Thanks for making this review. I still use my old iMic from Griffin for my electric guitar. And I use my Zoom H2 as USB microphone. My (also old) midi keyboard (with 5-pole DIN connector) is connected through my (.) GarageBand iControl, which has old MIDI in and USB out. This combination even works on my (new!!!) iPad. Zoom H1 Garageband Ipad 1; GarageBand User Guide for iPad. The Live Loops grid is where you record, play, and edit your musical ideas. The grid consists of cells, which can be empty or filled. Cells can contain Touch Instrument recordings, loops, or audio files. You can start and stop individual cells freely, or start multiple selected cells in. The GarageBand User Guide for iPad is the official manual covering how to use Apple’s GarageBand for iPad to play, record and share your music. Zoom R8 to Garageband - How to Connect Zoom R8 as audio interface to Garageband using fender passport PA. This video is about My Movie.
What is Audiobus? — Audiobus isan award-winning music app for iPhone and iPad which lets you useyour other music apps together. Chain effects on your favouritesynth, run the output of apps or Audio Units into an app likeGarageBand or Loopy, or select a different audio interface outputfor each app. Route MIDI between apps — drive asynth from a MIDI sequencer, or add an arpeggiator to your MIDIkeyboard — or sync with your external MIDI gear.And control your entire setup from a MIDI controller.
Download on the App StoreAudiobus is the app that makes the rest of your setup better.
Hi,
I thought this may be helpful for some folks.
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
Of course, I havent extensively tested every scenario but this is a goo start.
Comments
Thanks for reporting. What model device do you have?
Thats one thing that drives me crazy about the Zoom H4n Pro. It has to be used with a powered usb hub. I don't have the wall wart for it so I cant test that but I would assume since it is battery operated that it work straight into the CCK, nope. I did just discover that if you have the CCK being charged via a USB3 port, it will work but the Zoom still needs batteries.
@geophilips said:
Hi,I thought this may be helpful for some folks.
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
Of course, I havent extensively tested every scenario but this is a goo start.
This is my finding too. Even though their docs says otherwise it’s working great. I love my h6!
@Ben said:
Thanks for reporting. What model device do you have?I have the iPad Pro 2018 12.9 256 GB.
@geophilips said:
Hi,I thought this may be helpful for some folks.
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
Of course, I havent extensively tested every scenario but this is a goo start.
@geophilips said:
Hi,I thought this may be helpful for some folks.
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
Of course, I havent extensively tested every scenario but this is a goo start.
@geophilips said:
Hi,I thought this may be helpful for some folks.
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
Of course, I havent extensively tested every scenario but this is a goo start.
@Ben said:
Thanks for reporting. What model device do you have?@Ben said:
Thanks for reporting. What model device do you have?@geophilips said:
Hi,I thought this may be helpful for some folks.
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
Of course, I havent extensively tested every scenario but this is a goo start.
Hi there,
Has anybody tried using Garageband iOS/iPad Pro with the H6? I’m using the new Hyperdrive for iPad as an interface but can only use the H6 (in audio interface mode) in a “stereo’ mix mode, and not as individual audio tracks-to-inputs. Which of course is what I want to do.
I’m wondering - maybe using the Hyperdrive is the problem? What is everyone using as an interface; the USB -C camera connection kit? (Assuming we are still talking about the 2018 iPad Pro).
Or perhaps I need to look into another app as my “DAW”?
Any help is appreciated - Thanks!
@robotbarbarian maybe you mean hyperdrive as USB hub...?! If so, then yes, definitely the hyper crap is the problem. I have it too and it’s not capable of midi and some of my 3.5mm jacks are not recognized. I got first a cheap amazon hub that does the job completely. Maybe you and i get to contact the support again and they get their act together and work on another FW update to make it work as supposed!!?
@geophilips said:
Hi,I thought this may be helpful for some folks.
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
Of course, I havent extensively tested every scenario but this is a goo start.
Also ...Zoom H5 works too on ios
Speaking of Zooms (!) ,the old zoom H2 works thru hub only, and the R16 doesn't work at all ...
Can you explain what exactly is meant by multitrack interface? I think i have an imagination but I cant wrap my head around the H5/H6 being such a device... thanks guys!
@hisdudeness said:
@geophilips said:
Hi,I thought this may be helpful for some folks.
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
Of course, I havent extensively tested every scenario but this is a goo start.
Also ...Zoom H5 works too on ios
Zoom H1n also works on IOS as a audio interface and as a Card Reader, and is powered by IOS. Bought one last week for €79,-
@david_2017 said:
Can you explain what exactly is meant by multitrack interface? I think i have an imagination but I cant wrap my head around the H5/H6 being such a device... thanks guys!@hisdudeness said:
@geophilips said:
Hi,I thought this may be helpful for some folks.
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
Of course, I havent extensively tested every scenario but this is a goo start.
Also ...Zoom H5 works too on ios
I assuming the original post, meant multi channel/track audio interface, which Zoom H5 is perfectly capable
Shows up nicely in AUM@david_2017
It could be referred to as a 'USB hub' seeing that the only real way the Hyperdrive is going to communicate with the iPad (albeit USB-A/USB-C). I used the term 'audio interface' first, because that is the mode that the H6 offers to communicate as a full duplex device. Also, that is a common term used in audio recording (mainly with the use of computers) for interfacing audio components.I have no problem getting MIDI to work. I'm using an Akai MIDI controller and it's interfaced via USB-B to USB-C going into the Hyperdrive. No configuring or the need for Audiobus - it just works! Crazy! Haha
Last night I was able to make more progress toward getting this system of mine to work. I was able to configure (3) tracks in Audiobus and assign in Garageband coming from H6 and Hyperdrive. I got levels on all tracks and was able to 'record' them'. Though Garageband showed that there was recording going on, the actual audio was not recorded. A small step forward. Audiobus does recognize the H6 though which is something I had not seen before.
The way I've seen it done online was someone using the H5 and Garageband (and no Audiobus) with the camera connection kit and they were able to record individual tracks simultaneously.
All,
I'll pose the question again - what are people using as an interface with the iPad? I'm using the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9'
@robotbarbarian said:
@david_2017
It could be referred to as a 'USB hub' seeing that the only real way the Hyperdrive is going to communicate with the iPad (albeit USB-A/USB-C). I used the term 'audio interface' first, because that is the mode that the H6 offers to communicate as a full duplex device. Also, that is a common term used in audio recording (mainly with the use of computers) for interfacing audio components.I have no problem getting MIDI to work. I'm using an Akai MIDI controller and it's interfaced via USB-B to USB-C going into the Hyperdrive. No configuring or the need for Audiobus - it just works! Crazy! Haha
Last night I was able to make more progress toward getting this system of mine to work. I was able to configure (3) tracks in Audiobus and assign in Garageband coming from H6 and Hyperdrive. I got levels on all tracks and was able to 'record' them'. Though Garageband showed that there was recording going on, the actual audio was not recorded. A small step forward. Audiobus does recognize the H6 though which is something I had not seen before.
The way I've seen it done online was someone using the H5 and Garageband (and no Audiobus) with the camera connection kit and they were able to record individual tracks simultaneously.
All,
I'll pose the question again - what are people using as an interface with the iPad? I'm using the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9'
Audiofuse .. has everything.. including Midi hub
@geophilips said:
I got a Zoom H6 and verified that it works as a multitrack interface in Cubasis. The neat thing is it worked both on batteries and using the USB out as power source.
good info, thanks. This spring I visited a friend who has a H6, to test if it will work or not, but I forgot to bring a mini-USB cable with me. Next time I won't forget the cable, that's for sure.
@Korakios said:
Speaking of Zooms (!) ,the old zoom H2 works thru hub only, and the R16 doesn't work at all ...Confirmed not working with the R16, just tried it.
- edited June 2019
@gmslayton said:
Thats one thing that drives me crazy about the Zoom H4n Pro. It has to be used with a powered usb hub. I don't have the wall wart for it so I cant test that but I would assume since it is battery operated that it work straight into the CCK, nope. I did just discover that if you have the CCK being charged via a USB3 port, it will work but the Zoom still needs batteries.To clarify, the Zoom H4n still needs a powered USB and batteries to work with CCK or it's ok with batteries and CCK?
Looking at portable audio interfaces for iPad. Want something relatively inexpensive with 4 XLR inputs and can be USB / battery powered. H6 is a bit too expensive.
- edited June 2019
@nondes said:
@gmslayton said:
Thats one thing that drives me crazy about the Zoom H4n Pro. It has to be used with a powered usb hub. I don't have the wall wart for it so I cant test that but I would assume since it is battery operated that it work straight into the CCK, nope. I did just discover that if you have the CCK being charged via a USB3 port, it will work but the Zoom still needs batteries.To clarify, the Zoom H4n still needs a powered USB and batteries to work with CCK or it's ok with batteries and CCK?
Looking at portable audio interfaces for iPad. Want something relatively inexpensive with 4 XLR inputs and can be USB / battery powered. H6 is a bit too expensive.
I've heard about people using a Behringer UMC404HD with a USB power bank (it runs from 5VDC!)
If you choose the power bank 'wisely', you can even mount it inside the UMC404, saving more space. @rs2000 that is an option since I have 5v DC to USB RipCord, but I want something more compact. And I have umc1820 already.
@nondes said:
@rs2000 that is an option since I have 5v DC to USB RipCord, but I want something more compact. And I have umc1820 already.Zoom U-44 plus XLR plug-in then?
But it's not exactly compact either.Yeah, considering u-44 but read a review that said headphone out is not loud enough? Has anyone used it here? It might be closest to what I'm looking for.
- edited December 2019
I was testing my H6 today, and while the MultiTrack definitely shows up in AUM, i don’t hear anything playing on the selected Channel. I can only hear audio when it’s set to Stereo Mix on the H6.
What are you all doing in AUM when the H6 is set to MultiTrack in order to get the audio to stream into the AUM Channel?
I’m plugging the H6 into the official Apple Camera Connection kit on my USB-C era iPad Pro.
Thanks for the help.
- edited December 2019
@auxmux said:
Yeah, considering u-44 but read a review that said headphone out is not loud enough? Has anyone used it here? It might be closest to what I'm looking for.ive been using u44 for a couple years now, i mean u kinda end up turning it up most of the way but ive never been dissapointed or needed max volume YMMV
It is pretty compact for my purposes, it fits just about every bag I have and the XLR attachment is easy to remove and small enough to ride along. Its pretty big all connected up tho, but meh. I love it mostly for the battery operation and the upward facing jacks. very convenient @echoopera said:
I’m plugging the H6 into the official Apple Camera Connection kit on my USB-C era iPad Pro.it may be better to use a USB-C hub. Then you can attach more then one device.
@Phil999 said:
@echoopera said:
I’m plugging the H6 into the official Apple Camera Connection kit on my USB-C era iPad Pro.it may be better to use a USB-C hub. Then you can attach more then one device.
But this won’t solve my multi track problem. I’ve plugged it into a hub and still no multitrack support on iPadOS. 🤔
you may have done it already, but just to be sure, go into H6's menu and configure as USB device. It should ask for it when connecting anyway, so I guess this is not the problem. Then, I think, in certain apps like Auria and others, it should be recognised with multiple outputs.
Thanks yeah it sounds like it might only work in AP.
Well did some more testing. I can only get Stereo Mix to work for me when routing audio from the H6 to my usb-c iPad Pro. Multitrack just shows up as Channels in AUM, but no audio is plumbed thru so i can’t record any audio via MT on the iPad.
My hope was to get MT working in AUM to record a couple synths and mics connected to the H6...guess it’s one take a time for now.
If anyone can offer some insight, would greatly appreciate it 👊🏼™️
🤔 I use my H6 in multitracking mode with my iPad.
H6 (using pc/Mac mode for audio interface) > usb cable > either..... camera connection into iPad (but that’ll drain the battery) or more often than not > powered usb hub > usb camera connection > iPad.
Sometimes there’s some weirdness in set up order which means I need to unplug / plug / power on/off to get it to show up in say AUM.
Last Updated on February 22, 2021.
A very common yet reasonable question to ask yourself is whether you should buy an Audio Interface or a Mixer for your home studio, but you could certainly do both, so why not just buy a Mixer with an integrated Audio Interface?
In this post I will go over 8 Mixers that have an integrated Audio Interface which will allow you, not only to use them for live performances, but also to do multitrack recordings in your home studio. Some of them can even record on to an SD card.
This combination of equipment isn’t that cheap, so when I say affordable, I’m talking about $250 and up, but you are getting two for one for a still very reasonable price.
Read also: Best Home Studio Mixers; Analog & Digital.
Let’s get right into the first one on this list…
1. Soundcraft Signature MTK 12 and 22 Series
The Signature MTK 12 and 22 series from Soundcraft are analog mixers which also come with onboard effects and USB multi-track recording and playback. They both allow for 12 or 22 multi-track recording respectively.
It is important to make the distinction between the MTK series and the regular ones;
Both can be connected to the PC via USB but the regular ones only offer two channels for stereo recording and supports 24-bit/192kHz resolution, while the MTK ones offer 12 or 22 Multi-track recording but at a reduced 24-bit/48kHz sample rate.
The MTK series are fantastic for anyone who is building a home studio and wants a good Mixer with loads of inputs and options.
They have the Ghost preamps, which are the ones featured on their Ghost Consoles which are the top of the line. They are of extremely good quality giving you a lot of headroom, wide dynamic range and good signal to noise ratio.
These preamps also come with a Sapphyre Asymmetric EQ, which has two separate mid-bands, allowing you to EQ everything thoroughly.
This Mixer’s interface will also allow you to use the plugins on your DAW for actual live performances in real time as well as for studio monitoring without any latency at all.
They come loaded with studio-quality effects from Lexicon like Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Modulation and other effects and dbx limiters on the input channels.
One would think that these effects are not that good and just here to add something to this mixing desk, but not only do they sound great…
Even better than some commercial plugins, but they are also extremely easy to set with just a pair of parameter knobs.
The consoles have XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs that enable guitars, basses and other instruments to be directly connected.
The quality of the faders is extremely good, they are really smooth, responsive and accurate.
You get a 48v Phantom Power control, which is global, and also a High-Pass filter (for all mono inputs).
The channel strips have a total of 16 mono and 4 stereo channels, 2 effect busses, 4 group busses and a master fader.
USB Interface Compatibility
- PC: Supports Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
- Mac: Supports Mac OS 10.7.x Lion through 10.11.x El Capitan
Included Software
- Free downloads of the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 9 Lite.
The Soundcraft Signature MTK 12 and 22 Series are simple and easy to use, the recording quality is extremely good and they will serve you well either for live performances or for your home studio.
Find out more about the Soundcraft Signature MTK Series here:
- Soundcraft Signature MTK 12:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- Soundcraft Signature MTK 22:Amazon, Sweetwater.
If you find that buying a mixing board like this one is either too expensive or simply too much for what you actually need, you can always read this article I wrote on the best Audio Interfaces under $300 which offer great recording quality at an affordable price!
2. Zoom LiveTrak L-12
The Zoom LiveTrak L-12 will allow you to record up to fourteen individual tracks to your DAW or to an SD card.
The first 8 tracks have XLR inputs, one and two having a Hi-Z instrument level input while the remaining six have pads, which allow you to reduce the incoming level by 26dB.
The final two channels are stereo inputs which can be on ¼” TRS jacks or RCA connectors.
There are fourteen tracks being recorded because you get the 12 inputs as well as the master output, which is stereo.
The L-12 can also be used to overdub additional parts either in your DAW or internally. The maximum recording quality of this mixer is 24-bit/96kHz.
This one is different from the other ones on this list because it provides 5 headphone outputs and you can create different mixes for each one of them. Each of these outputs has individual volume control also.
Each of the mono inputs (channels 1-8) include a one knob compressor and a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids. You can choose from a variety of effects to add to the tracks while also being able to add a Low-cut. Every channel also has a pan control.
Each channel strip can operate in three different modes; In Audio Interface mode the L-12 transforms into a 14-in/4-out USB interface for your device with flexible routing options.
In USB mode, you can transfer projects and files to a connected drive.
Card Reader mode allows you to transfer files to and from your computer.
The L-12 has the auto record function, which will basically start recording as soon as it detects a certain dB level.
There’s also a bigger version which supports up to 20 channels. Here’s the Link to the Zoom LiveTrak L-20.
It does everything you need it to do, be it recording a live band, rehearsals, or even just for doing some solo home recording, this mixer will do everything while still being very easy to use and intuitive.
Find out more about the Zoom LiveTrak L12 & L-20 here:
- Zoom LiveTrak L-12:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- Zoom LiveTrak L-20:Amazon, Sweetwater.
Another option would be to go for one of these two Audio Interfaces which are affordable and have a decent amount of inputs.
3. Presonus Studiolive ARc
The StudioLive ARc series by Presonus offer a wide selection of mixing desks ranging from 8 tracks all the way up to 18, and all of them are capable of Multi-track recording, sending every Input to your DAW plus the Main mix channels.
These mixers have a nice feature that they call the “super channel”, which basically gives you all the inputs on one channel that you could possibly need; RCA (for CD and DVD players), a 1/8” mini jack (for plugging in your phone, tablet, etc.) and even Bluetooth to pair the mixer with your phone, tablet, laptop, etc.
One other benefit of the Presonus StudioLive ARc Mixers is that they can record directly to an SD card (the stereo mix only), negating the need for a computer when recording live.
Channels 1 and 2 have high-impedance inputs for instruments, such as electric guitars and basses.
The Presonus Studiolive ARc mixers provide you with 16 high-quality effects, which include reverb (room, hall and plate), chorus, delay, and more.
All of these Mixers can record up to 24-bit/96kHz and you also get a 48v Phantom Power control switch which enables it globally.
Included Software
- Studio One artist Edition (Presonus DAW) and Studio Magic Plug-in Suite for Mac and Windows, which includes seven Plugins in VST, AU and AAX formats.
The StudioLive AR mixers are definitely a great investment for a Home Studio, especially if you need to record a vast number of simultaneous inputs, or if you need a board that can be used both live and in the Studio.
Find out more about the PreSonus StudioLive ARc series here:
- StudioLive AR8c:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- StudioLive AR12c: Amazon, Sweetwater.
- StudioLive AR16c: Amazon, Sweetwater.
Related: I’ve put together a list of some amazing Wireless Mixers which you should definitely check out!
4. Zoom R16
This Mixer is a standalone multi-track recorder and a 2.0 USB computer audio interface as well as a battery powered field recorder.
The first thing that stands out is its size, it’s very compact, thin and light.
You can record a full live band and overdub up to 16 tracks, without ever touching a computer.
Or, you could record ambient sound and use it for a slide show if you’re a photographer, or it can even be really useful for film-making since you can record voice overs.
It features built-in condenser microphones as well as inputs for 8 external microphones and it can record up to 24-bit/96kHz audio quality!
The quality of the preamps is really high and they are actually very quiet.
Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad Mini
This isn’t your traditional mixing board from what you can see, it packs a lot of extra features like 135 Built-in effects such as guitar amp modeling to even mastering effects.
These effects can only be used in standalone mode, or when recording on-to the PC.
The reverb, delay, chorus and flange are amazing. The EQ, while being very basic, still does its job and the amp modeling is really fun and sounds pretty good also.
The Zoom R16 also provides a chromatic tuner and metronome.
One cool benefit it has is that it can be used to control the DAW, instead of using your mouse to increase or lower the volumes of the tracks, you can simply use the faders on the R16 and this will adjust it in your PC.
One issue though, which is quite a big deal actually, is that only channels five and six can provide phantom power for condenser microphones.
Channel one has a hi-Z instrument-level switch, which allows you to directly connect a guitar or bass.
Included Software
- Cubase LE
The Zoom R16 is really versatile and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone in need of something portable that can be battery powered as well, should you need to record on the road, in a bar, etc.
A huge plus about the Zoom R16 is that it can work as a control surface for your DAW, which offers a more “hands-on” approach to mixing.
Find out more about the Zoom R16 here:
- Zoom R16:Amazon, Sweetwater.
5. Behringer XR18
The Behringer XR18 is a digital mixer which features a 18-in/18-out USB audio interface.
It’s a completely different mixer than the other ones on this list for the simple fact that it doesn’t provide any channel strips or analog controls.
The way it works is via Wi-Fi by connecting it to a device like an iPad, Android Tablet, Laptop, etc. through the X-Air App.
This app works almost like a DAW and comes included withloads of effects.
It even has an Auto-Mix feature which can manage fullyautomated mixes with up to 16 live microphones…
This feature is not really intended for mixing live music, but rather conferences.
16 of the inputs are XLR/TRS combo Jacks which feature their famous MIDAS preamps, and an additional two line inputs, as well as MIDI I/O.
The quality of these preamps is actually pretty good, providingyou with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio and good headroom.
It also comes with 6 aux outputs which can be used to createheadphone mixes, or for live monitoring, as well as a headphone output.
Lastly, it comes with the “Ultranet” port which connects to theBehringer’s P16 monitor distribution system and allows every musician to createtheir own headphone mix or their own monitor mix on stage.
When it comes to cost-efficiency, the Behringer XR18 is oneof the best ones…
It super affordable and it can be used from a distance, which is excellent for live performances since you won’t have to deal with loads of cables.
Find out more about the Behringer X-Air XR18 here:
- Behringer X-Air XR18:Amazon, Sweetwater.
6. Behringer X32
The Behringer X32 is a 40-input compact mixer that features a 32X32 Audio Interface, meaning that you can record 32 separate tracks on/to your DAW.
This mixer comes with the MIDAS preamps, which are Behringer’saward-winning preamps that sound pretty damn good.
One cool little pro about this mixer is that it features analready built-in talk-back mic. You can, however, use an external one for this.
With the number of ins and outs that this mixer has, youshouldn’t run into any troubles, but if you need more then you can simply usethe expansion slot for an additional 32×32.
As far as effects go, it comes with eight true-stereo (16mono) multi-effects processors including delay, reverb, and all the traditionalones, as well as a 31-band graphic EQ.
Additionally, it has the Auto Mix function which enablesautomatic gain sharing, providing increased gain to your main speakers whileducking open mics.
It’s also possible to control the volume, panning, EQ andeffects via Ethernet or Wi-Fi by using a dedicated app, making this mixer verydesirable for live settings since you don’t need to always be right beside it;you can simply walk around the venue and tune everything from a distance with yourtablet or iPad.
Now, this one is a bit more expensive than all the mixers I’velisted so far, but it has loads of ins and outs, and you can control itwirelessly, which is a clear pro.
Included Software
- Tracktion 4
If you absolutely need a super versatile console, then the Behringer X32 might be the right one; However, in most cases I would recommend one of the first 3 I listed on this post.
Learn more about the Behringer X32 here:
- Behringer X32 Producer:Amazon, Sweetwater.
7. Tascam Model Series Mixers
The Tascam Model 12, 16 and 24 are true hybrid mixers that have all the controls an analog console has to offer, as well as some extra digital features.
They can record 8, 12, and 22 simultaneous tracks directly to your DAW or to an SD card at a maximum quality of 24-bit/48kHz.
On the first two channels you get an Instrument/Line-in jack with the ability to switch between them with the press of a button. Also, those two channels have an extra insert on the front.
They all can record either to your DAW or to an SD card, and also offer immediate playback of the tracks you recorded to the SD card.
Just like the Presonus StudioLive AR series, the Tascam Model Series come with RCA, minijack and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming Audio, and they even provide 16 built-in effects such as Reverb, Chorus, Delay, Flanger, etc.
The Phantom Power can be supplied globally, sadly not individually, but this shouldn’t be that much of an issue.
One distinctive feature is the Routing Mode selector, which is common to all channels;
It allows you to assign the input of your choice, like the live incoming signal, the return from a DAW channel or the return from the internal multitrack recorder to each channel for EQ, processing, etc.
This enables you to overdub in the studio or to play backing tracks, etc.
Additionally, they come with a 3-band EQ with Sweepable mids, plus a low-cut on those same channels. On the rest of them you only get a regular 3-band EQ plus the low-cut.
Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad Case
A stereo 7-band graphic EQ can be additionally applied to the main mix or monitors output, which lets you shape your mixes to your liking and prevent feedback.
Lastly, one feature unique to only the Tascam Model 12 is the DAW control Mode, which will transform the mixer into a control surface for all major DAWs.
The Tascam Model 12, 16 and 24 series are some of the best mixers you could get for your home studio, especially the Model 12 thanks to its built-in DAW control mode.
Learn more about the Tascam Model Series here:
- Tascam Model 12:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- Tascam Model 16:Amazon, Sweetwater.
- Tascam Model 24:Amazon, Sweetwater.
8. Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX
Another excellent addition to any Home Studio is the Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX.
This one I would recommend to anyone with a small Home Studio, or to anyone who doesn’t need an extreme number of ins and outs.
This mixer is also a lot more affordable than all the previous ones on this list which is a clear pro.
It is a 4×4 mixer, meaning that you can record the four mic inputs on to separate tracks in your DAW.
The sample rate and bit depth are 24-bit / 96kHz which is perfect for home recording applications.
ZEDi-10FX offers four mono mic/line channels (with phantom power), which are the ones that can be recorded separately on to the DAW, plus two stereo inputs as well as built- in FX.
The four mono channels feature balanced/unbalanced TRS and XLR inputs and use the GSPre preamps, which sound pretty damn nice and can even provide enough gain to drive microphones like the Shure SM7B or the Heil PR40.
The stereo Inputs come via TRS.
The first two channels also include a “guitar mode” which engage the high impedance DI inputs. This means that you won’t need to worry about purchasing a DI box.
The next two channels, 3 and 4, have a Line/Pad button which will drop the input level by 20dB.
All four channels have a Low cut button as well as the typical controls every mixer has; like Gain, balance, FX-Send, mix level, Aux send and a three band EQ.
When taking a look at the stereo channels you will notice that they aren’t as fully equipped as the mono ones:
The first stereo channel only supplies up to 15dB of gain as well as a two band EQ, while the second stereo channel only offers mix level control.
Luckily, the effects sound great, with 61 one presets in total split between the typical effects such as delay, reverb, chorus, doublers, flangers, and more.
This mixer also comes with a ¼” headphone output which should be able to drive most headphones out there.
Included Software
One huge perk about this mixer is that it comes with these free included software; Cubase LE and Cubasis LE.
Lastly, this mixer feels very solid. It’s clearly been made to last and to be road tough.
Features
- 4 in, 4 out USB Audio Interface (24-bit/96kHz)
- Cubase LE Software included
- Cubasis LE App included
- 2 Stereo Inputs with TRS jack sockets
- 2 Guitar DI high impedance inputs
- Internal FX
Note: You might also want to check out the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 which is the same mixer only cheaper, but it lacks the effects.
Zoom R16 Garageband Ipad Cover
Find out more about the ZEDi-10FX and the ZEDi-10 here:
- ZEDi-10FX: Amazon, Sweetwater.
- ZEDi-10:Amazon, Sweetwater.
Depending on your needs you might want one or the other.
Conclusion
No matter which of these Mixers you choose, you will be able to do multi-track recording, however not everyone is going to need the same Mixer.
Depending on the amount of inputs you need, you’re going to want a different one. Also, you need to take budget into account.
My top picks would be the Soundcraft Signature MTK 22 and the Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX, depending on the amount of channels you need which you can both find in my recommended gear page.
The Zoom Live-Trak L-12 is also a mixer that shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you think that you are going to need an upgrade in the future, simply get a mixer with a higher channel count, you will be saving money in the long run.
Can a USB mixer record separate tracks?
This depends on the mixer itself; if it has a built-in audio interface that is capable of recording multiple tracks, then yes.
You can check this by looking at the “Computer Connectivity” specifications; If it says 16×16, for example, then this means that 16 tracks are coming in and 16 are going out, meaning that those can be recorded individually on your DAW.
Do I need a mixer for home studio?
In most cases NO. You can use one with a built-in audio interface, but unless you need all the tracks a mixer has to offer, then it makes much more sense to go with an Audio Interface.
Mixers that can do multitrack recording are also very expensive.
How do you record multiple tracks with a mixer?
You will need a mixer with a built-in audio interface that is capable of multitrack recording. These mixers are usually far more expensive than regular ones, and for a home studio you probably don’t need them anyway.