just mike & hit record, I don't do any FX or throw anything extra on my tracks save for an EQ or comp after I've recorded, do I don't think I've much to worry about as far as buffer and sample rates, it's a pretty straight forward process with guitars/bass/vox/keys, etc.

My main concern is recording live drums; would it be better to get an interface and get a separate mixer for the drums (the more "tried and true" method it would seem), or could I take the shortcut route ov a USB mixer without loosing too much ov the quality & versatility ov an interface?


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[itchyfingers]

Welcome to GAB vicky! I don't record live drums so maybe not much help, but I've found my AudioBox to be dead simple for recording guitar.

[fretless]

the preamps are the key point , check out some Mackie mixers they have decent pre's . For Drums it's a whole world of shit . Zep got away with 3 to 4 mics and so can everyone else , especially for project studios . But it's hit or miss so you'll need to go to school to master that trick . There are a ton of good mic'n drum you tubes to look at . I'd go for a minimum set up , good mic pre's . You could also sub mix drums in a mini mixer and send L/R out to the interface

[Ostinato Rubato]

Yeah both isn't bad

[Skibob]

Keep in mind, a lot of those USB mixers only output the stereo mix on USB, not individual channels like an audio interface does.

For doing drums I would spend a little more money and get an interface that has at least 4 inputs. You can do a lot with 2, but the price jump really isn't that bad between 2 and 4 inputs. And if you get into it you will be glad you have more inputs.