Mixer advice/recomendation

T

TWeistar

Member
Hello,

I am doing some 3 and 4 person interviews and need I a cheap mixer (< $100) to mix 3-4 mics and output the same mixed signal to 2 different cameras via XLR cables. I was looking at the Yamaha MG06. Any recommendations? I realize with this mixer I would have no phantom power or EQ on inputs 3,4,5,6, but that would work for me.

Also I am a little confused if I can output to 2 cameras. Could I take the left and right XLR outputs to camera 1 and the 1/4" left and right outputs to camera 2?

Thanks for you input.
 
That mixer looks like it only has 2 mic inputs, ifyou need to mix 4 mics, than that's not doing the job. I would recommend going with a mixer that has at least 4 mic pre amps.

Also, with the mixer, make sure everything is panned to the center, and run one xlr to each camera.
I know it's a little over your $100 budget, but maybe try to find something like this behringer :http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...r_UB1204FXPRO_UB1204FXPRO_Eurorack_Mixer.html

People rag on behringer, but they work for what you pay for them, and anything else at the same price will be exactly the same.

At $130 usd , it's close to your budget, and if you look on eBay, maybe you can find something similar that will fit your budget. It's got 4 mic pre's, xlr out, and for a bonus, faders instead of rotary pots

Ps : I don't have hands on experience with the specific behringer mixer, but believe it would perform your task to a satisfactory level.
 
"Could I take the left and right XLR outputs to camera 1 and the 1/4" left and right outputs to camera 2"?
> Yes, on most console mixers. However the 1/4" outputs may be lower by a few dBs. The RCAs are unbalaned and -10dB so I wouldnot recommend using them to feed a XLR line input. Otherwise, an XLR Y-cable can normally be used with line level w/o issue. Most budget console mixers do not have an oscillator, so an external one would be wanted for calibration (important).
While I'm not a big fan of Behringer products, that's a good price for what you get, 4 mic preamps. multiple routing options, aux sends, ect. You would also want some kind of case for transport. it's robustness is likely inline with the price.
PS - If you pan the mics to center, they will not be isolated to separate L-R main outputs. However with the Behringer it's feasible to send each mic to a separate isolated input, for instance; mics 1/2 to Cam A, mics 3/4 to Cam B.
 
Thanks for the replies. So looks like I need to have 4 mic inputs. I was also looking at the Yamaha MG10, which has 4 mic inputs and XLR outs. Any thoughts on this one. It is a lot simpler, which is good as I may have my student operating it sometimes. Rick, will the 1/4' outs have an adequate output for the camera? Thanks for the tip about the XLR Y splitter, I wouldn't have thought that was kosher. As far as the mix, I was thinking mics 1&2 go to left channel, and 3&4 to right channel and both cameras get the same feed.
 
I've used clients 6-8 channel MG series a few years ago.. I didn't think all that much of them either.. but I'm a malcontent when it comes to gear. The Yamaha has far fewer features/routing options than the Behringer and outputting four ISOs doesn't appear possible. (no 3/4 option and the single aux send looks to be post fader only and there's no channel inserts.. which can usually function as a pre-fader direct out)
"will the 1/4' outs have an adequate output for the camera?"
> Yes, if your cam's inputs are line level XLR. Yamaha states +4dB nominal on both the XLR and 1/4".
"I was thinking mics 1&2 go to left channel, and 3&4 to right channel and both cameras get the same feed."
> That will work, four ISOs are better, but more work in post. I would stagger the mic assignment so that two combined mics are not next to each other.. a phase issue would impossible to repair.
 
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