So I've run monster analog and digital real-world mixers (I don't claim to know what I'm doing) and had success. I downloaded a couple virtual ones. I dont think I understand what I'm seeing. Recommendations for a low-cost, easy to use virtual mixer?
While I am also curious about virtual audio mixers, which are software mixers that run within the computer, I have been afraid to try them because my one computer is already running so many services and applications that I don't want to push it any further.
Whatever we can learn about the subject here in this thread I will be following with great curiousity along with CENTINEL.
I have the opposite issue. Plenty of room; I have two PC's too.
There is a pro analog mixer sitting in my son's closet he can't use, but there is no room for it to set up. Btw- space has been one of the reasons for my delay in turning the station on.
Speaking of the kiddo, I need his help figuring how I going to put two or more audio sources into the sound card. One of the things that stumps me is only one input jack, the microphone input. Where do I plug in other gadgets like a turntable?
With only one physical audio input on the computer you're going to need a small hardware mixer to bring in multiple audio sources.
The one that makes me happy is the RDL RU-MX4 Professional Audio Mixer which is very small and extremely high quality.
Got it on either Ebay or Amazon for a very fair price. It requires a particular Walwart power supply which I think came with it but I can't remember.
To my knowledge (and I'll be the first to admit I don't know everything) there is no such thing as a "virtual mixer" that allows several audio sources to come into a computer, and allows mixing them and outputting to a stereo out, replicating a hardware multichannel mixer.
There are plenty of programs that allow you to record individual tracks or stereo pairs, and import sound that's already in the computer into a mixer that then allows you to mix the tracks and output a finished product, and even listen to that finished mix. Audacity would be an example of a good free program for this purpose, Adobe Audition a good example of a paid for professional lever program.
There are also programs that allow you to control a hardware mixer via computer infertace -- ProTools used to have such a device, I suspect they still do, as well as M-Audio and several others. But again, you still have a hardware mixer -- you can just control it via computer if you choose.
There are also many "dj mixer" style programs that can be used to mix music and microphone, suitable for DJ club use, or even live broadcasting, but again, these use audio that is already IN the computer, and the input on the computer is used for the mic. So the audio sources you are mixing are sourced from audio that's already in the computer.
There are multitrack recording outfits for computer use that allow many inputs, but again, they come in through external hardware that is controlled either at that device or remotely via the interface on the computer.
If you want to mix various sources, you need a mixer that has as many inputs as you need. There are many small mixers out there what will do a fine job for you and take up about as much table space as a book. Behringer, Mackie, yamaha among them to Arrakis (I use an Arrakis ARC-8 to produce my radio shows) to a very cute 4 channel unit from Henry Engineering. Their "Six Mix" is a real dandy, very flexible and small, but not cheap.
That little Behringer Micromix is mono and not really meant for anything but mics, but they have other very small stereo mixers. As do the other popular makers.
TIB
There are Virtual DJ mixer programs in which you could have separate USB sound cards and use the mic or line inputs from each sound card. The virtual mixer software will then allow you to mix the volume and send the output to the sound card in your computer. Sort of like what VB cable does but again you would be using separate inputs or USB ports. You might have to buy what's called a USB hub if you don't have enough USB ports on your computer.
There was such a DJ program but I can't think of what it was and I believe Walmart even sold the software.
Even nextkast which is a program I use allows a line input which could be used by a virtual cable or mixer type program and then I could use separate USB sound cards.
I use an external MOTU sound card which can accommodate 24 in/outputs. With that, the software mixer will do what you want.
I also have a Tascam external USB sound card which has 16 inputs, 4 stereo outs. Less cost than MOTU. It also use a software mixer which will do what you want.
So, if you spend a few bucks you can do it with a software mixer.
So I guess I'll have to buy one of the smaller Behringer mixers, like a "Q802USB" instead of using the one below. I probably have room for that. Good news is I have $100 to blow on something like it.
I use a Mackie which has USB capability but haven't been able to make it do what I need.
Seems it can't work bidirectional as needed. It will show up as a sound card and will feed the stereo out to the PC but at same time it seems a PC player can't use it.
Check that out before you buy.
Please explain what that is. I'm lost.