Breakout box vs. Mixer

[pianodancer]

I am deciding whether to buy a soundcard with breakout box (e.g. E-MU 1820M) or to buy a soundcard + separate mixer (e.g. E-MU 1212M + Alesis mixer).

My major consideration factor is signal-noise. My impression is that a mixer tends to generate excessive hiss or unwanted audio interferences. I don't need the SPDIF or optical ports found in 1820M, so the lack of them in the mixer is of no concern.

Any insights to share? Thanks.

 

[soft]

hey pianodancer

are you using it for mainly recording from keyboard/sound module to computer? if that is the case, then the mixer is really not neccessary.

the other thing you might want to consider is the number of input. most mid-range sound card have 8 inputs. that would be 4 pairs of stereo or 8 mono.

some soundcard have expension capabilities that allow you to add more inputs. one such is the motu 828kII 's Adat optical giving you another 8 inputs.

http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/828/

 

[lowjk]

1) How many inputs do you need?

2) A well designed mixer does not generate much background noise. The humming etc could be due to other sources eg poor earthing of equipment.

3) If you do not need the bell and whistles of the 1820M, why not consider the cheaper 1212M?

 

[pianodancer]

Hey, thanks for the prompt responses!

The reason for considering 1820M instead of 1212M is the breakout box that provides several inputs, as well as 2 MIDI in/out ports (I got 2 synths). Occasionally, I would need to record mic-in and I have a cassette tape deck for rare needs, so I would need at least 3 analogue inputs. 1212M only has 2 mono inputs.

If I get 1212M, then I have to get an external mixer (maybe a 4-track) plus a MIDI interface to plug my 2 synths, so my worry is that the mixer will compromise the recording quality. I have a problem with hiss-noise. Worst, there are some interference that sometimes even happen to PCI sound cards (like when you move the mouse, or when harddisks read-write. They are subtle, but I can hear them through my headphones).

 

[lowjk]

I have a problem with hiss-noise.

Still, you shouldn't be getting this problem as long as you use a well designed/pro level sound card and a decent mixer. I don't have this problem and my system is a candidate for interference because I have 4 out of 5 PCI slots full plus a high end gaming graphics card on AGP.

 

[pianodancer]

Appreciate your assurance.

 

[mack_sea]

I know what you need!

Firewire mixer!

http://www.mackie.com/products/onyx1620/index.html