which mixer to purchase?

[doogy_64]

Hi,

Just starting to look at different models of small 4-8 channel USB powered mixers - are there any known "keep-away-from" models, as far as USB under linux goes?  I've been looking at the Wharfedale Connect 802 USB and Peavey PV6 (or PV8) USB mixers - that sort of thing.  Anyone use either of these in AVL?  Any others to consider??  Behringer?

Cheers


Rich

[trulan]

Be sure to check out the Alsa supported devices list:
http://www.alsa-project.org/main/index.php/Matrix:Main

This is important, because almost all USB devices with 4 or more I/O channels are USB 2.0. Unlike USB 1.1 audio devices, which are class-compliant and will work with no fuss at all, USB 2.0 devices will need their own driver to work.  Unfortunately, USB 2.0 audio devices with good Linux support can be hard to find.

Now if you're looking at a mixer with just 2 channels USB I/O, those should be USB 1.1, class compliant, so they'll work without any trouble.

[Grooveschmied]

Behringer is cheap but not every time affordable. They advertise with low noise, but what that means may depend on their definition.
However, I suggest in case of purchasing one to make an arrangement with the dealer, so you can bring it back if you're unsatisfied.

[joe k]

There are a couple of mixers that might work.
As I can tell you from from my own experience don’t open or install software that might come with the mixer as most sellers will not do returns after that.
that software is windows or mac base anyway. assuming your only going to run Linux .Just plug the mixer into your usb port and see if it shows up in qjackctl if it does connect it up and see how it sounds. The mixers below work, but I didn't have time to do a recording test. Check the list of supported hardware in this section.

DEVICE TYPE: Audio
BRAND NAME:  Behringer Xenyx 1622 Mixer
INTERFACE: USB 2
I/O CHANNELS: 2/2
SUPPORT: Working not fully tested  Tested outputs only but sound was very good.  I have not recorded with this Mixer.
SPECIAL FIRMWARE REQ'D: Not known

DEVICE TYPE: Audio
BRAND NAME:  Allen&heath Zed 10fz Mixer :
Interface USB 2
I/O CHANNELS: 2/2
SUPPORT: Working not fully tested  Tested outputs only sound was very good. I have not recorded with this Mixer.
SPECIAL FIRMWARE REQ'D: Not known

[GMaq]

Hi,

Just my 2 cents... Multiple USB2 i/o in an actual hardware mixer is going to be even more rare than a multi i/o in a regular USB2 audio device, and there aren't many of them. As stated USB2 class compliance is your only hope and many manufacturers are unclear on their specifications. Would you consider a FireWire device? I believe the current Mackie ONYX Firewire mixers now have ffado support and the previous generation ONYX work very well (I have one and use it all the time).

I know Mackie costs more than some of the other brands you've mentioned but they are well worth it and super quiet and feature-filled, is something pre-owned or rental stock in good shape an option?

This is the sad reality:

FireWire is fairly well supported currently but is a fading standard which is disappearing from most laptops and non-existent on tablets, so if you go FireWire you will need a Desktop system or an existing laptop with FireWire to use it.

USB2 has very few supported devices and my guess is many of the cheaper boards will simply offer stereo USB outs not necessarily routing for each individual channel. If it's not class-compliant you're screwed

USB3 will replace FireWire (and USB2 in time) completely but will take time for full and reliable kernel support and will definitely need a cutting edge Kernel which can wreak havoc with stability in an existing system. It's anyone guess how well supported for Linux any hardware will be but considering what happened after the jump from USB1 to USB2, I am not very hopeful.

In short if you really want a decent hardware Mixing board with Audio I/O I still believe FireWire gives you the most selection of proven hardware right now, If you are set on USB2 then I think you will need to do a lot of trial and error and have a good relationship with a local equipment vendor. I know....it sucks!

[doogy_64]

OK, many thanks everyone.  I have been advised by Peavey that their PV6 USB model is USB 2 class compliant, so at this stage think I'll go with that. 

Man, don't you just love it when you email some of these companies and you use the "L-for-Linux-word".  Your email mysteriously ends up in a "black-hole" !

[soppel]

Man, don't you just love it when you email some of these companies and you use the "L-for-Linux-word".  Your email mysteriously ends up in a "black-hole" !

 

[Grooveschmied]

OK, many thanks everyone.  I have been advised by Peavey that their PV6 USB model is USB 2 class compliant, so at this stage think I'll go with that. 

If you're going to purchase this mixer it would be nice to share your experience here.