(Part 2) Top products from r/synthesizers

i don't have this exact one, i have the the X1204USB and its ok. perfect for the average studio musician/performer.
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-X1204USB-BEHRINGER-XENYX/dp/B0039PPW60/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1416593544&sr=8-7&keywords=mixer+usb


here's the setup, routing:

http://www.reddit.com/r/Elektron/comments/2m7n2g/show_us_your_elektron_setup/cm7mq1o

wish i'd gotten that one, but its a lot more monies. i will probably upgrade in due time. that mixer looks fucking amazing. has amazing features. great price.

i'd pick the xenyx ufx1204 with the overload of features, good quality, and great price over the overpriced, great quality, but subpar featured mackie. i feel like mackie fandom is a bit of the monster cable/gold tipped crap... not much different in quality in the cheaper stuff... mixers are super easy circuits...

There is no significant advantage to using a dedicated hardware synthesizer over a computer. To the contrary, a computer gives you far more flexibility, and it takes up a lot less space.

Don't get me wrong, though -- I absolutely love both hardware and software. I just think you can learn a lot more about synthesis and music production with cheap or free software than you can with a single dedicated synth in the introductory price range. I would recommend buying a midi keyboard and a copy of this book. It gives recommendations of free software you can use while working through the book, and it will teach you the fundamentals (and then some) of all the major forms of synthesis.

Plus, if you buy a midi controller, you can use it to control hardware synths later on, if you choose to purchase any.

Just thought I'd be the 50th person to suggest getting the SP-404SX haha. It's $390 on amazon right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Roland-SP-404SX-Linear-Sampler-Effects/dp/B002NJR7FW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551129699&sr=8-1&keywords=roland+sp-404sx

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I picked one up a few months ago and it's now become a machine that I couldn't see myself *not* having. There's just so much you can do with it. Pop 6 rechargeable AA's and a 32gig SD card in it and you're good to go. You can also use MIDI to sequence the patterns you create on it. Note: you can't Loop anything Live into it. Meaning, you can't play something While you are sampling. It's best used as a playback sample/loop machine, or fx unit. The effects on it alone make the SP worth the price. I typed all this out of love.

I'm pretty sure you can get a crappy little USB device with a 1/8" mic input and use that. The sound isn't going to be great but it might hold you over in the meantime. Something like this or this (along with cable adapter(s)) i think would work.

Otherwise, I'd probably be spending all my time learning the blofeld and making patches for it. That synth is basically limitless with its possibilities. Try to make some patches that sound like the gear you want (e piano, etc.).

And get some VSTs! There are plenty of solid-sounding free ones - you can compose your ass off with just free software.

You can't turn one down without turning down the rest of the chain. At least, not without some likely menu-diving. You also have to try to manage all that gain-staging, creatively. You might be reducing your dynamic range, compositionally, for the sake of dancing the line between too quiet and clipping. There's just no beating a mixer, when it comes to, well, mixing.

I highly recommend getting a mixer. They have some reasonable portable ones now- the rolls and nady mixers come to mind. More featured ones have recorders built in, which could be helpful. Consider the Zoom R16 for this, as it gets plenty love. 8 inputs at a time. If you don't mind being plugged in, nab yourself a cheap behringer mixer used and keep it pushin. I'll link u in a sec, I'm at work lol.

edit: yeah, highly recommend a mixer, but you'll be find daisy-chaining while you research and save up. just be mindful of your needs and how you'll need to route your audio so you're minimizing compromise.

I just did some searching and it seems like yes you can, there are ways to do it without buying anything new but it really depends on what kind of computer you have. This video goes through how to do it on a Mac ( https://youtu.be/U51JVcAV1Gw ), and this thing on Amazon seems like it does what you'd want but as you can see from the reviews it's not the best so shopping around might be good. You can also get a USB thing like this which I used for awhile.

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This article explains how to listen to the feedback from input-devices on your laptop, if you're using Windows. If you do this and set the playback device to be your car speakers via bluetooth, it SHOULD work. Lemme know how that works.

I'm just getting into the game and am looking to pick up a good inexpensive audio interface, how does this look? I know most people here recommend the focus rite ones, but this one has pretty good reviews and is less than half the price.

My fav: https://www.amazon.com/Refining-Sound-Practical-Synthesis-Synthesizers/dp/0199922969/

Other by Snoman, Welsh, Vail etc are good, read amazon reviews. Some of the best are older books. Here's a few, doesn't include the ones i was looking for by Cook and Puckette.

http://www.tonetweakers.com/booksale.htm

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here's my book lsit: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11153432

You'll need an audio interface to get sound from your drumbrute into your computer. Fortunately, a small sound card like this will do the job. Just plug the main mix out from the DB into the input jack on this. The signal will be mono, so it will only play in one headphone, but there are settings in your DAW to take care of this.

As for tempo syncing, I find it easiest to just dial in a tempo on your DB, then set the tempo to be the same in your DAW (instead of fussing with cables and clock signals)

> iOS midi interface

would this interface work? It says it's on sale at $19 but I'm not sure if it's just Amazon trickery.

Are iPad Airs better than regular iPads? Sorry, I'm way behind when it comes to this. I looked them up on the Apple online store and they seem to be discontinued. They're still on Best Buy's online store though.

So what iOS device do you have? The hardware you need is a bit different if you have a usb C or lightning connector device. If it's one of the newer devices that use usb C, then I think you can plug directly from the PC/Mac to the iOS device, though I always use a powered usb hub so that I can connect various other instruments and devices.

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If it's a lightning device, then you will need the apple camera connection kit or one of the third party versions. I have one that allows for USB and power so that I don't have to choose between connecting to a device or powering my iOS device. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-USB3-Camera-Adapter/dp/B01F7KJDIM/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=lightning+camera+and+power&qid=1566220031&s=gateway&sr=8-2

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Check out Jakob Haq's channel on YouTube. He covers a lot of this ground very well.

One of the most comprehensive free resources is Julius O. Smith's website on mathematics of the Discrete Fourier Transform, synthesis and DSP, physical acoustic modeling, geez you name it.

A less mathematical but still good recent book on synthesis is Refining Sound by Brian K. Shepard.

If you're using a DAW this interface is one of the cheapest and most solid solutions for all things midi routing:

MIDI 4x4 USB MIDI interface https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VHL5HOA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WRlNAb51BMPAA


It has 4 ins and 4 outs. Should you ever decide you want to sequence outboard gear as well, this thing will be ready.

Note that this is a midi interface, not an audio interface. You will not be able to record audio through this. This is for routing midi signals only. (e.g. Triggering soft synths through midi signals provided by outboard gear and/or sequencing an outboard midi instrument via midi signals from a DAW.)

I bought an Akai MIDIMix specifically for Lumen. Works great. If I had my absolute top controller for it, though, it would be a Behringer BCR2000. So many endless rotaries!

While those cables do work they're known to be somewhat troublesome. This thing is pretty cool and built like a tank. Also has 2 midi ins and outs for like $30. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WU6F4M6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483288295&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=midi+box&dpPl=1&dpID=41dnr3%2BfGdL&ref=plSrch

Edit: or this which has 4ins and outs for 50.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VHL5HOA/ref=psd_mlt_nbc_B00WU6F4M6_b

Roland Sp404x. I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for in a sampler, but this thing is great. There is also the Korg Electribe. I don't have much experience with it, but that is another option to check out.

Choose a standard 1/4" instrument cable for the Circuit.
Plug one end into the L/mono input on the Circuit, plug the other end into one of the inputs on your audio interface.


Grab a 3.5mm and 1/4" cable like this for the Volca. Plug the tiny end into the headphones input on the Volca, plug the big end into another input on your audio interface.

Audio of both travels over USB. You can record into Audacity for free, or use whatever DAW you want.

If you want MIDI over USB, you'll need a different interface that has MIDI I/O.

You'll have to clarify the iphone and circuit question. I'm not sure it's possible to do what you have imagined.

If your controller has an input for a continuous pedal (these usually look like standard 1/4" jacks), then you can plug one of these or these in.

Note that this won't work in a keyboard's "Sustain Pedal" input, which is designed for a basic off/on pedal. You need a jack that is designed for a continuous pedal.

Depending on your MIDI controller, you should be able to assign this pedal to control expression (11), volume (7), modulation (1), or any CC. But some controllers may limit your options.

If your controller has MIDI IN, you could also get a knob controller like this one, and control any number of parameters. The BCR also has pedal inputs but I can't remember if it accepts continuous pedals.

Yup, anything MIDI capable will - I use my MicroKorg to play everything I own.

One thing you might need with the Craft is a ground loop isolator like this if you power it by usb: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mpow-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B019393MV2/ref=asc_df_B019393MV2/?tag=googleshopmob-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341774517583&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9231468523261452727&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9071459&hvtargid=pla-314762789448&psc=1

Lots of things you can do with $25 on Amazon:

Behringer Ultra Vibrato UV300 pedal ($25)

Behringer Ultra Chorus UC200 pedal ($25)

Rock Band 25-key MIDI keytar ($24)

M-Audio SP-2 sustain pedal ($14)

Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 dynamic vocal mic ($20)

Auphonix 6" double mesh pop filter ($19)

Behringer Ultra-DI DI400P passive DI box ($20)

On-Stage single X keyboard stand ($22)

Andoer melodica ($20)

Andoer kalimba/mbira thumb piano ($12)

Big Thunder Tube ($30)

Small Thunder Tube ($8)

Angled Thunder Tube ($28)

Meinl Percussion 8" claves ($6)

Stylophone ($24)

Cables

Cable adapters

refining sound: a practical guide to synthesis and synthesizers

i read this book when i first started out about two years ago. it's an easy going introduction that covers enough of the basic material to be helpful.

This is what I use. It's cheap and it works. Someone here recommended it. Thanks whoever you are!

Has anyone had any luck with the adapter OP tried? I bought one ages ago, totally useless.

That would probably work just fine but I bought the official Apple one to be safe

Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F7KJDIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_viksDbJTSEMBY

Using the USB-c to USB connector that came with my Pixel,

https://www.amazon.com/Official-Adapter-Type-C-MacBook-Google/dp/B071G6NLHJ/ref=sr_1_25?keywords=pixel+usb&qid=1566946160&s=electronics&sr=1-25

and a Sound adaptor: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I designed and printed the PO faceplates to beef them up a little and protect the buttons from getting pressed while packed away. I made the plate out of cardboard and felt so I could velcro attach the units however I wanted.

Thanks for the compliment!

(Edited to add info)

REV 2 Users Guide

Intro To Sythesis Part 1 of 3

How To Make A Noise: Analog Synthesis

Synth Secrets



My Advice is first, read the manual. Second, read the manual. Take notes every time you sit down to program. Write down what each knob does, how different sections of the synthesizer interact with one another, signal flow, ect. Ive only been doing this for about a year and a half so I don't have any real mind-blowing tips except for; its all in the movement. Ive made so many patches that fell flat on their head because they just didnt have any excitement to them. Modulate the filter cutoff, assign the LFO to PW, ect. A patch transforming over time, even if its just a few milliseconds, goes along way in making it more interesting. If you plan on making music with your synth separate patch making time from music making time. Get to know your one synth really well before going onto another. And don't blow your ears out.

Yes. The FA-06 supports audio and MIDI over USB.

The square USB port on the FA-06 is a "normal" port found on USB "devices".

You just need a USB 2.0 Cable Type A Male to Type B Male.

You might need to install some drivers from Roland.

I have 3 boutiques on a hub, I use these to eliminate noise. They work perfectly.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019393MV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wlV6BbMD2CMZ8

A lot of noise here. I recommend this thing, that I found in a bunch of reddit threads and it helps me a lot with my OP-1 noise reduction, when I record it directly to my soundcard

https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B019393MV2

This is great for $99
https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Premium-12-Input-Multi-Fx-Processor/dp/B000J5Y214/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473622391&sr=8-1&keywords=beringher+mixer

Something like this for the usb, most likely. A regular midi cable for connecting to the volcas (assuming the keyboard supports midi).

Don't, get a BCR2000 and just map all the parameters and label them. Can be done for $150 and does the exact same thing as a vintage controller without all the vintage prices.

I did it with my AJ2 (not a far stretch from the JX8P) and it works brilliantly.

Try this! http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-BCR2000-B-Control-Rotary-Controller/dp/B000CZ0RJC

I have a friend who used it for a D-20. Map it how you want it and print some labels. Cheaper than a PG and customizable to any synth.

Congratulations. Microkorg was my first synth too.

It can be a bit confusing to start with due to the menu diving involved in programming patches. However if you buy a usb to midi interface you can download free patch editor software so you can see what you are doing with the sound.

https://www.korg.com/us/support/download/software/0/104/3500/

Roland UM-ONE mk2 USB MIDI Interface https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00967UN50/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hcwUCb9KMJ6S4

Cheaper ones are available but I had a cheap one that did not work for editing patches.

Thanks for the responses! I think I’m gonna go with this Behringer U-Phoria mixer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_almdAbD6HD9CE

If you are looking to learn synthesis methods (not history of synths) I recommend these three books. Each are $2.99 for Kindle and are quick reads.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Noise-Analog-Synthesis-ebook/dp/B005SGCD6A/ref=pd_sim_351_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PEZXT0XR36P3QHWN4D5C

https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Noise-Sample-Based-Synthesis-ebook/dp/B007Z682OI/ref=pd_sim_351_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PEZXT0XR36P3QHWN4D5C

https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Noise-Frequency-Modulation-ebook/dp/B008H7CEQG/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PEZXT0XR36P3QHWN4D5C

You could go with a sampler that is still being manufactured. The sp-404 is basically roland's answer to the mpc. Honestly though, you should just use your laptop and the launchpad.

I've got one of these, and am pleased with it:

OnStage RS7030 Rack Stand
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CD1R84

12U for $30

Perhaps a basic tabletop rack stand would be a good choice. I suggest this one

What size is the audio-in port on your sound card? Is it 3.5mm or 1/4 inch? If it is 3.5mm I recommend this Hosa CMS-110 3.5 mm TRS to 1/4 inch TRS Stereo Interconnect Cable, 10 feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O36/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ruMbzbQFG7TV5

The X1204USB has the same effects professor as the standard 1204FX but also adds USB. For 170USD it's a killer little mixer although I don't have the FX version so I can't vouche for whether or not they are any good. Reviews seem positive about them though.

BEHRINGER XENYX X1204USB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039PPW60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0IRTBb02R49VA

Also, after looking at the beatstep, I don't see any way to send midi information out. I think what you want to do is sync the volca with your DAW, which can be done using a device like this:
https://www.amazon.ca/Roland-UM-ONE-mk2-MIDI-Interface/dp/B00967UN50

Not exactly the same type of product, but the Griffin StudioConnect is an inexpensive ($15; $25 after buying a Lightning adapter off eBay) way to do everything that you described. MIDI in and out, audio in (via stereo 1/8" and mono 1/4" for guitars), audio out (1/8" headphone jack; stereo RCA), and it charges the iPad during use.

It really does make my iPad "feel" like a touchscreen hardware workstation synth - I just connect MIDI cables from my keyboard into it, connect its output to my mixer, and start playing around with apps. Of course, now that I bought an iConnectAudio4+, it's more of a backup interface.

racks. go vertical! i have studio racks on 2 of three tables around my chair, can really pile in equipment. even non-rackmount equipment can often be velcroed to blank panels.

edit: i have a couple of these ($29);


OnStage RS7030 Rack Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CD1R84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DPsbAbA0H67YA

and a couple of these ($119)

Odyssey CRS12 12 Space Carpeted Studio Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DVD7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OOsbAbNTNRDN9

i recommend both for different use cases

I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/Furman-M-8X2-Outlet-Conditioner-Protector/dp/B003BQ91Y6

Works great, but you could probably find a less expensive one... I wouldn't go for a cheaply made power strip or conditioner, though.

You're going to need a bunch more cables and either a MIDI thru or something like this.

I’ve tested this with a powered usb hub, and it works with CCK. You could have your synths going into this and then you’d hear everything (including iPad) out to your amp or recorder, and it has midi in/out for the monologue and mininova. You could also use it as the interface in an iOS daw for when you’re ready to record.

BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC404HD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHURLHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ikThAb96GJNVE

Nady makes a little 4/8 channel mixer (4 stereo or 8 mono). If you run in mono mode, the mix out jacks both play the same signal.

https://www.amazon.com/Nady-MM-242-Stereo-Channel-outputs/dp/B0009XH4HU

It's plugged into a Nady MM-242 mixer. It's an ok little mixer that I usually use as a sub-sub-mixer to combine fx returns.

Maybe some grounding issues. I have a similar problem with my op-1 and this does the job Mpow Ground Loop Noise Isolator for Car Audio/Home Stereo System with 3.5mm Audio Cable (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019393MV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JqeCCbQD68W2T
I bought a boss noise suppressor as well but it mostly compresses it but it does the job well for $50

You only need a MIDI cable if you want to send MIDI messages to the Volca to automate actions or control parameters.

For audio, just look on amazon for a 1/4" to 1/8" TRS or TS cable. Hosa makes some cheap ones.

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMS-110-Stereo-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O36/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1543511670&sr=8-9&keywords=1%2F4+to+3.5mm+trs+cable

Furman M-8X2

Not the fanciest, but I needed something reliable and solid.

Only $25 and stupidly amazing for the price

I have a few options and all affordable... which would you suggest?
Roland UM-One

https://www.amazon.ca/MIDI-4x4-USB-interface/dp/B00VHL5HOA/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=usb+midi+interface&qid=1551027089&s=gateway&sr=8-9

https://www.amazon.ca/midiplus-Tbox2X2-USB-MIDI-Interfaces/dp/B00WU6F4M6/ref=pd_sbs_267_1/141-9437676-7604764?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00WU6F4M6&pd_rd_r=76db1bf3-3854-11e9-9e49-b9c377d1057c&pd_rd_w=YCPMw&pd_rd_wg=xTa80&pf_rd_p=5dcda75b-8643-4da3-9bb1-5c0233790500&pf_rd_r=X7MYJ6WMEJKDPWTFPDWK&psc=1&refRID=X7MYJ6WMEJKDPWTFPDWK

What kind of keyboard do you have? If it has USB-MIDI, the cheapest way would be to plug it to your ipad with the USB Camera Adapter, and then connect the headphone output of your ipad to your amp. When you say "patches", what are you referring to?

There's also these from more reliable manufacturers; seem to be same price.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Roland-UM-ONE-mk2-MIDI-Interface/dp/B00967UN50/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1491346657&sr=1-1&keywords=usb+midi+interface

https://www.amazon.co.uk/iConnectivity-midi-mio-iconnectivity-Mio/dp/B00CO5IRSG

How would this work?
https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Premium-12-Input-Multi-Fx-Processor/dp/B000J5Y214/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497489903&sr=8-3&keywords=behringer+mixer

I have three of these: https://www.amazon.com/On-Stage-LPT5000-Laptop-Computer-Stand/dp/B001AYONXU/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_267_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MDBMJ0PCZX2GKXYC0686

This should help...

Also, think about getting yourself a Furman Power Conditioner.

http://www.amazon.com/SANOXY®-Cable-Type-Male-Black/dp/B00183I7EE

Why not use this?

This book here: http://amzn.com/B005SGCD6A

I found this pretty useful: How to Make a Noise: Analog Synthesis

Maybe get a laptop stand or something to put the mixer (or something else) on? I have the same mixer as you (ZMX862) but a really really cramped desk so I have it (and my Circuit) on two of this laptop stand.

This, cable with on one side the big plug and on the other the small. The big plug goes into the output of the monologue and the small one into the aux of the monotron. Then it should work, for what you want to achieve it doesn't matter if the cable is stereo or mono.


One other tip, the monotron's headphone output does not like mono cables, so make sure you use a stereo cable/headphones. You can read up on the difference between stereo and mono cables using google.

Huh. Well, butter my grits -- that one is indeed made only for mic and instrument level sources. Presonus actually suggests that line level sources could damage it:

https://support.presonus.com/hc/en-us/articles/210044713-Can-I-connect-a-line-level-source-to-my-AudioBox-USB-or-22VSL-

I'm also a 0-coast user, and I'm using this Behringer, which is relatively cheap and works fine (there's also a smaller two-input version):

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC404HD-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00QHURLHM

Dude, I hear you. I have no use for more than one set of keys and I already have a Sub 37. I have a glass L-shaped desk with the sub on one side, a monitor in the corner, a Push 2 on the other side, with a monitor on the riser above. No room for another synth.

I've been looking on Amazon for potential solutions. I might try using two of these as a ghetto riser to have it above my sub.

This adapter works for my iPad, same MIDI controller besides the color. Doesn't work unless I am plugged in, unfortunately.

Thanks for the reply! I actually left out that I did use Midi Monitor, and saw that the Master Edit mode wasn't sending any data. I figured it may be the issue, but thought maybe Midi Monitor doesn't look for Sysex.

This is what I'm using for an interface at the moment...

http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Synthesizer-Microphone-Instrument-Converter/dp/B00D3QFHN8

I was under the suspicion it was already causing me some trouble(notes hang until I change patch here and there, among a couple other weird happenings)...so I went ahead and bought this earlier today...

http://www.amazon.com/Roland-UM-ONE-MK2-MIDI-Interface/dp/B00967UN50/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1457351458&sr=1-1&keywords=roland+usb+to+midi

I'm using this as a mixer quite happily.. It idles fairly warm which I find odd, but overall I have had it 2 years with minimal problems.

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-X1204USB-BEHRINGER-XENYX/dp/B0039PPW60

My only complaint is DAW related (since it sounds like you have a daw), it outputs as 2 audio tracks, a left and right signal and I cant get it to split into more. So, if you are wanting to add effects to a single instrument in your mix from your daw, it will apply it to everything coming in from the mixer.

I'm recording 1 instrument at a time which kind of ruins the value of a mixer.