Is this a good mixer?

Ty Ford · August 2nd, 2007, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan Quattrini

hmm i like not breaking the bank, but what would be better? A $100 mixer? Or running the mics straight into the camera?

Hello Nathan,

Can you afford to buy cheap? Most people can't if their work is important.

I do not reccommend the mixers mentioned here. The cheapest one (for students) that I suggest is the ENG-44 from SignVideo.

It is not anywhere as good as my Sound Devices 442, but I have used it to get good results. Good audio is NOT trivial.

If you plan to be doing video for a while, plan on investing on good tools. Buying right once is much better than buying wrong and then having to buy again; not to mention that the audio you record with the nastier/cheaper pieces of gear will be your legacy.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Heiko Saele · August 2nd, 2007, 11:12 AM

I'd also say better rent something professional before you buy a cheap mixer. Renting a Sound Devices for a day or two will probably be less expensive than the 180$ you want to spend for a cheap mixer (that won't be very practical in the field...)

Mike Butler · August 2nd, 2007, 08:42 PM

http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHUBB1002 is probably better than nothing for short-term, but the rigors of the road will show how B*hringer product is generally considered disposable, and you're lucky to get a year out of it.

Hey, can anyone tell me what in the world ever happened to the Shure FP field mixers? They used to be the right item.

Ty Ford · August 2nd, 2007, 09:21 PM

They were replaced by Sound Devices, who now make one of thier mixers for Shure.

Regards,

Ty Ford

August 2nd, 2007, 08:42 PM	#18
Mike Butler Machinist Mate Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern Connecticut Posts: 644	http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHUBB1002 is probably better than nothing for short-term, but the rigors of the road will show how B*hringer product is generally considered disposable, and you're lucky to get a year out of it. Hey, can anyone tell me what in the world ever happened to the Shure FP field mixers? They used to be the right item. __________________ I ain't straight outta Compton, I'm straight out the trailer. Cuss like a sailor, drink like a Mc. My only words of wisdom are just, "Radio Edit."

August 2nd, 2007, 09:21 PM	#19
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,339	They were replaced by Sound Devices, who now make one of thier mixers for Shure. Regards, Ty Ford __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

August 2nd, 2007, 11:12 AM	#17
Heiko Saele Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wurzburg, Germany Posts: 316	I'd also say better rent something professional before you buy a cheap mixer. Renting a Sound Devices for a day or two will probably be less expensive than the 180$ you want to spend for a cheap mixer (that won't be very practical in the field...)