(Part 2) Best audio recording mixers according to redditors
We found 572 Reddit comments discussing the best audio recording mixers. We ranked the 74 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
First off, don't play around with splitters. You want to get a mixer. Something simple to start with like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Alto-Professional-ZMX862-6-Channel-Channel/dp/B004TM323C/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1485432445&sr=1-1&keywords=Alto+Professional
Then to get everything synced-up, you want to use a MIDI Quadra Thru:
https://www.amazon.com/MIDI-Solutions-Quadra-4-Output-Thru/dp/B0002GH8X4/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1485432544&sr=1-1&keywords=quadra+thru
Then you will just need to get some MIDI cables and then 1/4" to 1/4" audio cables for the Monologue and 1/8" to 1/4" audio cables for your Volca Beats and Monotron as well as one to go from the mixer to your speakers (or you can use headphones by plugging into the mixer).
For syncing everything you would use a MIDI cable out from the Monologue, to the MIDI In of the MIDI Quadra Thru box. Then connect a MIDI cable to one of the MIDI Thru's to the MIDI In to each of your other devices. Now I don't own the Monologue, Volca Beats or Monotron, so there may be another way...but it should work fine the way I described.
Make sure you know the diffrance between Dynamic and Condenser.
Dynamic - suppresses noise, max pickup range maybe 4feet or less.
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These 2 are studio quality mics but budget around $80 or less, you wont be dissapointed.
Both are the same, sound the same, have the same parts and tech, only the shell is different.
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To make the best out of it, use XLR analog output with Audio Mixer
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I have Audio Technica AT2005, its very good.
Please for the love of god do not buy a yeti, people that do not know about sound quality make the worst mistakes...
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Also Audio-Technica AT2020 is a condenser, I used it, it picks up noise 3 houses down the road, to use those mics you need sound insulated room, if you have that, its a really good studio mic...
Use the USB. It should register as a single input audio device which you can select in your live stream program.
Good quality true omni boundary mics are somewhat expensive. Cheap ones tend to be rubbish.
Your biggest concern would be the distance between your mics and the people who are talking. They will possibly lack in mid/bass response and sound thin and unpleasant. This could be mitigated by experimenting with the boundary surface size and shape (the table you put the mics on) as well as the mics position on the surface but there's no guarantee that this will help significantly enough to improve the quality.
You would have to gain the mics fairly hot which brings in the problems of ambient noise, indirect sound and increased noise floor. Your room having less reflective surfaces may help to mitigate the ambient noise and indirect sound enough to make them acceptable, but if your mics noise floor is high then you will have a hiss that will be very noticeable and possibly make the already thin voices harder to hear.
If you do go the omni path, I would be figuring out which ones you want and looking at trying to get some to demo before you commit to purchase them. You may even want to demo many different brands and models to see if there's a particular one that works for your situation over all of the others. It could even be that boundaries are not the best solution for your needs and there may be a product more suited.
If I was going to use boundaries though this would be the setup I would go with:
-Put a table halfway across every 2 tables hard up against them. Like this. With the 3 main tables at the bottom of your drawing just put a single table line up with the center table.
-Put a half-cardioid boundary mic on each table (5 in total) AudioTechnica's Pro44 would be good for this. They're decently price and do a pretty good job.
-Position the mics far enough back so that everyone on the 2 tables are within the 120 degree pickup of the mic. You may have to drag the mic table slightly back to achieve this depending on how many people are at the 2 tables.
-Use a small mixer like this to mix the 4 mics on the longer side together into a single output. Feed the small mixer output into the first xlr input of the behringer then feed the 5th mic on the main table into the second xlr input.
-Experiment with the size and shape of the tables the mics are on to see if something else works better.
The Pro44's being cardioid mean that you are rejecting sound from the rear which will dramatically reduce the pickup of ambient noise and indirect sounds. Having the mics closer to the people means better mid/bass response and less gain needed for each mic which will also help with the former as well as decreasing the noise floor.
Obviously this blows your budget out a fair bit, but I think you would achieve a far better result. It very much depends on what you want to achieve and what level of audio quality is acceptable to you and the people who are watching the live stream. It may be that the omni's are sufficient enough for your purposes despite the flaws they could bring into the mix.
Again, you should see if you can demo some products before you purchase anything.
If you ever want to have callers/skypers/etc. on your show, make sure you get one that you can do a mix-minus with. Basically you'll want a mon-send or an fx-send. Look for at least a 2-bus mixer or you'll be limited to a single mix-minus connection.
I have a Behringer Q802USB - I should have just bought the 802 (not USB) for $15 less. Here's a little secrete I didn't know when I bought it - you can't use the USB bi-directionally. You're EITHER sending audio to the PC or receiving audio from the PC. So it didn't work for my needs to monitoring incoming audio from the PC and send my mic feed at the same time. I ended up buying a UCA202 USB interface and that solved my problem.
You'll hear the Behringer's are noisy. They are. If you drive the gain it gets really hissy. BUT keep the levels down and it works just fine. For under $80 it's really hard to beat.
If you're on a budget, and want to record 3 mic, I would maybe take a look at these:
Behring 1202
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-1202-BEHRINGER-XENYX/dp/B000J5Y282/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421430697&sr=8-1&keywords=behringer+1202
Alto Professional ZMX122FX
http://www.amazon.com/Alto-Professional-ZMX122FX-8-Channel-Preamps/dp/B004TM31FG/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1421430794&sr=1-2
Mackie 802VLZ4
http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-802VLZ4-8-channel-Compact-Quality/dp/B00EDHWLFI/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&qid=1421430841&sr=8-33&keywords=audio+mixer
Yamaha MG10XU
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-MG10XU-10-Input-Stereo-Mixer/dp/B00IBIVL42/ref=sr_1_61?ie=UTF8&qid=1421430887&sr=8-61&keywords=audio+mixer
For a really inexpensive 2-bus mixer with a sub-group, maybe the Behringer Eurorack UB1204. You get 2 aux sends + a 3-4 submix. I've not heard anything about these mixers - so I can't tell you if the mic pres are at all acceptable. Anyone will tell you if you're serious to stay away from Behringer.
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UB1204-PRO-BEHRINGER-EURORACK/dp/B00551VDIM/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421430950&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=behringer+euroack
You're not going to find S/PDIF since that requires a lot of expensive electronics (relatively) to make it work. Here are your options for ~20 quid
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-UB502-Eurorack-Mixer/dp/B0002L05XY/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-MX400-Micromix-Noise-Channel/dp/B000KGYAYQ
http://www.amazon.co.uk/1aTTack-Stereo-Audio-Mixer-Housing/dp/B005N9D00K/
Would something like this work?
https://www.amazon.com/A4-4Channels-Console-Bluetooth-production/dp/B07MLGS622/ref=pd_cp_267_2/132-8076220-6597562?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07MLGS622&pd_rd_r=7dfcd6c7-756c-4173-9894-2a6e6c798f0f&pd_rd_w=4i9i9&pd_rd_wg=CGFrB&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=VNJDGZ0J5PXXGYK7QT93&psc=1&refRID=VNJDGZ0J5PXXGYK7QT93
At $49, I don't think you are going to beat the price for a small mixer with phantom power. It might not be the most convenient form factor, but will run off a USB power brick. I can't speak to the quality, but I would expect anything in the price range to yield about the same result.
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Ideally, something like this would be a better solution, but it requires phantom power.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT8681--audio-technica-at8681-unimix-2-to-1-microphone-combiner?gclsrc=aw.ds&&mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=1683539754&rkg_id=0&campaigntype=dsa&campaign=aaDSA&adgroup=1683539754:DSA+-+Product+-+Mics&placement=google&adpos=1t1&creative=282276642715&device=c&matchtype=b&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjwldHsBRAoEiwAd0JybUdfe6D1qGhfGXiJOgrZB111IF3WWqI-Euc4hlckJ-vPlO2L3LMKMBoCQmgQAvD_BwE
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For a bit more $, there is the Radial unit, which is passive (does not require power)https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Mix21--radial-mix-21?gclsrc=aw.ds&&mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=3280890796&product_id=Mix21&campaigntype=shopping&campaign=aaShopping%2520-%2520Core%2520-%2520Live%2520Sound%2520%26%2520Lighting&adgroup=Live%2520Sound%2520%26%2520Lighting%2520-%2520Live%2520Sound%2520Mixers&placement=google&creative=226299461195&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjwldHsBRAoEiwAd0Jybd03XqeNO6Lo8-FGlnS7JDLyZL2R5omY2-QRpOOsX3QkU-aAGWAIJhoCf_YQAvD_BwE
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As a rule, you do NOT want to use something like a y-cable for this due to impedance issues.
My employer has asked me to start a podcast. I was hoping I could get a few questions answered here!
Thank you!
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You were asking for the cheapest starter hardware, right?
Now, many people are fine with the Behringer stuff. I've heard many people complain about the quality of the preamps which is why I spent 160% more and got a Mackie. I have a rack mount Behringer dynamic processor on my rig and a couple USB to RCA interfaces.
I've never had an issue. Others disagree. One presumes that you are testing the waters and seeing if you will get past the beginner stage.
Having said all that, I'm looking at the Behringer UFX1204. I here the preamps gain knobs are a little finicky at the very very top but at $400 for a multitrack USB recording mixer? Yeah, I need to justify this somehow....
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E87ONWC/
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With a $500 to $700 budget I might suggest the following. Steer clear of the "packaged podcast stuff". And others will have their own opinions and thoughts but here are mine.
Recorder: Zoom H4nPro $230. Portable, flexible, will accept up to 4 inputs. Records on a SD Card.
Software: Audacity. It is free and allows you to manipulate and put together a cohesive product.
Mics: 2 of the ATR 2100 USB $150. Again, flexible and a decent beginner mic.
Accessories needed. 2 wind screen/pop filters for mics ($20), 2 mic stands ($20), 2 XLR cables for mics ($25)
Headphones: Sony MDR7560 $80 2 might be nice, but 1 required.
That is about $550 to $600 at this point.
If you wanted a studio mic, a decent starter mic is the MXL 990 at $100/ea. But beware that this is a condenser mic and it will pick up a ton of ambient sound especially in a non-treated room.
You may want to add a mixer into the mix at some point. I have a Behringer Xenyx 1204USB $139, but wish I had known more when I bought it and I would have bought the Behringer UFX1204 with the difference being that the one I have sends out a single stereo track to the recorder, but the latter has the ability to send separate tracks. Woudl be very handy if your guest is VERY soft spoken, there is a lot of talk over one another, etc.
Ok, Thank you. Here is a similar setup to what I use. My personal one is a bit more sophisticated but nonetheless, these items will certainly get you started and aim you in the right direction.
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Let's start with the Mixer:
Your mixer will be your new interface. Rather than plugging one microphone into your computer you'll plug all your microphones into one mixer which then will be connected to your computer via USB.
Microphone - Mixer - Computer
Here is a good starter at a decent price. It'll be your most expensive single piece of equipment (unless you decide to get top tier microphones). You'll be able to EQ and set levels to each microphone hooked up to the mixer before sending it to Audacity (or Audition, Reaper). You can also hook up more than 3 mics, a guitar, your phone, maybe you want to hook your computer up to it to play a sound, basically anything that sends one signal to another, you'll be able to do it with this and record it.
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Next Microphones:
If you're able to hook up a mic cable (XLR) to your Blue Yeti, you can still use that microphone, too. Obviously, switch your polar pattern to cardioid that way it's more directional and doesn't pick up as much room noise. Also, try to point it away from your AC unit. Regardless, since the Blue Yeti is a condenser microphone, it'll pick up more room noise because it's much more sensitive. That's why in broadcast situations you'll always see dynamic microphones such as the Electrovoice RE20 or Shure SM7b. For your own sake, I would do some research on condenser vs dynamic but any website you shop at (or if you go to Guitar Center in person) you can filter microphones by condenser or dynamic. I highly recommend buying yourself 3 dynamic microphones to reduce room noise.
Here are my microphone recommendations:
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Finally, your Accessories:
You'll need 3 XLR's to hook 3 microphones up to the mixer. I recommend purchasing them from monoprice.com - very cheap cables that last a long time if you learn to wrap your cable correctly.
Same with your microphone stands:
Most microphones you buy will come with the mount for it. If you get the Behringer XM8500 or the Shure SM58 you might need one of these if it doesn't come with it:
Also, for both of those mics I definitely recommend buy either a pop filter or wind screen to put over top to reduce plosives. If you don't know what plosives are, google it. You wont need to worry about plosives if you purchase the Rode Procaster or RE20.
One very last thing to mention is headphones. Through the mixer, there is a headphone jack where you can plug headphones in to monitor the mix. However, there is also something called "Main Out" or "Control Room Out" - you can send your vocal mix to an external Headphone Amplifier/Splitter that way you and your friends can all listen to the mix in real time.
Audacity is a good program but I recommend getting familiar with Reaper The trial version is free version and I think after the 60 day evaluation you're still allowed to use it although it may press you to buy it. I personally use Adobe Audition but that requires a subscription. If Audacity works fine for you, then by all means.
I apologize for the long post and I hope it's not too overwhelming. Mixer, Microphones, Cables, Stands, and headphone splitter is basically what this whole post is about! Feel free to ask questions.
If all else fails just find a podcasting kit to purchase from somewhere and go from there http://www.bswusa.com/Podcasting-Packages-BSW-Internet-Radio-Going-Pro-Kit-Dual-P10534.aspx
My current setup is quite a "make do while I have little money at the moment" setup. I managed to spend a bit of money and got myself an Audio Technica LP120. I'm using the built in preamp and going out to an ALTO ZMX862 mixer. (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004TM323C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fVpbzbFMXDBVB). From there, it goes to my Presonus Eris E4.5. The mixer is temporary, but I'm not entirely sure if it works as an amplifier. I want to get this soon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EMGU3TA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_f0pbzbT1K8HEM), but I'm not sure if this is what I need. Hopefully someone can help.
Also, a second question I have. I recently bought Pearl Jam's 'Ten'. It is a coloured vinyl, but it gets really static, even when I've used the anti-static brush. If anyone knows why this might be, I'd be grateful. Thank you.
As much as I prefer Mackie for build quality, these guys have a frequency-sweepable midrange EQ, which can save your bacon when trying to avoid feedback (I can elaborate further if needed). Mackie only has this feature on larger, pricier models.
Allen & Heath ZED-10 Four Mono Mic/Lines with 2 Active D.I. and 3 Stereo Line Inputs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003T74O8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6cS4ybVVFHPD3
I'd also get a travel bag for the mixer. Gator bags are nice. Easy to get dust in the faders, etc.
Don't forget cables. XLR mic cables for the mic and each powered speaker (so 3 total of whatever distance you want to put the mixer away from the stage less height to run up the stand, probably 50' minimum).
And get at least one roll of Gaffers tape. Tape cables down. People drag their feet, don't watch where they're going, etc. I've seen people trip and yank speakers down from stands before, not good.
Sorry for late reaction. (something with living in Europe and it was night) That won't work, unfortunately every channel is mono. So you'll have to add at least 1 more channel to get stereo sound for 3 devices. You might want to take a look at Xenyx802.
Personally I use a UB1002 Since I use 8 Channels (2 channels per device) and I used to have 2 sets of speakers.
But again, this is a set up for more control. If you are willing to spend the money on it. This problem could be solved by a splitter. Plug everything into it, and plug the splitter into the speakers.
/u/aflocka - you might want to add new [Sony PXW-Z450] (https://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/mkt-nab2016/mkt-nab2016acquisition/product-PXWZ450/) to your list.
It is the first 4K/60p purpose-built shoulder mounted ENG camera. It has a 2/3" sensor and native B4 mount for compatibility with a wide range of fast, parfocal power zooms.
It has great connectivity, with a built in wireless module and Ethernet jack.
It also records at slow motion frame rates up to 1080/180p.
The Z450 was shown at NAB this year, but won't be available until later this year or early next year (when Sony says "winter", that could be as late as March '17).
Nice introductory video from Dan Chung at newsshooter.com [here] (https://vimeo.com/163475462).
From [this picture] (http://www.xdcam-user.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSC00656-1024x684.jpg), it looks like it has plenty of XLR inputs, but the specs don't say.
If not, you can easily add more inputs with a [$150 battery powered Rolls MX124 4 channel mixer] (https://www.amazon.com/Rolls-MX124-Portable-Channel-Stereo/dp/B001030Z6U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20).
Sadly, this camera does not have a "compact form factor" - so your "stabilizer" would have to be the camera op's shoulder.
Hope this is helpful and good luck with your upgrade!
Looking at his setup picture from last year here, he's using a Allen & Heath ZED-14
> The reason i suggest this is that many mixers create alot of latency and typically do not have the same level of converters as a standalone interface
This is untrue. An true analog desk has no latency. (Only the very small phase shift introduced by the equalizer and/or compressor on the channel strip).
Have a look at the Behringer UFX-1204. In addition to being an analog unit, every channel strip has a digital insert loop (firewire+USB) that works nicely with different DAWs.
As far as allen and heath mixers go I really like the one I use:
https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Heath-ZED-14-14-Channel-Interface/dp/B001MW9U1U
It's pretty simple but supports a decent amount of fx routing. It's a bit bulky in size/weight tho. Sounds great to my ears. Probably not the best though.
https://smile.amazon.com/Allen-Heath-ZED-14-14-Channel-Interface/dp/B001MW9U1U?sa-no-redirect=1
No wonder he needed such a big desk that thing is massive.
I was looking into this very thing the other day in hopes of solving a similar problem, but I don't believe it will work as intended. While the Mackie board does have a USB out, I think it's a master mix and will not output individual channels for tracking. However, I believe this might suit your needs a bit better:
Allen & Heath ZED-14 14-Channel Mixer with USB Interface https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MW9U1U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8T6GzbJHBVW51
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-ProDX4-4-Channel-Wireless-Digital/dp/B01B1JHTGG
Mackie ProDX4 4-Channel Wireless Digital Mixer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B1JHTGG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RBBSDbA1YTX1P
Looks like Mackie has something that will fit the bill with a few adapters
something like this cold have my headphones and speakers right?? https://www.amazon.com/LyxPro-MRB3-3-Channel-Audio-Mixer/dp/B0786Q5GCL/ref=pd_sbs_267_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0786Q5GCL&pd_rd_r=M8C6PP0APZ0G1080A28Z&pd_rd_w=9fRJ6&pd_rd_wg=1Bz1F&psc=1&refRID=M8C6PP0APZ0G1080A28Z
Thank you! That is great. I also have this mixer sitting storage that I will use:
https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UB1002-Eurorack-Mixer-Inputs/dp/B000BNRYUA
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Can anyone think of anything else I might need?
I'm using this mixer:
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UB502-BEHRINGER-EURORACK/dp/B0002L05XY/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1463786458&sr=1-1&keywords=behringer+eurorack+ub502
and i'm using 1/4" cables.
What's weird is that i haven't had this problem before, using the same set of cables, and if i plug something into the right channel ONLY, it will go through to the right monitor. It's only when I plug in both L and R that i lose signal. maybe it's the mixer?
Thanks for replying!
Like this?
Maker Hart makes a bunch of other smaller units too, have a look around at their products. They are used by a lot of pros.
Just keep in mind, some models only have mono inputs.
Used the wrong link. This one should be what you’re looking for. Can’t vouch for the quality, but it’s 3.5 mm ins and outs and passive so inexpensive.
PC, I have a Sony Vaio laptop that has a port that looks like this.
My price range... as you can probably tell with the choice of Mics and my drum set, as low as possible. This is really just a hobby, not looking to make these recordings professional but I may one day start doing Youtube covers. So yeah..
After a little googling today, I found this. Is there anything like that except cheaper? The company does also make a 4 input mixer...
I would get this mixer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MW9U1U/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&smid=A2O1A8NNN5Y1TU
and
6 shure sm-58 mics
That's about $1000
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007MWXE02/ref=pd_aw_sim_MI_1?pi=SL500_SS115
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007MWXDJO/ref=redir_mdp_mobile
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007MWXDJY/ref=pd_aw_sim_MI_6?pi=SL500_SS115
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007MWXD9Y/ref=pd_aw_sbs_MI_3?pi=SL500_SS115
The third one looms the closet.
If that's the case, you might be better off buying active powered PA speakers. Most home theater speakers aren't going to be able to handle the volume you're probably going to throw at them. You won't have to buy a receiver either, because these speakers have their own power source.
These speakers would be good, and you'd need a mixer like this (and power supply to hook your source up to, using this cable.
We had a system similar to this in our frat house in college, and those speakers were just about indestructible and ridiculously loud. You can also add a subwoofer (or two) if you want.
Edit: Forgot about speaker cables.
You can also skip the mixer and just directly hook up your audio source to the speakers using this.
Alright, at least now I know what I am looking for now. I already found this one that has a pre fader and a post fader for each channel and is more in my price range. Do you see anything wrong with it? Anyway, thanks for all your help.
I bought my mixer, a Behringer X1832USB, with a similar setup in mind. It has a main and a sub output, which each input can be assigned to independently. In my setup, my Audacity mix is my main channel, which I can output to my PC via the on-board USB. My headphones are connected to the Phones jack on my mixer, which is assigned to my sub channel mix. For your Google Hangouts mix, you can use one of the two Aux Sends.
Don't worry about the complexity, your setup is pretty standard for Skype/Hangouts recordings. The only thing I do differently is that I have my laptop dedicated to the conversation, with my desktop recording.
I'd definitely recommend the X1832 for your setup. The only thing that I've found it lacks is direct outputs for each channel, which is handy when live mixing multi-track recordings. If that's something you may be interested in, the X2442 has direct outputs while ditching some of the X1832's features like the 9-band graphic EQ.
Finally, if Behringer isn't your thing, the Mackie ProFX16 is capable of the setup I described, even including the on-board USB output.
That would probably have to be this.
I play/record music, and recording drums is really hard without at least 5 mics. The quality isn't as good and certain drums and cymbals sound distant. This soundboard allows for a huuge amount of audio inputs as well as a wide variety of leveling options. Probably the thing I need most on my wishlist.
Edit: also happens to be the most expensive thing, so if this was a contest, which it totally isn't, this wouldn't be considered an entry.
Around $100-$200, I've been told to get this: Alto Professional ZMX52
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B004TM323C/ref=twister_B01MYZE087?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Some recording stuff:
5-year-old FirePod (Firewire/USB interface for 8 XLR inputs, etc.)
Equally-old BEHRINGER XENYX 10-XLR input mixer. Same specs as this but the coloring is a little different.
They've been sitting under my bed for a while and I just hate watching them go to waste. My dog has tried to help me move them by chewing off a few of the knobs, but they can be easily replaced.
$100 each or $175 for both. Both include power cables and I'll throw in some firewire/converters, since the Firepod uses an older type Firewire connector.
Wow, that's super interesting. I understand why you have the sound routed as you do and I didn't realize the limitations of the various recording softwares when combined with screen readers. I gotta say, that makes for an interesting challenge. Man...
Since you have a setup that works and all you really are looking for is to replace the mixer, I'd suggest something like this Yamaha MG10XU board. That one will set you back about $200, and while I don't have any personal experience with it, I like Yamaha stuff. Another I'd suggest, and this one may be even better for you, is the Soundcraft EPM8. Now, this is a little more expensive at $250, but this is a nice mixer, especially at the price point. I had one for a couple of weeks, but ultimately I didn't keep it because it's an analog mixer. Because you're recording directly to SD and don't need the USB connection back to the computer for data transmission, this may be a better choice. I recall it having a nice pre-amp as well.
If you're looking to spend less than either of those, I'd suggest instead of buying a new X, Y, or Z, look at used gear. While I like "new" stuff as much as the next person, often times in the music/audio world you can find quality used gear at good prices. My microphone you'd never know I bought used, and I saved $100 versus buying new.
For a last couple of other options, maybe an Allen & Heath ZED-10 or a Peavey mixer, though I'm having trouble finding a specific one I think might work for you. Just the same, Peavey makes good stuff.
Good luck.
Yeah, you could get a mixer (like this): Soundcraft Mixer - Unpowered, 8 + 2 channels (EPM8) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TSEFKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Py5hDbSZAG4X7
However, it’s not ideal because your mix becomes permanent
Well honestly it's difficult to get decent quality 4 input with phantom power at that price range. The equipment in that price range like the behringer stuff is pretty low quality and probably won't hold up in the long run.
I'd consider two options, one going EVEN cheaper knowing that this is going to be a 'disposable unit' that is going to just 'get you by' while you save up for something decent, or hold off now till you can get something decent.
If you want to go extreme budget, practically disposable here it is: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11503&cs_id=1150301&p_id=615808&seq=1&format=2
The quality gear I'd recommend is the A&H Zed 10FX: http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Heath-ZED-10FX-Onboard-Effects/dp/B003T77ZJU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_MI_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0WJA9H332W9JCZG5N2FB
Note that with either one you'd probably need a amp for all 4 headphone outputs, here is one: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150404&p_id=615220&seq=1&format=2
So your total on the high end would be $330 + tax and shipping - only a bit over budget. Can you see if your compadres in this endevour can chip in some more or hold off just a little longer?
I want to bring up one more option though, since they are obviously all going to be in the same room have you considered going with two room mics instead of four individual? Unless you have a dedicated studio space this is going to use a lot of cabling and be kind of a mess.
I'm confused on how to change my setup to only use the compressor/limiter/gate on channel 1 (or use both channel 1 & 2) of my mixer.
I have a A&H ZED-10FX, dbx 166xs, and a focusrite solo.
Currently I have the mic going into channel 1 XLR of the mixer, the main L & R XLR out going into channel 1 XLR of the dbx 166xs, and channel 1 XLR out to the focusrite XLR in and then out to USB to the computer.
I know this is not the proper way to set this all up but it has worked for a few months okay now.
Now I want to isolate the compressor/limiter/gate so that it only works on channel 1 of the mixer so that I can add in another input to it that isn't affected by the dbx.
I would prefer to only use 1 channel on the dbx if that's possible to avoid.
It looks like the mixer does not have a single insert per channel, but I do see a L & R 1/4" main mix insert. I think I need to somehow utilize that for the dbx and then just output to usb recording on the mixer and ditch the focusrite. I tried reading the manual for the mixer but it went way over my head as I'm pretty green to this kind of audio equipment.
I'm really close to picking this up (or the one without the FX, it's $30 cheaper and I doubt I'd use them anyway).
Mixers aren't particularly exciting to me TBH, so its difficult for me to part with a lot of dough on that front. Are there any sub-$200 USB mixers out there that have more than one FX send?