Mixer Purchase Advice

M

Mark-P

Well-known member
1.) I would like to purchase a field mixer to connect to an HVX-200. Can anyone recommend a model and any accessories? The mixer will be used to record interviews, instructional videos and will be connected to a boom, wireless lav, and handheld mic. I do not see more than 2 mics being connected at one time. That might change at some point. I was looking at a sound devices SD302.

2. Can anyone recommend an audio device to connect between my mac and a mic that will be used for recording audio narration.

Thanks!!!
 
1.) Are there any accessories for the SD302 that you would recommend?

2.) I will be using a MacPro and have not yet determined what type of software to use yet. Adobe Audition or the one that comes in the Final Cut Suite (I would prefer to use this if it does what I need).

Thanks!!!!
 
There isn't a Mac version of Adobe Audition. As far as interfaces, I've had great luck with the Mackie stuff. The Onyx 1220 with the firewire card gives you 12 discrete channels ($550 mixer + $400 fw card). If you only need 2 channels the Onyx Satellite ($200)is pretty cool. Both have great preamps and run very stable in OSX. I use the 1220 for most of my production sound now as I like working with a panel mixer better than out of a bag with a portable mixer.
 
something like this..http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/258103-REG/Canare_FP32MIX_15_Breakaway_Cable_for_Portable.html
but I custom made mine to include a 2 rca to 3.5mm stereo mini (basically and ipod adapter for a stereo) so that I can hook the rca ends up to the camera and the 3.5mm stereo plug to the mixer and monitor the camera audio on the mixer. The breakaway above is made to plug into the headphone jack of the camera, but on an hvx200 or dvx 100 I have found that the rca outs are cleaner. This also frees up the headphone jack for the camera operator. BTW that is Oleg's idea not mine (I wish I could take the credit for that one).. Trew could build you a mic snake or you could just take 2 15' xlrs and a 15' ipod adapter and ziptie them together to make a cheap one with no breakaway.

http://www.trewaudio.com/store/product.php?productid=240&cat=30&page=1

http://www.trewaudio.com/store/product.php?productid=539&cat=30&page=1
 
Thanks so much guys for the wonderful suggestions!!!

1.) Just for clarification: why do I need a fw card with the Onyx if I am using a mac that already has a fw card?

2.) I am not sure if I will need more than 2 channels, though is there any disadvantage to going with the 1220 and having the extra ability to do so even if I am not using it?

Thanks!!!
 
the firewire card is an add on inside the mixer. The onyx mixer is nice because of the preamps and number of inputs (plus good controls). The smaller mackie interface is a good value for recording less channels. I am not a big m-audio fan, but others may be able to chime in. People here have been using the alesis firewire mixers with some great success, you may want to try that if you need more inputs, but the mackie is out of your price range.
 
The only way the mixer can communicate with the Mac (easily anyway) is via Firewire, so both the Mac and the mixer have to have Firewire. Mackie Onyx mixers do not have the Firewire built in, so you have to add it. I'm one of those using the Alesis FW mixer with success. You may want to look at the smaller version (I think it's 8 or 10 inputs). I've heard that you need to stay away from the USB version of their mixers, but I have no personal experience with them. The FW mixers are clean and sturdy.

Phil
 
I am also not an M-Audio fan, hence why I went with Mackie.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ELLITE_ONYX_Satellite_FireWire_Recording.html

That is the Onyx Satellite which is the same price as that M-Audio and pretty much equivalent as far as inputs, etc. That has the same preamps as the 1220 and I have been very happy with both (I started with the Satellite which prompted me to get the 1220). You'll be well served with the Mackie or Alesis FW interfaces. Another nice advantage to the mixers with FW is that they can also be used stand-alone as an analog mixer if needed.
 
I have 1220 and added the FW earlier this year. For the money you really can't do any better. M-audio is the Kmart of audio; mostly consumer level crap with the occasional gem.

Cheers
 
I am sure there is much debate about what is the best thing you can get. I just meant that IMHO it is the best mixer in that price range. I said it like that to see if anyone would disagree with me!
 
Oleg, why not just get the 1620? I was looking at the 1220 and it appears to have only 4 good channels in.

Also, is the Mackie much better than the Alesis Firewire 16?
 
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