Basic Mixing signal flow

[raywood]

I'm getting back into audio after a long time elswhere. Gear is so much different. I can't understand what I need. Right now I'm just doing acoustic instruments and vocals. But I expect to do much more in the future.

I need to get get signals into my computer, so I look at features and spec's on mixers. They start at about 4 inputs and go up from there. The description hype always says something like 12 inputs. Maybe 2 or 4 mic inputs and 10 "additional" inputs. I'm looking in the range of $100 - $150.

I assume an input gets called a mic input if it uses an XLR connector and maybe has some way to supply power to a condenser mic. And some of them advertise built-in pre-amps. But with 2 mic inputs I can't mic very much, like a full drum kit for example.

The other inputs on the mixer use 1/4" phone jacks. I guess these are line level inputs. So I could use them for mic's if I had a pre-amp. Right?

Also, I am thinking that without a digital USB or firewire I take the mixer outputs through connector adapters to the line input of my computer sound card. (1/4" down to 1/8" adapters) Right? My computer has a pretty lousy sound card, but it will have to do for now.

Thanks for the help.
ray

[brandondrury]

Are you dead set on using a mixer? For modern home recording they are not required. I can't remember the last time I used my Mackie 1604.

Read this: Why You Don't NEED A Mixer For Home Recording

I highly recommend you go through the Home Recording Soundcard Wizard in my signature.

Brandon